Embedded Linux Software Engineer (Junior/Early Career)
Role summary
Robolink is seeking a Junior Embedded Linux Software Engineer to join their Product team in San Diego, CA. This full-time, onsite role involves developing the CoDrone EDU, a Linux-based drone platform for STEM education. The engineer will implement features in Python and C/C++, debug Linux applications on ARM SoCs, integrate with hardware/firmware, conduct flight tests, and build automation tools. A Bachelor's degree in a related technical field and 1-3 years of experience in software or embedded systems are required, with strong Python and Linux development environment proficiency, and Git version control. Foundational knowledge of TCP/IP and sockets is also necessary.
Play a key role in developing the CoDrone EDU, a high-performance, Linux-based drone platform designed to teach students robotics.
### About Robolink
Robolink is a San Diego-based edtech company founded in 2012 that makes robotics kits for education. We believe in the power of learning through collaboration and working towards a common goal in a competition setting. Our latest product is a drone meant to be used in the classroom and at competitions in the education space. We are leading the way in drone education by working with our partners in building the largest educational drone competition in the K-12 space.
### Description
Embedded Linux Software Engineer (Junior/Early Career)
Job Title: Embedded Linux Software Engineer (Junior/Early Career)
Department: Product
Location: Onsite – San Diego, CA
Reports To: Senior Hardware Engineer
Type: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Pay: $90,000 - $110,000 annually
About Us:
Robolink is a San Diego-based edtech company that’s leading the charge for drones meant for the education space and for K-12 drone competitions. Our mission is to make STEM engaging and accessible through building tools for hands-on learning and equipping teachers with the resources to teach with these tools. Our flagship product, the CoDrone EDU, is the official drone used in the *Aerial Drone Competition*, the largest drone competition in K-12.
About the Role:
Join Robolink in building the future of STEM education. We are developing the CoDrone EDU, a cutting-edge, Linux-based drone platform designed to teach middle and high school students the fundamentals of computer science and robotics.
As a Junior Embedded Linux Software Engineer, you will be at the heart of our development cycle. You’ll help us bridge the gap between hardware and software, implementing features in our Python SDK, debugging complex system-level issues, and participating in hands-on flight testing. This is an ideal role for a builder who wants to see their code take flight—literally.
What You’ll Do:
- Feature Development: Implement and optimize SDK features using Python and integrate performance-critical modules in C/C++.
- System Integration: Develop and debug Linux applications on ARM SoCs, focusing on networking pipelines for telemetry, video streaming, and control.
- Hardware-Software Synergy: Work closely with hardware and firmware teams to validate performance and stabilize the platform for production.
- Testing & Validation: Conduct rigorous system tests and flight tests to identify and troubleshoot stability issues.
- Tools & Infrastructure: Build internal automation tools and scripts to streamline development and regression testing.
- Documentation: Maintain clear technical documentation and contribute to our engineering knowledge base.
Required Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Experience: 1–3 years of software or embedded systems experience (we value high-impact internships!).
- Programming: Strong proficiency in Python and a solid understanding of Linux development environments.
- Version Control: Comfortable with Git and standard collaborative workflows.
- Networking: Foundational knowledge of TCP/IP, sockets, and networking protocols.
Bonus Points For:
- Experience with Embedded Linux (Debian, Armbian, uBoot, etc.).
- Exposure to C/C++ and integration via Cython.
- Hands-on projects in robotics, drones, or IoT.
- Familiarity with OpenCV or image processing pipelines.
- Experience with WiFi telemetry or video streaming.
- Proficiency in Bash scripting.
- Hands-on familiarity with ARM/Linux toolchains and embedded development workflows.
Benefits & Perks:
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Robust Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
- Financial Security: 401(k) retirement plan with company match and life insurance.
- Flexible Spending: Access to Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to help manage healthcare costs tax-efficiently.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.
- Innovation Culture: Hands-on experience with the latest drone hardware and a collaborative, engineering-first environment.
- Impact: The opportunity to build products that inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists.
To Apply:
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your qualifications for the role.
*\*\* Position subject to a background check.*
#### Salary
$90,000 - $110,000 per year