Senior Embedded Linux Engineer

Who We Are; What We Do; Where We’re Going

Magnet Forensics is a global leader in the development of digital investigative software that acquires, analyzes, and shares evidence from computers, smartphones, tablets, and IoT-related devices. We are continually innovating so our customers can deploy advanced and effective tools to protect their companies, communities, and countries.

Serving thousands of customers globally, our solutions are playing a crucial role in modernizing digital investigations, helping investigators fight crime, protect assets, and guard national security.

With employees based around the world, Magnet Forensics has been expanding our global presence. As a part of Magnet Forensics, you can expect to make a difference in the world, no matter what role you play. You’ll be supported through learning and development, not to mention an incredible team with unbelievable talent and integrity.

If you think you would be the right person to join our team working towards this goal, we would love to hear from you! 

Overview

We are looking for a Senior Embedded Linux Engineer (We actually have TWO OPENINGS!) to join our hardware/firmware team building high-performance, ruggedized, Linux-based platforms for digital forensics. You'll be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the low-level software stack that powers our products, from kernel drivers, to bootloaders, to core user-space infrastructure.

This role is ideal for an experienced systems engineer with strong fundamentals using Linux in embedded systems, and a track record of delivering robust, maintainable code in real-world hardware environments.

This position could potentially grow into a Staff level position for a candidate with deep, specific experience in the Linux USB stack, at the kernel and/or peripheral level.

NOTE: The Candidate must reside in The United States or Canada.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, debug, and maintain embedded Linux software components including:

a. Custom kernel modules (especially for USB peripheral devices);

b. Device tree overlays and board-specific kernel configurations;

c. U-Boot configuration and bring-up;

d. Init systems (systemd) and root filesystem setup.

• Work with hardware engineering to support new board bring-up and debug complex system-level issues;

• Own and drive the full lifecycle of Linux driver development, from requirements gathering to upstreaming;

• Collaborate cross functionally to ensure end-to-end integration with application-layer software;

• Write clear technical documentation, bring-up guides, and test procedures for your code.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Deep experience with Linux kernel internals, consistent with 5+ years of hands-on experience with Embedded Linux development;

• Strong C programming skills;

• Proven experience with kernel module development and debugging (e.g. dmesg, strace, gdb, perf, etc.);

• Familiarity with buildroot, Yocto, PetaLinux, or other Linux build systems;

• Comfortable with hardware schematics, datasheets, and logic analyzers for driver bring-up.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience writing USB peripheral drivers (e.g. USB serial, HID, mass storage, etc.);

• Prior experience with Xilinx chipsets and Zynq/ZynqMP platforms;

• Experience with custom FPGA IP interfacing in Linux (e.g., AXI peripheral drivers);

• Familiarity with Git-based CI workflows and automated test environments;

• Experience with system performance tuning and power optimization.

Compensation & Benefits:

• The Compensation Range is for the primary location for which the job is posted. Please note that the actual compensation may vary depending on location and job-related factors such as qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills. If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location and you are selected for an interview, the Talent Acquisition Partner can share more information with you. If the compensation structure for the role includes an incentive component (ie. most Sales roles) the range below represents total target compensation (TTC) (base salary + variable).

Compensation Range:

• MIN: $154,000 - MID: $220,000 - MAX: $264,000 USD

• MIN: $137,900 - MID: $197,000 - MAX: $236,400 CAD

Magnet Forensics is proud to offer Benefits such as:

• Generous Time Off Policies

• Competitive Compensation

• Volunteer Opportunities

• Reward and Recognition Programs

• Employee Committees & Resource Groups

• Healthcare and Retirement Benefits

The Most Important Thing

We’re looking for candidates that can provide examples of how they have demonstrated Magnet CODE in their previous experiences:

CARE – We care about each other and our mission to make a difference in the world.

OWN – We are accountable for our results – while never forgetting to act with integrity, empathy, and respect.

DEDICATE – We put our heart and soul into meeting the needs of our customers and helping them serve the people they protect.

EVOLVE – We are constantly innovating and exploring new ways to work together to make an impact with our work.

Here at Magnet Forensics, we are committed to continuous learning and are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. This commitment will be reflected in our hiring processes and embedded in our values and how we treat one another. If you’re interested in this role, but do not meet all of the qualifications listed above, we encourage you to apply anyways.

Magnet Forensics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics or any other basis forbidden under federal, provincial, or local law. We are committed to providing an inclusive, accessible recruitment process and work environment. Accommodation is available to all applicants upon request throughout the hiring process. Please contact aoda@magnetforensics.com should you require any accommodations.

All offers of employment at Magnet are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check. All background checks will be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws. Magnet will consider each position’s job duties, among other factors, in determining what constitutes satisfactory completion of the background check. Refusal to consent to a background check may be grounds for revoking an offer of employment.

US Applicants: Magnet Forensics participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.