Linux Architect

Job Details

Job Description:

Join Altera’s Embedded Solutions team and take the lead in shaping the Linux experience for our cutting-edge FPGA-SoC devices! As the Official Linux Maintainer for our FPGA-SoC platforms, you'll own the upstream Linux kernel support and play a key leadership role in delivering high-quality, customer-facing software solutions.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the open-source community, guide a team of Linux developers, and collaborate directly with architecture and hardware teams to define the next generation of FPGA-SoC platforms. Your work will be central to the success of embedded systems using Altera’s technology across diverse applications and industries.

We’re looking for a technically strong, self-motivated engineer with a passion for Linux, upstream development, and technical leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the official maintainer for Altera’s FPGA-SoC Linux kernel code, listed in the MAINTAINERS file on kernel.org.
• Own the upstreaming strategy and ensure high-quality integration of Altera FPGA-SoC support into mainline Linux.
• Provide technical leadership to a team of Linux kernel developers working on the FPGA-SoC platform.
• Collaborate closely with hardware and software architects to define Linux interfaces for new FPGA-SoC designs.
• Act as the primary point of contact between Altera and the upstream Linux community for this platform.
• Ensure a smooth developer and customer experience through high-quality code, documentation, and example designs.
  
  

Salary Range

The pay range below is for Bay Area California only. Actual salary may vary based on a number of factors including job location, job-related knowledge, skills, experiences, trainings, etc. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance.

$178.9k - $259.0k USD

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated maintainership experience in the mainline Linux kernel, with your name previously or currently listed in the kernel.org MAINTAINERS file.
• Proven record of Linux upstreaming activity, with authored or reviewed patches traceable through the Linux kernel mailing lists (LKML or subsystem lists).
• 7 years of Linux kernel development experience, ideally including SoC platform support or device driver development.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to navigate complex technical discussions across internal teams and the broader open-source community.
• Experience in board bring-up, device tree integration, and kernel configuration for embedded Linux systems.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading or mentoring kernel developers in an upstream or product-focused environment.
• Familiarity with FPGA-SoC platforms, embedded toolchains (Yocto, Buildroot), and system bootloaders (U-Boot, ATF).
• Knowledge of Altera or Intel FPGA platforms and their embedded ecosystems is a plus.
  
  

Job Type

Regular

Shift

Shift 1 (United States of America)

Primary Location:

San Jose, California, United States

Additional Locations:

Austin, Texas, United States

Posting Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.