Senior Real-Time Linux Kernel Software Engineer

Who we are:

Globalstar pioneered personal safety by introducing its SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger in 2007. Today, leveraging its low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, Globalstar reliably connects and protects assets, transmits key operational data, and saves lives - from any location - for consumers, industrial companies and government agencies in over 120 countries. With a portfolio that includes SPOT GPS messengers, next-generation IoT products and modems, and cloud-based telematics solutions, Globalstar's cost effective satellite-powered innovations give users visibility and intelligence for improving safety and operational efficiencies.

What you will be doing at Globalstar:

As a Senior Real-Time Kernel Engineer, you will architect and build a comprehensive testing framework for our real-time kernel on x86 server platforms. This will include working with real-time operating systems, x86 server architecture, and the unique challenges of validating real-time constraints in high-performance server environments. You will create testing infrastructure that can verify deterministic behavior, timing guarantees, and system reliability while also contributing to kernel debugging and optimization of critical system resources.

Key Responsibilities:

Real-Time Kernel Testing Framework Development

• Design and implement a specialized testing framework for real-time kernel validation on x86 server platforms
• Develop test methodologies to verify real-time constraints, scheduling deadlines, and deterministic behavior under high load
• Build automated tests for kernel subsystems including scheduler, memory management, interrupt handling, and IPC mechanisms
• Create stress testing frameworks to validate kernel stability under extreme throughput conditions
• Implement latency measurement and timing analysis tools with microsecond/nanosecond precision
• Design framework to test CPU isolation, real-time throttling, and scheduling latency
• Implement performance regression testing for throughput and latency metrics

Kernel Debugging and Issue Analysis

• Debug complex kernel-level issues including race conditions, memory corruption, and timing violations using debugging tools such as ftrace, perf, eBPF
• Analyze kernel panic dumps, trace logs, and system lockups in multi-core environments
• Investigate interrupt latency problems, scheduling anomalies, and CPU stalls
• Debug issues related to high-speed I/O and network packet processing paths

System Resource Optimization

• Optimize kernel memory management, including huge pages and NUMA optimization
• Profile and optimize interrupt handling routines, IRQ distribution, and CPU affinity
• Analyze and improve CPU cache utilization, memory bandwidth, and PCIe throughput
• Tune kernel parameters for optimal real-time performance on x86 servers

What you will bring to Globalstar

• Bachelor's or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering
• 10+ years of systems programming experience
• 5+ years of experience with kernel, systems, or performance-critical development
• 10+ years of experience with C/C++ with understanding of low-level system concepts
• Experience with Linux kernel development, real-time systems, or high-performance computing
• Familiarity with Linux kernel debugging tools (at least some of: crash, ftrace, perf, eBPF)
• Experience measuring and analyzing system performance metrics

It's a bonus if you have:

• Master's or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering

• Experience with real-time Linux variants (PREEMPT_RT patches)
• Knowledge of kernel internals and ability to read/understand kernel code
• Familiarity with CPU isolation and IRQ affinity concepts
• Experience with DPDK or similar kernel bypass technologies
• Experience with SR-IOV, VF drivers, or NIC offload features

Marginal Functions:

A review of this job description may have omitted some of the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of the job duties and responsibilities. This job description, in no way, states or implies that these are the only duties and/or responsibilities to be performed by the employee in this position. The employee in this position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by his/her supervisor.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interact clearly and concisely with all departments and levels of management
• Excellent organizational skills with attention-to-detail
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to effectively manage time and prioritize tasks
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Familiarity with NetSuite
• Strong problem-solving skills, especially under time constraints
• Ability to identify and seek needed information

What Globalstar offers:

• Work/Life Balance: Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays
• Financial Benefits: 401(k) Plan with Company Match, Employee Stock Purchase Program, Voluntary and Company Paid Group Life Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Medical FSA, Dependent Care, Competitive Salaries
• Health & Wellness: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Comprehensive and Interactive Wellness Program