Senior Linux Platform Engineer

Are you driven by a deep need to understand how systems work, from the kernel to the application layer? Do you see a working system not as an endpoint, but as a baseline for improvement, optimization, and hardening?
If so, this exceptional opportunity is perfect for you!

General Information:

• Start date: asap
• latest Start Date: 01.06.26
• Planned duration: 12 months
• Extension (in case of limitation): very likely
• Workload: 80-100%
• Home Office: max. 50%
• Working hours: Standard

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Architect and Engineer our Core OS Platform: Take ownership of our custom Debian-based distribution. This includes everything from kernel customization and driver integration to the creation, maintenance, and optimization of Debian packages.
• Master the Build and Release Pipeline: Evolve and improve the infrastructure and processes used to build, test, and release our Linux distribution, ensuring reliability and reproducibility.
• Be the Ultimate Escalation Point: Act as the go-to expert for complex, low-level system issues. Perform deep-dive troubleshooting, debugging, and root-cause analysis across both software and hardware.
• Consult and Empower Development Teams: Guide internal project teams on how to best leverage the Linux platform.
• Proactively Drive Improvement: Constantly seek out opportunities to enhance our distribution, tools, and processes. Whether it's improving system performance, strengthening security, or automating a complex workflow, you will be expected to identify needs and champion solutions.

Must Haves:

• Deep, Hands-On Linux Mastery (+6 years): You are a seasoned professional who is comfortable across the entire Linux stack. 
• Custom Distribution Engineering: Proven, extensive experience building, modifying, or maintaining a customized Linux distribution, with a strong preference for Debian (e.g., using tools like debootstrap, molior, aptly). 
• Expertise in Debian Packaging: You don't just apt-get install. You can create, patch, and maintain .deb packages from scratch, understanding policy, dependencies, and best
• practices. 
• Strong Scripting and Automation Skills: Fluency in Python and Shell scripting is essential for building tools and automating system tasks. 
• Fundamental Systems Knowledge: A solid grasp of operating system theory (process management, memory, filesystems), software build systems (make, CMake), and the full testing and packaging lifecycle.
• Advanced English is mandatory; German is a welcome bonus.

We thank you for your application!