Staff Engineer, Embedded Linux Developer

About the role

The role advances server platform firmware by scaling OpenBMC and mentoring engineering teams. The position drives architecture evolution and next-generation server platforms through deep technical ownership. You will own critical firmware components that bridge low-level hardware and high-level management interfaces. Success in this position requires a proactive approach to solving complex problems before they impact production deployments. The work involves close collaboration with cross-functional partners to align technical solutions with product goals. You will mentor junior engineers and influence technical direction across the embedded systems organization. This position is pivotal in ensuring the reliability, performance, and maintainability of the server infrastructure stack.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Advanced OpenBMC features and platform-specific customizations expand server manageability.
• Bootloader, Linux kernel, and peripheral initialization progress for ARM-based BMC SoC platforms such as ASPEED AST2600.
• Redfish, IPMI, PLDM, and MCTP protocols are optimized to strengthen out-of-band management capabilities.
• Engineers receive architectural direction, mentorship, and elevated code quality from embedded Linux and BMC firmware groups.
• Firmware regression frameworks and validation pipelines are implemented to ensure robust release quality.
• Secure boot and firmware update mechanisms are developed to meet stringent security and compliance standards.
• Performance profiling and power optimization initiatives are executed for data center server platforms.
• Collaboration with hardware design and system software teams drives early silicon bring-up and feature enablement.
• Contribution to upstream open-source projects aligns with community processes and coding standards.
• Technical documentation and knowledge transfer activities support long-term maintainability and team scalability.

Requirements

The posting states a bachelor's degree requirement.

A degree is required for the role.

• Building and scaling Embedded Linux and OpenBMC firmware in production environments is essential.
• Working at the hardware-software boundary covers ARM SoC bring-up through kernel, bootloader, and userspace services.
• A methodical approach is necessary to resolve complex, low-level system issues.
• Collaboration with hardware, BIOS, QA, and security teams guides daily work.
• Access to U.S. export-controlled technology requires eligibility, subject to U.S. export laws and regulations.
• Senior-level experience is expected to lead complex firmware initiatives and mentor other engineers.
• Strong ownership of firmware lifecycle from concept through deployment and support is mandatory.

Practical notes

The role is hybrid and based in Toronto, ON, with additional remote flexibility. Collaboration spans firmware, hardware, BIOS, QA, and security teams. Typical interview steps

Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.

Good to know

Embedded Linux work centers on the kernel, bootloader, and userspace services for hardware platforms. OpenBMC distributions integrate Yocto/OpenEmbedded and systemd-based management workflows. Server manageability protocols such as Redfish and IPMI define out-of-band control interfaces. ARM SoC bring-up spans clocking, memory, and peripheral initialization. Upstream open-source contributions require engagement with community review processes and coding standards.

Questions to ask

Worth asking in any interview: how the team measures success, who the role works with daily, what the onboarding looks like, and what the company is trying to achieve this year. Asking what past hires did well is a strong final question. Keep the list short and pick the questions that matter most to you.

Career growth

Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.