---
title: 'Embedded Linux Software Engineer at Tycho.AI'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/embedded-linux-software-engineer-tycho-ai-cambridge-q1jtacc3ashy'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-09'
---

# Embedded Linux Software Engineer at Tycho.AI

- **Company:** Tycho.AI
- **Location:** Cambridge, MA
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** hybrid
- **Posted:** 2026-08-18
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-09
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/tycho-ai/c26af5c4-80d6-4dcf-a04e-4b1057940a94

## Job description

## ABOUT TYCHO.AI

Tycho.AI is redefining the future of autonomous intelligence. Spun out of MIT and backed by DoD contracts, we are building breakthrough AI and autonomy solutions for unmanned systems operating in GPS-denied and contested environments. We are a fast-growing, dual-use technology company at the forefront of national security and commercial innovation, with a mission to push the boundaries of what autonomous systems can achieve.

Joining Tycho.AI means being part of a team shaping the next decade of autonomy from defense applications to commercial opportunities in areas like logistics, disaster response, and beyond. If you want to work at the cutting edge of autonomy and robotics with a company that’s poised for major impact and growth, we want to hear from you.

## RESPONSIBILITIES

- Build and maintain custom Linux images for on-board autonomy computers, including bootloader, kernel, and root filesystem configuration.
- Configure, customize, and patch the Linux kernel, develop custom device drivers, and manage device trees for target hardware.
- Implement system security features (secure boot, encryption, firewall rules) and optimize memory, boot time, and CPU utilization.
- Build automation scripts and test frameworks in Python or Bash, and integrate them with CI.
- Collaborate with hardware team: define requirements, read schematics, bring up new boards, and debug with oscilloscope, logic analyzer, and JTAG.

## REQUIREMENTS

- Bachelor's or advanced degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- Embedded software development experience in Linux environments.
- Strong proficiency in C and/or C++.
- Deep knowledge of Linux kernel architecture, device trees, and user-space/kernel-space interactions.
- Hands-on experience with bring-up and debugging of high-speed hardware interfaces like PCIe, MIPI CSI-2, USB 3.x.
- Working knowledge of low-speed peripheral protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN) and DMA-based data movement.
- Proficiency with debugging tools (GDB, JTAG, logic and protocol analyzers) and version control and CI/CD practices (Git, Jenkins or similar).

## NICE TO HAVE:

- NVIDIA Jetson platforms (JetPack, L4T) or comparable system bring-up.
- Hands-on experience with the Yocto Project and BitBake build engine.
- Real-time Linux (PREEMPT_RT), scheduling and latency analysis, or RTOS experience.
- Bare-metal or RTOS microcontroller firmware (STM32 or similar ARM Cortex-M), including peripheral configuration and DMA.
- Camera and sensor pipeline work: V4L2 driver development, image sensor bring-up, and timestamp synchronization.
- High-rate, high-throughput inter-process communication.
- Aviation, automotive, robotics, or other safety-critical systems experience.

## WHY TYCHO.AI

- Be part of a rapidly scaling startup defining the future of autonomous intelligence.
- Collaborative, high-trust culture that values innovation, execution, and continuous learning.
- Competitive salary, meaningful equity, and generous benefits package.

## EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) STATEMENT:

Tycho AI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or protected veteran status.

## E-VERIFY AND RIGHT TO WORK

Tycho AI participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization in the United States. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. and may be subject to a government security clearance process

## About Tycho.AI

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Tycho.AI builds mission-critical autonomy software and compute hardware for unmanned systems operating in GPS-denied and contested environments, enabling real-time edge decision-making without remote control or persistent connectivity.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series A; total funding ~$12M)
- **Headquarters**: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
- **Founded**: 2022
- **Founders**: Sertac Karaman (Founder & Executive Chair)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Defense and Space Manufacturing
- **Target customers**: U.S. Department of Defense (Air Force, SOCOM), defense primes, and unmanned system integrators (B2G/B2B)
- **Mission statement**: Deliver mission-ready autonomous intelligence for unmanned systems that fly, drive, and decide in the world’s toughest environments — ensuring operations succeed even when GPS and communications fail.

## Products & Services
- **Voyager**: Low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) hardware and software autonomy stack that fuses AI-driven perception, navigation, and control. Enables precision navigation and autonomous decision-making in GPS-denied, comms-degraded environments. Designed with a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) for integration on any uncrewed platform.
- **Halley VTOL UAS**: Vertical takeoff and landing uncrewed aerial system validated for C-UAS and one-way attack demonstrations (TRL 6). Supports low-altitude, high-speed flight with swarming capability.
- **Autonomy Software Modules**: Battlefield assessment, threat identification, 3D mapping, multi-agent coordination, and mission planning tools that run entirely on the edge.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed
- **Key Metric**: Total funding of $12M (latest: $10M Series A led by FirstMark Capital, closed November 2025; plus earlier option/warrant rounds and $1M AFWERX SBIR Phase II grant)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**:
  - Investors: FirstMark Capital, Pillar
  - Partners: Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), AFWERX, SOFWERX
- **Growth Signals**:
  - Headcount grew 766.7% year-over-year (now ~18 employees)
  - 18 active job postings (up 157% month-over-month)
  - Secured $2M AFRL TACFI contract (TRIDENT project) to advance maritime autonomy
  - Achieved CMMC Level 2 cybersecurity certification
  - Successful Halley VTOL demonstration at T-REX 26-2 (May 2026)
  - LinkedIn followers grew 1,075% year-over-year to 1,375

## Competitive Advantages
- **MIT Origins**: Founders and key technical staff from MIT research labs bring deep academic rigor and cutting-edge autonomy algorithms.
- **Proven Defense Track Record**: Multiple government contracts (AFRL, AFWERX, SOFWERX) and successful field demonstrations validate technology readiness.
- **True GPS-Denied Capability**: Voyager operates without GPS, comms, or external ranging beacons — a critical differentiator as electronic warfare proliferates.
- **Low-SWaP Design**: Compact module designed for small UAS, enabling swarming and high-tempo operations.
- **CMMC Level 2 Certified**: Demonstrates cybersecurity maturity required for handling controlled unclassified information (CUI) in defense programs.

## Strategic Focus
- **Maritime Autonomy**: The TRIDENT contract aims to deliver overland and over-the-water navigation in GPS-denied environments, extending Voyager to naval platforms.
- **Scalable Swarming**: Developing multi-agent coordination and swarm tactics to enable “low, fast, and in overwhelming numbers” battlefield advantage.
- **Industrial Base Expansion**: Transitioning from prototyping to production, integrating Voyager with existing operational frameworks (e.g., FANTOM middleware).
- **Commercial Adjacencies**: While currently defense-focused, the company’s edge autonomy stack has potential applications in logistics, infrastructure inspection, and disaster response.

## Why Work Here
- **Impact**: Your work directly supports national security; see your code and hardware fly in real-world missions.
- **Team**: Small (18 people), rapidly growing, composed of engineers from MIT, Harvard, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Cruise, and defense primes. Highly collaborative and mission-driven culture.
- **Flexibility**: Hybrid model based in Cambridge, MA (Kendall Square). Flexible hours and work schedules.
- **Compensation & Benefits**: Competitive salaries, excellent medical/dental/vision, 401(k), HSA/FSA, disability insurance.
- **Perks**: Unlimited PTO, growth opportunities in a fast-scaling startup.
- **Office Location**: “The most innovative square mile on the planet” — Cambridge/Kendall Square ecosystem with deep tech and defense talent.

## Sources
1. [tycho.ai](https://tycho.ai/)
2. [tycho.ai/careers](https://tycho.ai/careers)
3. [jobs.ashbyhq.com/tycho-ai](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/tycho-ai)
4. [linkedin.com/company/tycho-ai](https://www.linkedin.com/company/tycho-ai)
5. [cbinsights.com/company/tycho-ai](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/tycho-ai)

## Other roles at Tycho.AI

- [UAV Flight Test Lead](https://feeny.ai/job/uav-flight-test-lead-tycho-ai-cambridge-fdjjb7zsrctx) — Cambridge, MA
- [Operations Associate](https://feeny.ai/job/operations-associate-tycho-ai-cambridge-erns332nn0bm) — Cambridge, MA
- [Software Integration & Test Engineer – Autonomy & Flight Test](https://feeny.ai/job/software-integration-test-engineer-autonomy-flight-test-tycho-ai-cambridge-casz8pkynkrp) — Cambridge, MA
- [Electrical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/electrical-engineer-tycho-ai-cambridge-d1t7v6qng8t0) — Cambridge, MA
- [Machine Learning Engineer - Computer Vision & Robotics](https://feeny.ai/job/machine-learning-engineer-computer-vision-robotics-tycho-ai-cambridge-t7s32hppg0ps) — Cambridge, MA
- [Autonomy Engineer - State Estimation](https://feeny.ai/job/autonomy-engineer-state-estimation-tycho-ai-cambridge-z95fzpt3bgyj) — Cambridge, MA
- [Autonomy Engineer - Motion Planning & Controls](https://feeny.ai/job/autonomy-engineer-motion-planning-controls-tycho-ai-cambridge-tyc6sxp8r97j) — Cambridge, MA
- [Autonomy Engineer - Perception](https://feeny.ai/job/autonomy-engineer-perception-tycho-ai-cambridge-dv5n7f7t0s9s) — Cambridge, MA
- [Senior Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-software-engineer-tycho-ai-cambridge-vk8jbffjrd28) — Cambridge, MA
- [Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/software-engineer-tycho-ai-cambridge-f7xy46zpyess) — Cambridge, MA