Principal / Director – Open Source Architect (Linux Kernel / Embedded Systems)

Principal / Director – Open Source Architect (Linux Kernel / Embedded Systems) – UK / Europe (Flexible / Hybrid) – £150,000 – £190,000 base + 30% bonus

My client’s specialist software and architecture team is looking to add a Principal / Director – Open Source Architect to support the development and integration of next-generation compute and graphics IP.

This role is focused on building internal capability around Linux kernel development, upstreaming, and open source strategy — moving away from reliance on external consultants and towards a more embedded, scalable approach.

You will operate at the intersection of low-level software and architecture, working closely with engineering, architecture, and product teams to ensure alignment with both internal development and the wider open source ecosystem.

Principal / Director – Open Source Architect Role & Responsibilities:

• Define and drive open source and Linux kernel strategy across the organisation
• Lead and contribute to Linux kernel development and upstreaming activities
• Build internal capability and reduce reliance on external partners and consultants
• Act as the key technical interface between internal teams and open source communities
• Ensure alignment between internal development and external ecosystem standards
• Support integration of software with hardware platforms across CPU / GPU / SoC environments
• Collaborate with global engineering, architecture, and product teams
• Stay aligned with industry trends and developments across open source and embedded systems

Principal / Director – Open Source Architect Essential Skills:

• Strong experience in Linux kernel development and embedded systems
• Proven track record of open source contribution and upstreaming
• Deep understanding of low-level software, drivers, and system-level interactions
• Experience working across CPU, GPU, or complex SoC environments
• Ability to operate at both hands-on and strategic levels
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage internal teams and external communities
• Experience working across distributed/global teams

What This Isn’t

• Not an application-level or user-space development role
• Not pure DevOps or cloud infrastructure
• Not isolated development — this is about ecosystem alignment and long-term capability building

Why This Role

• Ownership of a critical and growing capability within the organisation
• Direct influence on how open source is used and managed internally
• Opportunity to shape strategy and reduce reliance on external partners
• Senior environment with real technical and organisational impact

Salary and Package:

• £150,000 – £190,000 base salary (depending on level and experience)
• 30% bonus
• Total compensation: £195,000 – £247,000+
• Flexible / hybrid working model
• Pension
• Private medical
• Life assurance
• Income protection
• Training and development

My client can offer a 3-stage process consisting of a 1^st stage Video Call , 2^nd Stage Video Call and a 3rd Stage on-site Interview (meet the team and site tour). This process can be completed within 2-3 weeks (based on availability)