At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead open source and Linux kernel strategy, driving innovation in embedded systems.
- Company: Join a pioneering tech firm focused on next-gen compute and graphics technologies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 30% bonus, flexible working, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant influence and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of open source platforms and make a real impact in tech.
- Qualifications: Strong Linux kernel and embedded systems experience with open source contributions.
The predicted salary is between 150000 - 190000 € per year.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- £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).
Architect (Hybrid Working) employer: Elite People Partners Ltd
Join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises innovation and internal capability building in the realm of open source and embedded systems. With a flexible hybrid working model, competitive salary, and a strong focus on employee development, this role offers you the chance to make a significant impact while collaborating with global teams in a highly engineering-led environment. Enjoy comprehensive benefits including private medical care, life assurance, and a generous bonus structure, all while shaping the future of technology within a supportive and dynamic workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Architect (Hybrid Working)
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with professionals in the open source and embedded systems space. Attend meetups, webinars, or even online forums to make those valuable connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your contributions to Linux kernel development or any relevant projects. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company’s open source strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your hands-on and strategic capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Architect (Hybrid Working)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in Linux kernel development and embedded systems. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your open source contributions!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about open source and how you can drive our Linux kernel strategy. Keep it engaging and relevant to the role we’re offering.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves collaboration with various teams and communities, make sure to highlight your communication skills in your application. We love candidates who can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical folks!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elite People Partners Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Linux kernel development and embedded systems knowledge. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with open source contributions and upstreaming, as this role is all about building internal capabilities.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
This position requires strong communication skills, so be prepared to demonstrate how you've effectively engaged with both internal teams and external communities in the past. Think of examples where you acted as a bridge between different groups.
✨Align with Their Vision
Understand the company's strategy around open source and Linux platforms. Be ready to share your thoughts on how you can contribute to reducing reliance on external partners and enhancing internal capabilities.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that dive deep into low-level software, drivers, and system-level interactions. Brush up on your knowledge of CPU, GPU, and RISC-V environments, and be ready to discuss how you would approach platform optimisation.
