2026 Embedded Linux platform engineer (Freelance)
Freelance embedded Linux platform engineer for a client project at Smart Design, building x86-based Linux field devices. You own the platform layer: secure boot (UEFI/shim/signed kernels), full disk encryption with TPM2, custom kernel compilation and modules, and USB device/udev integration. Hybrid, onsite in Brooklyn every other week; $100-130/hour.
- Compensation
- $100–$130 / yr
- Location
- Not listed
- Work setup
- Hybrid
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Contract
- Experience
- Not specified
- Category
- Devops
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- UEFI secure boot on x86, including key management and module signing
- Full disk encryption on Linux (LUKS2, ideally with TPM2)
- Solid understanding of the x86/UEFI boot process
- USB protocol and device classes (HID, CDC, UVC, UAC, mass storage)
- udev rules
- Kernel module development and kernel compilation
- Strong C, plus Bash and Python
Nice to have
- Hardware debugging tools (logic analyzers, USB analyzers)
- Yocto or Buildroot
- USB gadget mode
Full description
Smart Design is searching for a freelance embedded Linux platform engineer to join us for an exciting client project.
We build x86-based Linux devices for the field. You'll own the platform layer, from firmware power-on to a locked-down, encrypted system, plus the kernel and device integration underneath our applications.
What you'll do
- Maintain the x86 secure boot chain (UEFI, shim, bootloader, signed kernels and modules)
- Implement full disk encryption with TPM2-based unlocking and recovery
- Configure, patch, and compile custom Linux kernels
- Write and maintain kernel modules for custom hardware
- Integrate USB devices across classes, and write udev rules for naming, permissions, and hotplug
Required qualifications
- UEFI secure boot on x86, including key management and module signing
- Full disk encryption on Linux (LUKS2, ideally with TPM2)
- Solid understanding of the x86/UEFI boot process
- USB protocol and device classes (HID, CDC, UVC, UAC, mass storage)
- udev rules
- Kernel module development and kernel compilation
- Strong C, plus Bash and Python
Nice to have
- Hardware debugging tools (logic analyzers, USB analyzers)
- Yocto or Buildroot
- USB gadget mode
The role will be full-time, in a hybrid capacity, with ability to be onsite in our Brooklyn studio at least every other week.
Hourly rate dependent on years of experience, $100 up to $130/hour.