Linux Upstream & Ecosystem Engineer – FPGA-SoC Platforms-Contract at Altera

Austin, Texas, United States

Altera Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Semiconductors, Embedded SystemsIndustries

Requirements

  • 5+ years of experience in Linux kernel development or embedded Linux integration, with a strong understanding of SoC platforms
  • Demonstrated experience contributing to the Linux kernel via mailing list patches, reviews, or bug fixes (even if not listed as a maintainer)
  • Familiarity with upstream patch workflows and community norms (e.g., LKML etiquette, subsystem maintainer expectations, patchwork tools)
  • Experience collaborating with Linux distributions or OS vendors to integrate kernel and BSP support
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, especially in cross-functional and cross-company settings
  • Preferred Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience with FPGA-SoC platforms or embedded systems with programmable logic
  • Prior work with Yocto, Buildroot, or major Linux distributions (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, OpenEmbedded)
  • Familiarity with secure boot, device tree overlays, and common ARM SoC interfaces
  • Comfort navigating GitHub, mailing lists, and public bug trackers (e.g., Patchwork, Bugzilla, etc.)
  • Experience supporting commercial customers or partners in open-source integration efforts

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to the upstream Linux kernel with a focus on Altera FPGA-SoC enablement (platform drivers, device trees, etc.)
  • Help drive patch adoption in the Linux community through engagement on mailing lists, patch review processes, and coordination with maintainers
  • Serve as the liaison between Altera and OS vendors (e.g., Yocto, Debian, Red Hat) to ensure proper integration of our support
  • Collaborate with silicon and software architects to define future-ready kernel interfaces and validate architectural assumptions
  • Support internal teams (product, customer engineering, applications) with insights on Linux kernel status, upstream timelines, and distro support readiness
  • Assist in tracking CVEs and best practices to ensure alignment between upstream and productized distributions
  • Participate in technical conferences, working groups, and community forums to represent Altera’s contributions and gather feedback

Skills

Linux Kernel
FPGA
SoC
Device Trees
Platform Drivers
Yocto
Patch Review
Mailing Lists
Open Source
CVE Tracking

Altera

Develops digital human agents for AI

About Altera

Altera develops digital human agents that mimic human traits like empathy, friendship, and fun. Their primary product allows users to interact with an AI agent while playing Minecraft, creating a friendly and engaging experience. Altera's agents are designed to be interoperable and capable of long-term autonomy, making them suitable for both individual users and businesses. Unlike many competitors, Altera focuses on advancing research and scaling technology to deliver unique, human-like AI products. The company's goal is to redefine AI agents, enhancing their versatility and human-like qualities.

San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2023Year Founded
$10.7MTotal Funding
SEEDCompany Stage
Consumer Software, AI & Machine LearningIndustries
11-50Employees

Risks

Priest-led cults in Altera's Minecraft simulation may cause ethical concerns.
Managing 1,000 autonomous AI agents poses safety and ethical challenges.
Creating believable digital humans may lead to misuse in deceptive AI applications.

Differentiation

Altera specializes in digital human agents with traits like empathy and friendship.
Their first product offers a unique Minecraft experience with interactive AI agents.
Altera's focus on human-like AI agents sets them apart in the AI sector.

Upsides

Altera raised $9M in May 2024, showing strong investor confidence.
AI-driven gaming experiences are gaining popularity, benefiting Altera's Minecraft product.
The rise of AI companions in mental health indicates a market for empathetic agents.

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