Senior Embedded Software Engineer - Linux Kernel / Xilinx SoC

Join us to build the next generation of deterministic timing systems

At Safran Electronics & Defense , we're developing the next generation of resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing (R-PNT) solutions.

Our systems deliver sub-nanosecond synchronization for mission-critical applications across aerospace, defense, finance, telecommunications and industrial infrastructures. We work at the intersection of embedded Linux, FPGA technologies, deterministic networking and high-performance distributed systems , pushing the limits of synchronization beyond traditional fiber infrastructures.

We are looking for a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to join our R&D team in Granada and help design the embedded software powering our next generation of synchronization products.

What you'll be working on

You'll take technical ownership of key embedded software components running on Xilinx SoC platforms (Zynq-7000, Zynq UltraScale+ and Versal) , collaborating closely with FPGA designers, hardware engineers and system architects.

Your work will include:

• Designing and developing Linux kernel drivers
• Building high-performance networking and DMA data paths
• Developing software tightly integrated with FPGA IP cores
• Optimizing latency, throughput and deterministic behavior
• Debugging complex interactions between Linux, ARM processors, programmable logic and hardware
• Contributing to the architecture of next-generation synchronization systems
• Participating in technical discussions, code reviews and system integration activities

Main Responsibilities

• Design, develop and maintain high-quality embedded software for Linux-based systems running on Xilinx SoCs
• Develop Linux kernel drivers, networking components and low-level hardware interfaces
• Design software architectures that integrate efficiently with FPGA IP cores and programmable logic
• Implement and optimize high-performance data paths using DMA engines and AXI-based interconnects
• Analyze, debug and resolve complex software issues across kernel space, user space and hardware interactions
• Optimize software for low latency, deterministic behavior and efficient resource utilization
• Contribute to software architecture and technical design decisions together with Technical Leads and System Architects
• Review software designs and source code, ensuring maintainability, robustness and long-term scalability
• Collaborate closely with FPGA, Hardware, Systems and Test engineers throughout the full development lifecycle
• Participate in software integration, system validation and product qualification activities
• Contribute to continuous improvement of development processes, coding standards and software engineering best practices

Technologies you'll work with

• Embedded Linux
• Linux Kernel
• C / C++
• ARM architectures
• Xilinx Zynq, Zynq UltraScale+ and Versal
• Python
• Bash
• Git

You'll also have the opportunity to work with technologies such as:

• White Rabbit
• IEEE 1588 PTP
• NTP
• Time Sensitive Networking (TSN)
• Deterministic Networking
• Cross-compilation toolchains
• High-speed networking

What we're looking for

Required:

• Master's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field
• Strong experience developing Embedded Linux applications in C/C++
• Hands-on experience with Linux Kernel development
• Experience developing Linux Kernel drivers
• Experience working with ARM-based embedded systems
• Experience using Git or other version control systems
• Python for tooling and automation
• Bash scripting
• Good written and spoken English

Nice to have:

• Xilinx SoC platforms (Zynq, UltraScale+, Versal)
• AXI DMA and AXI-based architectures
• Linux networking internals
• FPGA/software integration
• Real-time Linux
• White Rabbit
• IEEE 1588 PTP
• Time Sensitive Networking
• Aerospace, defense or other high-reliability environments

Why join Safran?

You'll become part of an international engineering team developing technology that operates where timing accuracy and reliability are mission critical. We offer:

• Work on cutting-edge synchronization technologies
• Real technical ownership and engineering impact
• Close collaboration with FPGA, Hardware and Systems Engineering teams
• International projects with teams across Spain, France and the United States
• Flexible working hours
• Hybrid working model
• Private health insurance
• Professional career development
• A collaborative engineering culture focused on innovation and technical excellence

About Safran Electronics & Defense

Safran Electronics & Defense is a global leader in resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing (R-PNT) solutions.

Our technologies provide virtually fail-safe synchronization and positioning capabilities even in GNSS-denied environments, supporting applications ranging from aerospace and defense to telecommunications, finance and critical infrastructure.

Our portfolio combines White Rabbit , deterministic networking, ultra-precise frequency distribution and Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) technologies to deliver some of the world's most advanced synchronization solutions.

If you're passionate about embedded Linux, low-level software, high-performance systems and solving challenging engineering problems, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape the future of resilient timing technologies.