Open Source Architect

Principal / Director – Open Source Architect (Linux Kernel / Embedded Systems) – UK / Europe (Flexible / Hybrid) – £150,000 – £190,000 base + 30% bonus

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

Principal / Director – Open Source Architect Essential Skills:

• 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

What This Isn’t

• 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

Why This Role

• 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

Salary and Package:

• £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).