Kernel Software Engineer
Posted 11 Oct 2026
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 3+ yrs
- Management level
- Individual contributor
- Employment
- On-Site
- Contract
- Full-time
No salary listed for this role.
Field of studyElectronics, Embedded Systems, Software Engineering (or related)
Study levelMaster's
About Us
Harmattan AI is a next-generation defense prime building autonomous and scalable defense systems. Following the close of a $200M Series B, valuing the company at $1.4 billion, we are expanding our teams and capabilities to deliver mission-critical systems to allied forces.
Our work is guided by clear values: building technologies with real-world impact, pursuing excellence in everything we do, setting ambitious goals, and taking on the hardest technical challenges. We operate in a demanding environment where rigor, ownership, and execution are expected.
About the Role
As Kernel Software Engineer, you own the low-level software platform that sits between our hardware and the flight application on our ground control stations. You work across the Linux kernel, board support and a custom Android build, so that every control, display and data link works reliably in the field. You are the bridge between our hardware and application teams, taking a new product line from board bring-up to mass production.
Responsibilities
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Bring up, configure and maintain the Linux kernel on our hardware, including device tree, drivers and security patches.
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Customize and maintain our Android build, covering system services, permissions, boot sequence and OTA updates.
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Integrate controls, display, touch, battery and radio modules, and expose them cleanly to the application layer.
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Ensure robust, low-latency SBUS and MAVLink data flows between the controller, the radio and the drone.
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Debug hardware and software issues alongside electronics and mechanical engineers, using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers and UART/JTAG.
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Define flashing, provisioning, factory test and release procedures with the production team.
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Work with QGroundControl engineers and QA to validate system behavior on real hardware.
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Join field tests and flight sessions to validate your work in real conditions.
Candidate Requirements
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Master’s degree in Embedded Systems, Software Engineering, Electronics or a related field.
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3+ years of experience in embedded software development.
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Strong command of the Linux kernel (configuration, device tree, drivers, debugging) and of C; C++ is a plus.
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Hands-on background customizing AOSP, from HALs and system services to the build system.