Senior Embedded Linux Engineer (m/f/d)

The future of AI computing is light, not electrons.

At Q.ANT , we are building photonic processing systems that compute with light—delivering a scalable, energy-efficient alternative to transistor-based architectures for next-generation AI and high-performance computing.

As Senior Embedded Linux Engineer (m/f/d) , you take technical ownership of our embedded Linux stack: from custom Linux images and kernel/device drivers to production-ready field deployments. You'll work with technologies such as Yocto, PetaLinux, and Zephyr RTOS, actively shaping the interface between photonic hardware and software.

Your Impact & Responsibilities

• Define and own the in-house embedded Linux stack and embedded software for our photonic AI accelerators.
• Develop and maintain custom Linux images (Yocto/PetaLinux) as well as kernel and device drivers.
• Interface on-chip and off-chip components via MMIO, AXI, PCIe, SPI, I2C, and UART under real-time requirements.
• Define and develop host-Linux-based components, including Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability (RAS) tasks in the Linux host system.
• Establish best practices, tools, and methods for building custom Linux and embedded software solutions.
• Coach and develop junior and mid-level engineers.
• Collaborate closely with R&D software engineers, processor architects, and digital design engineers.
• Ensure successful bring‑ups and field deployments.

Your profile

• M.Sc./M.Eng. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field; equivalent industry experience also considered.
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience building custom Linux images and device drivers
• 3+ years of experience in low‑level software development and RTOS.
• Deep understanding of the Linux build system.
• Hands‑on experience interfacing on-chip and off‑chip components via MMIO, AXI, PCIe, SPI, I2C, UART.
• Understanding of services design in a Linux environment.
• Solid command of C/C++ and Python; experience with Yocto and/or PetaLinux.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and agile development methodology.

Why us?

• Work on the leading edge: Photonic AI acceleration technologies that will define the next decade of computing - already validated in production HPC environments.
• Make impact at scale: Help solve one of computing's biggest challenges—making growing demand in compute and sustainability go hand in hand.
• Own your work from day one: Broad autonomy and decision authority with direct impact on product success and the future of AI infrastructure.
• Fast-track your growth: Work on challenges with few industry precedents—every problem you solve becomes new institutional knowledge and potentially industry-defining IP.
• World‑class team: Collaborate alongside a passionate, international, cross‑functional team of experts in photonics, processor design, and AI systems.
• Direct access to leadership: Work closely with the company's founders, including CEO Dr. Michael Förtsch, and advisory board members who shaped the semiconductor industry (ARM, Intel,Infineon)
• Collaborative culture: Innovative work environment that values technical excellence, open communication, and pragmatic problem-solving.
• Be part of history: Join at the inflection point where photonic computing transitions from research to mainstream—your contributions will shape this transformation.