Software Staff Engineer

An Amazing Career Opportunity for a Software Staff Engineer!!!

Location: Cardiff, UK

Job ID: 40088

This is a role as a senior engineer in our core systems biometrics team focused on low-level Linux development.

The ideal candidate will be instrumental in designing, maintaining, and evolving our custom Linux distribution and should be deeply familiar with Linux kernel internals, custom builds, device driver development, and system performance optimization.

We are looking for someone who is hands-on, takes initiative, and thrives in solving complex technical challenges involving embedded systems, OS-level programming, and secure platforms.

This is a hybrid role based in Cardiff, UK. Our current hybrid working model allows 2 remote days per week.

Who are we?

HID Global powers the trusted identities of the world’s people, places, and things, allowing people to transact safely, work productively and travel freely. We are a high-tech software company headquartered in Austin, TX, with over 4,500 worldwide employees.

Check us out here: www.hidglobal.com and https://youtu.be/23km5H4K9Eo

Physical Access Control Solutions (PACS):

HID Physical Access Control Solutions (PACS) is at the forefront of securing spaces with advanced, reliable access control solutions. From cutting-edge readers, credentials and controllers, to mobile and biometric technologies, HID PACS empowers organizations worldwide to protect their people, property and assets with scalable, high-quality solutions. 

This is more than just a job – it’s your chance to join an industry leader to drive innovation in access control and make a real impact on global security solutions.  

As our Staff Software Engineer, you’ll support HID’s success by:

• Designing and maintaining a custom Linux distribution tailored to embedded use cases.
• Contributing to and modifying the Linux kernel (mainline or forks).
• Writing and debugging device drivers for bespoke hardware.
• Creating and maintaining device tree source.
• Implementing robust bootloaders, kernel modules, and init systems.
• Managing distro build systems using tools like Yocto and Buildroot.
• Enforcing security e.g. secure boot, trusted execution environments and read-only rootfs.
• Debugging kernel panics.
• Reviewing kernel configurations with an eye to security (e.g. KASLR).
• Creating and managing SELinux/AppArmour profiles.
• Leading the design of scalable system update mechanisms and diagnostics tools.
• Performing code reviews and mentoring junior engineers.
• Interfacing with hardware, product, and application teams to ensure holistic system behaviour.
• Staying current with upstream changes, patches, and security advisories.

What we will love about your background

• 5+ years of Linux kernel development experience.
• Proven track record working on kernel-space and user-space integration.
• Deep experience with kernel debugging tools (ftrace, kprobes, perf, etc.).
• Expertise in C and shell scripting; familiarity with Python and Rust is a plus.
• Familiar with secure boot processes (e.g., U-Boot, GRUB with TPM, dm-verity).
• Familiarity with file system overlays, systemd and initramfs.
• Experience with deploying Linux on Arm.
• Knowledge of filesystems, memory management, and I/O subsystems.
• Exposure to real-time Linux (PREEMPT_RT or similar) is a strong advantage.
• Experience managing custom Linux distro lifecycle (build, release, patching).
• Comfortable working with Git version control, CI/CD systems, and collaborative tools.

Your Experience and Education include:  

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electronics Engineering, or related field.
• Legally eligible to work in the UK or designated location.
• Experience working in cross-functional, geographically distributed teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

What we can offer you:

• Competitive salary and rewards package.
• Competitive benefits and annual leave offering, allowing for work-life balance.
• A vibrant, welcoming & inclusive culture.
• Extensive career development opportunities and resources to maximize your potential.
• To be a part of a global organization that is pioneering the hardware, software and services that allow people to confidently navigate the physical and digital worlds.

Why apply? 

• Empowerment: You’ll work as part of a global team in a flexible work environment, learning and enhancing your expertise. We welcome an opportunity to meet you and learn about your unique talents, skills, and experiences. You don’t need to check all the boxes. If you have most of the skills and experience, we want you to apply.
• Innovation: You embrace challenges and want to drive change. We are open to ideas, including flexible work arrangements, job sharing or part-time job seekers.
• Integrity: You are results-orientated, reliable, and straightforward and value being treated accordingly. We want all our employees to be themselves, to feel appreciated and accepted.