Overview

Senior Software Engineer - Linux role at HID Global. Location: Cardiff, UK. Job ID: 40088. Hybrid working model: 2 remote days per week.

Responsibilities

• Designing and maintaining a custom Linux distribution tailored to embedded use cases.
• Contributing to and modifying the Linux kernel (mainline or forks).
• Writing and debugging device drivers for bespoke hardware.
• Creating and maintaining device tree source.
• Implementing robust bootloaders, kernel modules, and init systems.
• Managing distro build systems using tools like Yocto and Buildroot.
• Enforcing security, e.g., secure boot, trusted execution environments, and read-only rootfs.
• Reviewing kernel configurations with security in mind (e.g., KAISLR).
• Creating and managing SELinux/AppArmor profiles.
• Leading the design of scalable system update mechanisms and diagnostics tools.
• Performing code reviews and mentoring junior engineers.
• Interfacing with hardware, product, and application teams to ensure holistic system behavior.
• Staying current with upstream changes, patches, and security advisories.

What we will love about your background

• 5+ years of Linux kernel development experience; proven track record in kernel-space and user-space integration.
• Deep experience with kernel debugging tools (ftrace, kprobes, perf, etc.).
• Expertise in C and shell scripting; familiarity with Python and Rust is a plus.
• Familiarity with secure boot processes (e.g., U-Boot, GRUB with TPM, dm-verity).
• Familiarity with file system overlays, systemd and initramfs.
• Experience deploying Linux on Arm; knowledge of filesystems, memory management, and I/O subsystems.
• Exposure to real-time Linux (PREEMPT_RT or similar) is an advantage.
• Experience managing custom Linux distro lifecycle (build, release, patching).
• Comfortable with Git, CI/CD systems, and collaborative development.

Your Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electronics Engineering, or related field.
• Legally eligible to work in the UK or designated location.
• Experience working in cross-functional, geographically distributed teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication.

Your Skills

• Competitive salary and rewards package; competitive benefits and annual leave offering for work-life balance.
• A vibrant, welcoming & inclusive culture.
• Extensive career development opportunities.
• Be part of a global organization pioneering hardware, software and services.

How to apply

You’ll work as part of a global team in a flexible work environment. We welcome an opportunity to meet you and learn about your talents, skills, and experiences. If you have most of the required skills, we want you to apply. We value innovation, integrity and empowerment.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Software Engineering

Industries

• Security and Investigations