Principal Open Source Technologist
Position: Principal Open Source TechnologistLocation: Austin, TX (Remote)About the OpportunityThe Principal Open Source Technologist is a senior technical leadership role focused on open source strategy, community engagement, and technical excellence in open source projects. This role drives client's open source initiatives, represents the company in open source communities, and ensures our contributions align with business objectives while advancing the open source ecosystem.In your daily job you will:Open Source Strategy & LeadershipDevelop and execute client's open source strategy and roadmapIdentify strategic open source projects and communities for engagementDrive technical vision for open source contributions and initiativesRepresent the client in open source communities and working groupsInfluence open source project direction and technical decisionsBuild relationships with key open source maintainers and contributorsTechnical ContributionsLead significant contributions to open source projects (Linux kernel, Yocto Project, etc.)Design and implement features that benefit both client and the open source communityReview and approve open source contributions from client's engineersEnsure code quality and adherence to open source project standardsMaintain upstream patches and ensure compatibility with upstream projectsDrive upstream-first development practicesCommunity EngagementActively participate in open source communities and mailing listsPresent at open source conferences and events (Linux Plumbers, FOSDEM, etc.)Organize and lead open source community events and meetupsBuild and maintain relationships with open source community leadersMentor engineers on open source contribution practicesFoster a culture of open source contribution within the clientHow You Will ContributeKey skills and competencies for succeeding in this role are:Open Source Project AreasLinux KernelContribute to Linux kernel development and maintenanceAddress kernel features relevant to embedded systemsWork on device drivers, subsystems, and core kernel functionalityEnsure the client kernel patches are upstream-readyYocto ProjectLead contributions to Yocto Project and OpenEmbeddedDrive features and improvements for embedded Linux buildsParticipate in Yocto Project technical steeringMentor Yocto Project contributorsRequired QualificationsBachelor degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field12+ years of software engineering experience8+ years of experience with embedded Linux or systems programming5+ years of active open source contribution experienceProven track record of significant open source contributionsExperience as a maintainer or core contributor to major open source projectsExpert-level proficiency in C/C++ and systems programmingDeep understanding of Linux kernel architecture and developmentExtensive experience with embedded systems and real-time systemsStrong knowledge of open source development practices and toolsExperience with Git and distributed version controlExpertise in code review and open source contribution workflowsUnderstanding of open source licensing and complianceCandidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis - without requirement for any type of visa sponsorship/transfer, now, or at any time in future. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.Must be a local resident of Greater Austin, TX, with ability to work on campus.Leadership & CommunicationExceptional technical communication skillsStrong public speaking and presentation abilitiesPreferred QualificationsMaintainer or core contributor status in major open source projectsExtensive Yocto Project experience and leadershipSignificant Linux kernel contributions and recognitionExperience in safety-critical industries (aerospace, automotive, medical)Knowledge of functional safety standards (ISO 26262, DO-178C, etc.)Open source project governance experienceIndustry recognition (awards, keynote speaking, etc.)Published technical papers or articles on open source topicsKey Performance IndicatorsOpen source contribution quality and impactCommunity engagement and relationship buildingStrategic open source project participationUpstream contribution acceptance rateConference presentations and speaking engagementsMentoring and development of open source contributorsOpen source strategy executionIndustry recognition and thought leadership