At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of cutting-edge embedded Linux systems for AI-driven transport technology.
- Company: Innovative AI-native startup backed by a proven hardware business.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for technical leadership.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with real-world impact and career growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of transport tech while working with a skilled engineering team.
- Qualifications: Strong embedded Linux experience, Python proficiency, and networking knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
An innovative AI-native startup within an established UK technology group is hiring a Lead Embedded Linux Engineer to join their growing team in Nottingham. The company specialises in cutting-edge on-vehicle technology for the public transport and blue-light sectors. Backed by a proven hardware business, this scale-up is a member of NVIDIA Inception and a technology partner of Anthropic (Claude), developing edge computer-vision systems that operate globally across Europe and the Americas.
The Role
This is a hands-on, senior position requiring strong embedded Linux expertise, systems thinking, and technical leadership. You will take complete ownership of the embedded and edge systems that underpin a next-generation, AI-driven transport platform—devices that ingest, process, and manage video and sensor data in demanding, real-world operational conditions. While you will set the technical direction and mentor other engineers, you will remain close to the hardware yourself, writing code and debugging on the bench.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership: Take ownership of embedded and edge system design across AI and non-AI products, defining robust, scalable architectural solutions.
- Embedded Linux Engineering: Design, configure, and maintain embedded Linux systems used in edge deployments, managing boot processes and system behaviour using systemd.
- Networking & Security: Design secure networking configurations (routing, firewalling, VPNs) using tools like iptables, OpenVPN, and WireGuard.
- Hardware Integration: Work closely with hardware teams to integrate compute platforms, CCTV cameras, and peripherals, including interpreting electrical schematics and PCB diagrams for debugging.
- Tooling & Automation: Develop diagnostics and automation using shell scripting and Python within headless environments (SSH, UART, serial consoles).
Required Skills
- Strong, hands-on experience with embedded Linux systems and device bring-up.
- Proficiency in Python and shell scripting.
- Solid networking knowledge (VPNs, firewalling, routing) and experience with systemd.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical and PCB schematics for system-level debugging.
- The capability to work autonomously and provide technical direction to other engineers.
Highly Desirable Skills
- Experience with video pipelines (GStreamer, FFmpeg, V4L2).
- Experience with the NVIDIA Jetson platform.
- Hands-on experience with Yocto or Buildroot.
- Knowledge of OTA update frameworks (Mender, RAUC).
- Exposure to C programming, Docker in embedded environments, or OpenWRT.
Why Apply?
- Ownership of a flagship embedded and edge AI platform used in real-world transport environments.
- Opportunity to shape architecture in a rapidly scaling AI-enabled hardware business.
- Genuine technical leadership role with end-to-end system responsibility.
- Work on deployed systems operating in live, mission-critical environments.
- Skilled, senior engineering team with strong autonomy and influence.
Lead Embedded Linux Engineer employer: European Tech Recruit
Join an innovative AI-native startup in Nottingham that is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge on-vehicle technology for public transport and blue-light sectors. As a Lead Embedded Linux Engineer, you will enjoy a dynamic work culture that fosters technical leadership and autonomy, with opportunities for personal and professional growth while working alongside a skilled engineering team. This hybrid role offers the chance to shape the architecture of a flagship AI platform in a rapidly scaling business, making a meaningful impact in real-world transport environments.
