Senior Linux Systems Engineer

About

We are seeking an experienced Senior Linux Systems Engineer for our client in Central Switzerland (Zug area). In this role, you will take ownership of a custom Debian-based Linux platform used in next-generation medical devices within a regulated MedTech environment.

Your responsibilities include kernel customization, driver integration, and Debian package management, as well as improving build, test, and release pipelines to ensure reliability and reproducibility. You will also act as the escalation point for complex system-level issues and support development teams in leveraging the platform effectively.

The role requires strong hands-on Linux expertise, experience with custom distributions (ideally Debian), and solid scripting skills. Experience in regulated environments or embedded systems is a plus.

• Start Date: 01.06.26
• Contract Duration: 1 year contract (with the possibility of extension)
• Contract Type: Contracting
• Work Location: Aargau
• Workload: 80-100 %
• Home Office: max. 50%

What You Will Do

• 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 Roche 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.

What We Are Looking For

• Deep, Hands-On Linux Mastery (10+ 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.

Nice to Have

• Proficiency in a systems programming language like C or C++.
• Experience with embedded systems, the ARM platform, hardware drivers, and low-level hardware/software integration.
• Knowledge of modern infrastructure: Virtualization (KVM), Containers (Docker, Kubernetes), CI/CD pipelines, and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform).
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS).

Does this sound like an exciting opportunity?

Then we look forward to receiving your complete application!