Senior DevOps Engineer (Embedded Linux/Yocto Focus)

Apptronik is building robots for the real world to improve human quality of life and to help solve the ever-increasing labor shortage problem. Our team has been building some of the most advanced robots on the planet for years, dating back to the DARPA Robotics Challenge. We apply our expertise across the full robotics stack to some of the most important and impactful problems our society faces, and expect our products and technology to change the world for the better. We value passion, creativity, and collaboration to help us overcome existing technological barriers in the industry to create truly innovative products.

You will join a team developing state-of-the-art general-purpose robots designed to operate in human spaces and with human tools. It is designed to work alongside humans, mobilize to human spaces, and manipulate the world around it.

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly experienced Yocto CI/CD Engineer for a contract engagement focused on designing, implementing, and establishing a modern CI/CD pipeline for our Yocto Project-based embedded Linux systems. The core objectives of this project are to deliver a functional automated build system, set up deployment pipelines targeting our Nvidia Jetson (ARM) and AMD compute platforms, develop a Proof-of-Concept for an A/B update strategy, and provide comprehensive training and documentation to enable our internal engineering team to assume full ownership upon project completion. This is a deliverables-focused role centered on building the initial infrastructure and ensuring effective knowledge transfer.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES or KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Yocto CI Pipeline Implementation:
• Architect and implement an automated Continuous Integration (CI) system for building custom Yocto-based Linux OS images
• Configure and optimize the build process using Yocto layers, shared state cache (sstate-cache), download mirrors, etc., to establish efficient build performance.
• Set up the initial structure and document best practices for managing custom layers, BSPs, and application integration within the CI environment.
• Cross-Platform CD Pipeline Implementation:
  • Develop and implement automated Continuous Deployment (CD) pipelines to deliver OS images to both ARM (Nvidia Jetson) and AMD64 hardware targets.
  • Integrate foundational testing steps within the deployment pipeline.
  • Configure and document the handling of hardware-specific requirements within the CD workflow.
• A/B Update Strategy Proof-of-Concept (POC):
• Design, implement, and thoroughly document a Proof-of-Concept (POC) demonstrating a viable A/B partition update strategy (or similar robust OTA mechanism) suitable for our hardware.
• Validate the POC's functionality and provide clear documentation for handover to the internal team.
• Comprehensive Training and Documentation (Critical Deliverable):
  • Develop detailed documentation covering the architecture, configuration, operation, common troubleshooting, and manual deployment procedures for the entire Yocto build system and CI/CD pipeline (for both ARM and AMD targets).
  • Conduct structured training sessions for the internal engineering team, ensuring they gain the necessary understanding and practical skills to confidently operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and extend the implemented systems post-contract.
  • Facilitate a smooth knowledge transfer and handover process at the conclusion of the engagement.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Proven expertise in designing and implementing solutions using the Yocto Project (BitBake, OpenEmbedded Core, layers, recipes, machine configurations, BSPs)
• Strong, demonstrable experience architecting and implementing CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitLab CI, Jenkins, Bitbucket Pipelines, GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps, etc.).
• Solid understanding of Linux OS fundamentals, system administration, and proficient shell scripting (Bash).
• Hands-on experience deploying OS/software to embedded hardware targets.
• Direct experience working with both ARM (Nvidia Jetson preferred) and x86_64 (AMD) architectures.
• Expertise in Yocto build optimization techniques (sstate-cache, download mirrors, etc.).
• Exceptional documentation skills: Ability to produce clear, comprehensive technical documentation for complex systems.
• Proven training ability: Demonstrated experience successfully training technical teams and facilitating knowledge transfer.
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Significant practical experience demonstrating the required skills (degree is secondary to proven ability for this contract role).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with specific OTA update frameworks (e.g., SWUpdate, Mender, RAUC).
• Experience with containerization (Docker, Podman) for build environments.
• Experience with Kubernetes.
• Programming experience in Python.
• Experience with Nvidia Jetson flashing tools and JetPack SDK.
• Understanding of secure boot processes.
• Experience managing artifacts (e.g., Artifactory).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• [Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen
• Hearing and speech to communicate

*This is a direct hire. Please, no outside Agency solicitations.

Apptronik provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.