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- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of a new build system for ESPHome.
- Company: Join the Open Home Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to smart home privacy and sustainability.
- Benefits: Fully remote work, flexible hours, and competitive compensation based on expertise.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by simplifying build systems in innovative smart home projects.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in software build systems, expert in CMake and Python.
- Other info: Work with a passionate team focused on open-source solutions for smart homes.
The predicted salary is between 40 - 60 £ per hour.
The Open Home Foundation is looking for a Senior Build System Engineer to join our Ecosystem department on a contract basis for a specific, high-impact project for ESPHome. This department is responsible for the development of several projects under the Open Home Foundation umbrella, including ESPHome.
ESPHome currently relies on PlatformIO which acts as an abstraction layer between ESPHome and the underlying vendor SDKs (like ESP-IDF). For ESP(32) projects using the ESP-IDF framework, this abstraction now adds complexity without clear benefit. The ESP-IDF already has a mature CMake-based build system that ESPHome could invoke directly. The goal of this project is to phase out our dependency on PlatformIO. By eliminating PlatformIO from the ESP-IDF path, we remove a third-party dependency that must be maintained and versioned. This simplifies the toolchain and reduces potential points of failure. Crucially, it enables faster issue resolution. Currently, when upstream dependencies break, ESPHome is often blocked waiting for PlatformIO to release a fix. With direct ESP-IDF integration, we can diagnose and ship fixes within hours, rather than weeks.
This role will involve significant architectural work involving both the large C++ core codebase and the Python code generation component.
What you are going to do:- Lead the architectural design to replace PlatformIO’s orchestration role within ESPHome with a native, Python-based solution that interacts directly with vendor SDKs.
- Implement direct integration with native toolchains, specifically focusing on the Espressif IDF (IoT Development Framework) using modern CMake.
- Develop the mechanisms within ESPHome’s Python backend for toolchain acquisition, version management, and library dependency handling that PlatformIO previously managed.
- Update ESPHome’s existing Python CLI and dashboard code to seamlessly utilize the new CMake-based build backend.
- Review code from team members regarding build system changes.
- Ensure the new build system reliably produces working binaries across supported platforms and complex configurations.
- Senior experience in architecting and implementing complex software build systems.
- Expert-level knowledge of modern CMake, specifically in cross-compilation environments for embedded systems.
- Strong expertise in Python development, as the glue code orchestrating the build is written in Python.
- Deep understanding of embedded toolchains (compilers, linkers, sysroots) and vendor SDKs, particularly Espressif IDF.
- Experience with Git and GitHub.
- Professional fluency in English: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- A passion for smart homes and automation.
- Experience as an ESPHome user.
- Previous experience contributing to, or deeply analyzing the internals of, PlatformIO.
- Experience with C/C++ package management design concepts (e.g., Conan, vcpkg).
This is a project-based contractor position with a clear definition of done: a release of ESPHome that directly uses CMake/ESP-IDF without requiring PlatformIO. The Open Home Foundation is a fully remote organization; you can work from anywhere in the world. Because we are a fully remote company, there is no fixed schedule. However, for team communication, we try to ensure at least 3 hours of overlap in the workday with the members of our team, who are mostly based in Europe. Your point of contact will be our Ecosystem Lead. Compensation will be based on an agreed-upon hourly or project rate commensurate with the niche, senior expertise required for this architectural shift.
About us:The Open Home Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Switzerland, with the objective of fighting for the fundamental principles of privacy, choice, and sustainability for smart homes. It does this by supporting the development of open-source projects and open connectivity and communication standards. A big part of this is Home Assistant, but the Open Home Foundation also owns or collaborates with other projects important to promoting privacy, choice, and sustainability in the smart home, like ESPHome.
The process:- Apply for the project.
- Our team will review your application.
- Initial interview.
- Technical assessment or discussion regarding build system architecture.
- Interview with the team.
- Contract offer.
Contractor: Senior Build System Engineer employer: Open Home Foundation
Contact Detail:
Open Home Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contractor: Senior Build System Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those connected to the Open Home Foundation or similar projects. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a GitHub profile, make sure it’s up to date with your best work. Highlight any projects related to build systems or embedded systems, as this will catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview like it’s a big game day! Brush up on your knowledge of CMake and Python, and be ready to discuss how you’d tackle the architectural challenges mentioned in the job description. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at the Open Home Foundation.
We think you need these skills to ace Contractor: Senior Build System Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Build System Engineer role. Highlight your experience with CMake, Python, and embedded systems, as these are key to what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Projects: Include specific examples of past projects where you've architected or implemented build systems. We love seeing how you’ve tackled similar challenges, especially if they relate to ESPHome or PlatformIO.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your skills and experiences. We appreciate directness and clarity, so avoid jargon unless it's necessary.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re in the running for this exciting project.
How to prepare for a job interview at Open Home Foundation
✨Know Your Build Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of complex software build systems, especially modern CMake and cross-compilation environments. Be ready to discuss how you've architected or implemented similar systems in the past, as this will show your expertise and relevance to the role.
✨Showcase Your Python Skills
Since the role involves significant Python development, prepare to demonstrate your proficiency. Bring examples of your previous work where you've used Python for build orchestration or toolchain management, and be ready to explain your thought process behind those implementations.
✨Understand ESPHome and PlatformIO
Familiarise yourself with ESPHome and its current dependency on PlatformIO. Be prepared to discuss the implications of phasing out PlatformIO and how you would approach integrating ESP-IDF directly. This shows that you’re not just technically skilled but also understand the project's context.
✨Communicate Clearly
As communication is key in a remote setting, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare to explain complex concepts in a way that’s easy to understand, as this will demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively with the team.
