Staff Software Engineer – Compute Systems Software, Embedded OS

General Motors

Staff Software Engineer developing embedded Linux solutions and leading technical efforts for GM's software-defined vehicles. Collaborating cross-functionally to deliver reliable and high-performance compute systems.

Posted 5/10/2026full-timeMountain View • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $217,000 - $275,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

LinuxPythonShell ScriptingUnix

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own critical pieces of the compute platform, from kernel configuration and BSP integration to device drivers and system services for GM’s digital cockpit and vehicle compute systems.
Build and maintain Yocto-based embedded Linux distributions and associated build pipelines that ship on high-volume vehicle programs.
Drive system performance, optimization, and complex debugging, using low-level tools (e.g., perf, ftrace, gdb, tracing/profiling) to diagnose issues across software and hardware boundaries.
Work deeply in Linux/UNIX environments — living at the command line, automating workflows with shell and Python, and refining build systems (Make and related tools) to keep the platform reliable and reproducible.
Partner with Qualcomm and other silicon vendors to bring up new SoCs, integrate vendor deliverables, and tune platform features for GM-specific use cases.
Provide technical leadership within the team, mentoring others and helping drive engineering standards and best practices across the stack.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field; or equivalent practical experience.
10+ years of professional experience in embedded, systems, or kernel-level software development, including delivering production software in the automotive industry or similarly complex embedded domains.
Deep expertise with embedded Linux on ARM-based SoCs, including several of: Linux kernel subsystems, kernel configuration, and low-level system behavior.
Device driver development and debugging.
BSP integration, bootloaders, board bring-up, and device-tree configuration.
Hardware abstraction and enablement for new boards and peripherals.
Strong hands-on experience with Yocto (or comparable embedded Linux build systems) and a track record of shipping commercial embedded Linux deployments.
Demonstrated strength in system performance, optimization, and complex debugging, with the ability to lead root-cause analysis across hardware, kernel, drivers, middleware, and user space.
Strong experience with build systems and development tooling, including: Make-based build flows and associated tooling.
Git/GitHub and high-quality code review practices.
CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and release-quality engineering for platform software.
Core languages: strong proficiency in C, plus practical experience with Make, Python, and shell scripting (e.g., Bash) for automation, tooling, and debugging.
Demonstrated technical leadership through architecture direction, mentoring, design and code reviews, and driving execution across cross-functional teams.
Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence technical decisions, align partner teams, and explain complex system-level topics clearly.
Experience working directly with silicon vendors or strategic platform partners (e.g., Qualcomm) to integrate deliverables, resolve issues, and optimize platform capabilities.

Benefits

Comp & perks

medical
dental
vision
Health Savings Account
Flexible Spending Accounts
retirement savings plan
sickness and accident benefits
life insurance
paid vacation & holidays
tuition assistance programs
employee assistance program
GM vehicle discounts and more.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

embedded Linuxkernel configurationdevice driver developmentBSP integrationbootloaderssystem performance optimizationcomplex debuggingC programmingPythonshell scripting

Soft Skills

technical leadershipmentoringcommunicationcollaborationinfluencing technical decisionsalignment of partner teamsexplaining complex topics

Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer ScienceBachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering