Job Description
Principal / Director – Open Source Architect (Linux Kernel / Embedded Systems) – UK / Europe (Flexible / Hybrid) – £150,000 – £190,000 base + 30% bonus
My client’s specialist software and architecture team is looking to add a Principal / Director – Open Source Architect to support the development and integration of next-generation compute, graphics, and embedded platform technologies.
This role is focused on building internal capability around Linux kernel development, embedded Linux platforms, upstreaming, and open source strategy — moving away from reliance on external consultants and towards a more embedded, scalable, engineering-led approach.
You will operate close to the hardware/software boundary, working across low-level software, Linux internals, embedded systems, platform enablement, and architecture teams to ensure alignment between internal engineering development and the wider open source ecosystem.
Principal / Director – Open Source Architect Role & Responsibilities:
• Define and drive open source and Linux kernel strategy across the organisation
• Lead and contribute to Linux kernel development, BSP, driver, and upstreaming activities
• Build internal capability and reduce reliance on external partners and consultants
• Act as the key technical interface between internal teams and open source communities
• Ensure alignment between internal platform development and external ecosystem standards
• Support integration of software with hardware platforms across CPU / GPU / SoC / RISC-V environments
• Collaborate with global engineering, architecture, and product teams
• Support platform optimisation across performance, scalability, reliability, and security
• Stay aligned with industry trends and developments across open source, embedded Linux, and low-level systems engineering
Principal / Director – Open Source Architect Essential Skills:
• Strong experience in Linux kernel development and embedded systems
• Proven track record of open source contribution and upstreaming
• Deep understanding of low-level software, Linux internals, drivers, BSPs, and system-level interactions
• Experience across embedded Linux, Yocto / Buildroot, secure boot, or platform bring-up environments
• Experience working across CPU, GPU, RISC-V, AI edge, or complex SoC environments
• Ability to operate at both hands-on and strategic levels
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage internal teams and external communities
• Experience working across distributed/global engineering teams
What This Isn’t
• Not an application-level or user-space development role
• Not pure DevOps or cloud infrastructure
• Not isolated development — this is about ecosystem alignment, platform enablement, and long-term capability building
Why This Role
• Ownership of a critical and growing capability within the organisation
• Direct influence on how open source and Linux platforms are used internally
• Opportunity to shape strategy and reduce reliance on external partners
• Senior environment with real technical and organisational impact
• Highly engineering-led organisation operating across advanced compute and embedded systems development
Salary and Package:
• £150,000 – £190,000 base salary (depending on level and experience)
• 30% bonus
• Total compensation: £195,000 – £247,000+
• Flexible / hybrid working model
• Pension
• Private medical
• Life assurance
• Income protection
• Training and development
My client can offer a 3-stage process consisting of a 1st stage Video Call, 2nd Stage Video Call, and a 3rd Stage on-site Interview (meet the team and site tour). This process can be completed within 2–3 weeks (based on availability).