Embedded Linux Engineer, Foundations | Software
Palo Alto, CA (on-site)
About 1X
We build humanoid robots that work alongside people to solve labor shortages and create abundance.
The Role
NEO is our humanoid robot designed to enter homes, learn from video, and collaborate with people. As an Embedded Linux Engineer, you’ll own the Linux foundation that enables this vision. You will be responsible for the entire embedded Linux stack—from board bring-up to fleet deployment—ensuring fast boot times, system stability, reliable updates, and production-grade performance. This is a critical role in bridging the gap between hardware and intelligence, where the operating system is treated as a core product.
You Will
Build and maintain a custom embedded Linux distribution (Yocto) for 1X hardware, including BSP, rootfs, and toolchain with reproducible builds and release artifacts
Own kernel and driver development, including device tree configuration, board bring-up, peripheral enablement, performance tuning, and Linux patch strategy
Deliver robust system software components such as the boot chain, init system, services, logging, crash capture, and fast deterministic startup
Create tools for provisioning, flashing, and over-the-air updates across a growing robot fleet
Automate hardware bring-up workflows and embed automated tests for continuous validation
Take full platform ownership from prototype to high-volume production, optimizing reliability and performance as hardware evolves
Build and enhance CI/CD systems for embedded image generation, kernel builds, and validation processes
Must Have
5+ years of experience shipping embedded Linux systems in production
Proficiency in kernel-level debugging and identifying root causes in system software
Experience with custom driver development for buses such as I2C, SPI, CAN, USB, Ethernet, and PCIe
Strong hands-on experience with Yocto or Buildroot and a clear perspective on build systems and release engineering
Ability to read hardware schematics and reason about system behavior from software observations
Comfortable working in high-ownership, fast-paced environments where you define and enforce engineering standards
Benefits & Compensation
Salary Range: $156,400 – $253,000 + Equity
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off and holidays
Equal Opportunity Employer
1X is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
