2026 Embedded Linux platform engineer (Freelance)

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.