Wind River (Aptiv) is hiring an Associate Linux Engineer

Aptiv is looking for an Associate Linux Engineer to join our team in Austin, TX. In this role, you will contribute to the development and maintenance of embedded Linux systems software under guidance. Depending on team needs and your growth interests, you may be assigned to areas like Kernel Sustaining, Board Support Packages, Feature Development, User Space Sustaining, Tool Chain, or general Systems work.

What You'll Do

• Complete assigned tasks including bug fixes, small features, tests, and documentation with direction from your team lead or mentor.
• Participate in code reviews, standups, and sprint ceremonies to learn team practices and deliver quality work.
• Use version control (Git), follow coding standards, and document your changes.
• Build skills in Linux systems development—kernel, user space, BSP, toolchain, or feature implementation—depending on your team assignment.
• Assist with applying security patches and CVE-related fixes under guidance (Kernel Sustaining).
• Help backport patches and run kernel build and test procedures (Kernel Sustaining).
• Learn kernel subsystems, drivers, and debugging (e.g., kgdb, ftrace) with mentorship (Kernel Sustaining).
• Validate kernel changes on supported platforms and document results (Kernel Sustaining).
• Maintain and update BSP configurations and device tree snippets with direction (Board Support Packages).
• Support hardware bring-up and validation; run BSP test procedures (Board Support Packages).
• Learn bootloaders (e.g., U-Boot), device trees, and hardware documentation (Board Support Packages).
• Document BSP changes and hardware requirements (Board Support Packages).
• Implement well-scoped parts of new features from specifications and design docs (Feature Development).
• Write and run tests for new functionality; update user-facing or developer documentation (Feature Development).
• Participate in feature design and estimation discussions to learn the process (Feature Development).
• Test features on assigned platforms and report issues (Feature Development).
• Fix bugs and address issues in user space libraries and applications with guidance (User Space Sustaining).
• Learn POSIX APIs, system libraries (e.g., glibc, musl), and build systems (User Space Sustaining).
• Run tests and validate fixes on multiple platforms and architectures (User Space Sustaining).
• Update documentation for user space components you change (User Space Sustaining).
• Contribute to systems-level fixes and small features across kernel, user space, or integration (Systems General).
• Build familiarity with Wind River platforms, build systems (e.g., Yocto), and release process (Systems General).
• Support stability and quality initiatives as assigned (Systems General).
• Assist with maintaining compiler toolchain components and build configurations (Tool Chain).
• Help fix build failures and improve build reliability and performance with guidance (Tool Chain).
• Learn cross-compilation, GCC/Clang usage, and scripting (e.g., Python, Shell) (Tool Chain).
• Run and document toolchain tests; support debugging tools (e.g., GDB) as directed (Tool Chain).

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 1–2 years of software engineering or relevant internship/academic project experience.
• Some experience with C or C++ and a willingness to work in both as needed.
• Basic familiarity with Linux or embedded systems concepts.
• Understanding of the software development lifecycle (design, implement, test, review, document).
• Ability to read and write C and/or C++ with guidance.
• Basic use of version control (Git): clone, branch, commit, push, pull requests.
• Ability to follow build and test instructions and run existing automation.
• Basic debugging (e.g., reading logs, using printfs/debugger with direction).
• Willingness to learn team-specific tools (e.g., kernel tools, Yocto, GDB, build systems).
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requirement for any type of visa sponsorship/transfer.
• Must be a local resident of Greater Austin, TX.

Nice to Have

• Internship or academic project experience in embedded systems, Linux kernel, or systems programming.
• Exposure to Yocto Project or similar embedded Linux build systems.
• Basic familiarity with Linux kernel, device drivers, or user space libraries.
• Scripting experience (Python, Shell) for automation or tooling.
• Interest or exposure to one or more of: BSP/hardware enablement, compilers/toolchains, security (e.g., CVEs), or real-time systems.

Technical Stack

• C, C++, Git, Linux, Embedded Systems
• GCC/Clang, Python, Shell, Yocto Project
• GDB, U-Boot, POSIX APIs, glibc, musl

Team & Environment

You'll join a distributed team across the US, Romania, and India.

Benefits & Compensation

• Hybrid work model for workplace flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance.
• Short and long-term disability coverage.
• RRSP matching for financial security.
• Flexible time-off policies for work-life balance.
• Employee assistance program for mental well-being.
• Learning benefits, including a LinkedIn Learning subscription and seminars.

Work Mode

This is a hybrid position based in Austin, TX.

Wind River is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation or any other legally protected status.