Systems Debug Engineer - PCIe & Linux Kernel

Maxonic maintains a close and long-term relationship with our direct client. In support of their needs, we are looking for a Systems Debug Engineer - PCIe & Linux Kernel.

Job Description:

Job Title: Systems Debug Engineer - PCIe & Linux Kernel

Job Type: Contract

Job Location: Milpitas, CA

Work Schedule: On-site

Pay Rate: $50-60, Based on experience

Description:

Responsible for diagnosing, debugging, and resolving PCIe, Linux kernel, and system-level issues on internal test platforms. Work closely with hardware, firmware, software, and validation teams to identify root causes, improve system stability, and support new platform development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Investigate and debug PCIe-related issues, including link training failures, enumeration problems, bandwidth limitations, hot-plug events, AER errors, and device communication failures.
• Analyze Linux kernel logs, crash dumps, kernel panics, driver issues, and performance bottlenecks to determine root causes.
• Develop and execute debug plans using tools such as lspci, dmesg, kernel tracing, PCIe protocol analyzers, and logic analyzers.
• Perform root cause analysis (RCA) and drive corrective actions across hardware, firmware, BIOS, kernel, and application layers.
• Work with internal tester platforms involving PCIe switches, NVMe devices, custom hardware, and embedded controllers.
• Collaborate with HW, FW, BIOS, and SW teams to reproduce issues, validate fixes, and improve platform reliability.
• Create debug documentation, test procedures, and troubleshooting guides for engineering teams.
• Support system bring-up, qualification, and production readiness activities for new tester platforms.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of PCIe architecture, protocol, and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Experience with Linux kernel debugging, device drivers, and system-level diagnostics.
• Proficiency in Linux command-line tools and scripting (Python, Bash, or similar).
• Experience analyzing kernel logs, crash dumps, and system traces.
• Knowledge of BIOS/UEFI, hardware bring-up, and platform validation.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with NVMe/SSD systems and PCIe switches.
• Familiarity with protocol analyzers, oscilloscopes, and hardware debug tools.
• Experience supporting high-performance computing, storage, or test equipment platforms.
• Understanding of Linux kernel internals and driver development.

About Maxonic:

Since 2002 Maxonic has been at the forefront of connecting candidate strengths to client challenges. Our award winning, dedicated team of recruiting professionals are specialized by technology, are great listeners, and will seek to find a position that meets the long-term career needs of our candidates. We take pride in the over 10,000 candidates that we have placed, and the repeat business that we earn from our satisfied clients.

Interested in Applying?

Please apply with your most current resume. Feel free to contact Saurav ([email protected]/(408) 400-2332) for more details.