Embedded Kernel Developer

Role Summary

We are looking for an experienced Embedded Linux Engineer to optimize and maintain a Yocto-based BSP running on TechNexion PICO-IMX6 DualLite (NXP i.MX6) platform.

The board is already brought up and running (Yocto Zeus). The role focuses on performance optimization, BSP maintenance, kernel patching, boot-time reduction, Bluetooth stack updates, and long-term maintainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance Yocto BSP for PICO-IMX6 DualLite.
• Migrate from Yocto Zeus to a newer LTS (e.g., Dunfell/Kirkstone) after feasibility assessment.
• Pull and integrate latest stable kernel patches (NXP + mainline where applicable).
• Optimize boot time (target: measurable improvement with profiling).
• Remove unnecessary services, daemons, and packages to reduce footprint.
• Improve system startup sequencing (systemd optimization).
• Update and stabilize Bluetooth stack (BlueZ patches, firmware updates).
• Kernel configuration optimization (defconfig cleanup).
• Improve power optimization and CPU governor tuning.
• Debug performance issues (CPU load, memory usage, I/O bottlenecks).
• Maintain proper Yocto layer hygiene and documentation.

Required Skills

Core

• Strong experience with Yocto Project (meta layers, recipes, bbappend, bitbake debugging).
• Experience working with NXP i.MX6 platform.
• Linux kernel configuration and patching experience.
• Systemd service optimization and boot profiling.
• Strong debugging skills (dmesg, perf, ftrace, systemd-analyze).
• Experience with BlueZ stack and Bluetooth bring-up.
• Cross-compilation and toolchain management.
• Git workflow and patch management.

Preferred

• Experience migrating Yocto versions (Zeus Dunfell/Kirkstone).
• Familiarity with U-Boot optimization.
• Experience with embedded power optimization.
• Understanding of secure boot and OTA concepts.
• Exposure to Qt-based systems (advantage).

Deliverables

1. Define and maintain the storage layout for eMMC/SD: boot partitions + rootfs + data/logs + update slots (if applicable).
2. Boot time reduction
3. Removal of redundant services/packages.
4. Stable Bluetooth stack with latest patches.
5. Updated kernel with critical fixes merged.
6. Documentation of Yocto layers and build process.
7. Migration plan to newer Yocto LTS.

Experience

• 5+ years in Embedded Linux.
• Minimum 2+ years hands-on Yocto experience.
• Prior experience with NXP SoCs preferred.