Embedded Platform Engineer (Linux Kernel / BSP)
Summary
Develops, ports, and debugs Linux kernel components, device drivers, and BSPs for embedded video devices, focusing on hardware bring-up and system debugging. Core technologies: Linux kernel, C, Python, Bash, ARM SoCs.
Neat designs video devices from the ground up — the hardware and the entire software stack that powers it, starting from the boot chain. We are hiring for the layer most people never see: the Linux kernel, custom drivers, and the engineering required to bring a brand-new board from first power-on to mass production.
This role operates directly below Android. While our devices run Android and you will occasionally surface into Hardware Abstraction Layers (HALs), your day-to-day focus is strictly on kernel development, device drivers, and Board Support Packages (BSPs).
Location & Work Setup: Based primarily at our global headquarters at Fornebu outside Oslo, where you'll collaborate closely with hardware on-site. We also welcome remote team members based in Norway or Europe, though proximity to our Oslo R&D hub is preferred given the hands-on nature of board bring-up.
What You’ll Do
Kernel & Driver Engineering: Develop, port, and debug low-level components and drivers including Device Tree, pinctrl, I2C, display, camera, USB, PCIe, power management, and suspend/resume cycles.
Hardware Bring-up: Take new board designs from first power-on to a stable platform, working directly from schematics alongside hardware engineers.
BSP Integration & Maintenance: Maintain BSPs from SoC vendors, rebase vendor trees, manage mainline drift, and drive kernel uprevs, GKI, and vendor module boundaries for new OS releases.
Deep System Debugging: Root-cause complex failures — boot hangs, kernel panics, race conditions, memory corruption, and thermal/power regressions — including intermittent issues in production environment setups.
Manufacturing & NPI Collaboration: Partner with manufacturing vendors through EVT/DVT/PVT stages, review factory board modifications, distinguish software bugs from hardware flaws, and support factory test/provisioning software.
Automation: Build and maintain reliable build, test, and flashing automation within CI/CD pipelines.
What We’re Looking For
Core Linux Expertise: Hands-on experience writing or porting Linux kernel drivers, with a deep understanding of Device Trees, Kconfig, and kernel build systems.
Silicon Bring-up: Demonstrated track record bringing up embedded systems, ideally on modern ARM-based SoCs.
Language Proficiency: Strong C programming skills, paired with Python and Bash for build and test automation.
Diagnostic Approach: An evidence-driven debugging mindset, comfortable operating at the intersection where software meets raw hardware execution.
Product Ownership: A desire to own a hardware platform across its entire lifecycle rather than shipping isolated patches.
Nice to Have (Not Required)
Experience working with vendor BSPs or upstream kernel contributions.
Direct involvement in the hardware manufacturing cycle (EVT/DVT/PVT), factory test tools, or working across international supply chain time zones.
Familiarity with AOSP, HALs, or the Android platform boundary (a dedicated team handles upper AOSP layers, but cross-layer visibility is welcome).
What We Offer
Direct Hardware Ownership: Work on hardware and software designed together under one roof, with direct access to the hardware teams down the hall.
Long-term Impact: See your code move from early bench prototypes straight to mass production lines and active customer spaces.
Growth & Culture: Flexible hybrid/remote options within Norway and Europe, with a collaborative, quality-focused culture centered around our workspace at Fornebu, Oslo.