Platform Systems Engineer

Platform Systems Engineer – Embedded Automotive Location: San Diego, CA Schedule: Full-time, on-site Compensation: $110,000–$145,000 + equity About Our Client: Our client is developing a universal, plug-and-play compute and vision platform for vehicles. Its mission is to bring advanced driver-assistance and connected-vehicle technology to the 1.5 billion cars already on the road—making them safer, smarter, and software-defined. The company is moving from initial units toward mass production and is looking for a hands-on engineer to help build the systems that make that possible. The Opportunity: Our client is hiring its first Platform Systems Engineer to own software integration, system validation, release quality, and deployment across its embedded hardware and software stack. You’ll work across Embedded Linux, device drivers, CAN bus, HIL testing, CI/CD, OTA updates, and vehicle validation. You’ll also help establish the tools, test frameworks, and quality standards needed to scale across multiple vehicle platforms. This is a high-impact startup role for someone who enjoys building, debugging, automating, and solving problems at the hardware/software boundary. What You’ll Do: Build and maintain integration environments for embedded software, HIL systems, test benches, vehicles, and data loggingDevelop Embedded Linux drivers for UART, SPI, I2C, timers, LEDs, IMUs, CAN bus, and related peripheralsDevelop middleware services for OTA updates, diagnostics, and real-time data and video streamingCreate and maintain CI/CD pipelines for embedded software builds, testing, artifact management, and releasesAutomate deployments across HIL, bench, production, and vehicle environmentsValidate system compatibility across multiple vehicle makes, models, ECUs, and CAN bus architecturesDesign regression tests for firmware, CAN interfaces, ADAS functions, and system releasesBuild test harnesses, simulators, and automated validation frameworksValidate production flashing and ensure every shipped device meets requirementsTest OTA updates for reliability, safety, rollback, and recoveryInvestigate defects, perform root-cause analysis, and drive issues through resolutionDefine quality metrics, release criteria, and system-level test plansPartner with engineering and manufacturing to improve product quality from design through productionUse field performance data to guide software, hardware, and process improvements What We’re Looking For: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field3+ years of experience in embedded systems, platform engineering, DevOps, system integration, or embedded QAStrong hands-on experience with Linux-based embedded systemsExperience developing, integrating, and debugging on Yocto-based Embedded Linux, Ubuntu, or DebianDriver-level development experience with UART, SPI, I2C, timers, LEDs, IMUs, or similar I/O peripheralsProficiency in C/C++ for embedded development, debugging, and module-level testingProficiency with Python, Bash, or similar scripting and automation toolsExperience building CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps, or similar platformsHands-on experience with CAN bus and tools such as CANalyzer, SavvyCAN, or SocketCANStrong hardware/software integration and debugging skillsExperience with bootloaders, flashing tools, firmware deployment, and OTA updatesExperience developing and executing structured, multi-level test plansAbility to work effectively in a fast-moving startup environment Nice to Have: Automotive, Tier 1, retrofit, connected-vehicle, or ADAS experienceAI model integration and optimization on real-time embedded devicesExperience validating cameras, radar, IMUs, or other vehicle sensorsExperience building HIL systems, test rigs, or vehicle simulatorsFamiliarity with ISO 26262, ASPICE, or automotive safety standardsExperience with Git, Git LFS, Docker, and release-management toolsKnowledge of cloud microservices and connected-device architectures Compensation and Benefits: Base salary of $110,000–$145,000, depending on experienceMeaningful equity in a venture-backed automotive technology companyMedical, dental, and vision coverageDirect impact on a platform moving from prototype to mass productionCollaborative, mission-driven team based in San Diego If you’re excited about Embedded Linux, automotive systems, and building reliable technology at the intersection of hardware and software, we’d like to hear from you.