Systems Software Engineer

Job Title:

Systems Software Engineer - Android Power Management Job Description This systems software engineering role focuses on system-level power characterization, measurement, and optimization for platforms. You will work at the intersection of internals, the Linux kernel, and hardware power labs to improve power efficiency, battery life, and thermal behavior across complex embedded systems. The position is ideal for engineers who thrive in hands-on environments and enjoy solving challenging system-level power problems spanning firmware, kernel, framework, and thermal management layers. Responsibilities + Perform end-to-end system-level power characterization across idle, active, peak, and thermal-limited scenarios. + Set up, configure, and operate power measurement equipment, including bench power supplies, power analyzers, and oscilloscopes, for embedded and mobile platforms. + Execute hands-on power measurements and collect electrical data in hardware power labs. + Analyze battery life, peak power consumption, and thermal behavior at the system level, correlating electrical measurements with Android and Linux kernel traces. + Tune and optimize the power stack across framework, HAL, and kernel layers, including PowerManager, wakelocks, and related components. + Configure and refine Thermal HAL and thermal policies to balance performance, power, and device temperature. + Optimize CPU and GPU frequency scaling, governors, suspend and resume behavior, and idle states to improve power efficiency. + Debug complex power issues across the framework, HAL layers (Power, Thermal, Sensor), Linux kernel, and device drivers. + Trace issues across software layers and into hardware behavior to identify root causes and implement robust fixes. + Leverage Qualcomm internal measurement platforms to perform detailed system-level power characterization and tuning. + Collaborate closely with hardware, firmware, and platform engineering teams to align software optimizations with board-level and SoC-level power capabilities. + Interpret PCB schematics and embedded firmware behavior as part of system-level power analysis and optimization. + Use Android and Linux debugging tools such as ADB, dumpsys, logs, traces, and kernel instrumentation to investigate power and thermal issues. + Communicate findings, trade-offs, and recommendations clearly to cross-functional partners and influence platform-level decisions. + Drive continuous improvements in power efficiency, battery life, and thermal stability through experimentation and data-driven decision making. Essential Skills + 5+ years of experience in system software, embedded Linux, or system-level software development. + Proficiency in C and C++ across kernel and user space for Android and Linux-based systems. + Proven experience performing end-to-end power characterization across idle, active, peak, and thermal-limited scenarios. + Ability to analyze battery life, peak power, and thermal behavior at the system level. + Hands-on experience using bench power supplies, power analyzers, and oscilloscopes for embedded or mobile systems. + Experience correlating electrical measurements with software activity, system states, and Android or Linux kernel traces. + Deep expertise in Android power management, including tuning and debugging PowerManager, wakelocks, and related mechanisms. + Strong knowledge of Thermal HAL and thermal policies, including configuration and tuning for power and thermal balance. + Experience with CPU and GPU frequency scaling, governors, suspend and resume behavior, and idle states in Linux. + Strong cross-layer debugging skills spanning framework, HAL layers (Power, Thermal, Sensor), Linux kernel, and device drivers. + Experience with Qualcomm-based platforms, including platform bring-up, power optimization, and tuning. + Expertise using Linux debugging tools such as ADB, dumpsys, logs, traces, and kernel instrumentation. + Demonstrated ability to correlate software traces with physical power measurements. + Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root-cause investigation skills. + Clear technical communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems, or a related field. + Experience working with embedded firmware and understanding its impact on system-level power behavior. + Familiarity with PCB schematics and board-level design considerations relevant to power and thermal characteristics. + Experience in SoC architecture and power systems for mobile or embedded platforms. + Interest in continuous learning across Android internals, embedded Linux, SoC architecture, and power systems. + Ability to operate with high technical autonomy while taking ownership of complex system-level problems. Work Environment You will work in an engineering-driven, problem-solving focused environment that values deep technical expertise and hands-on experimentation. The role combines lab-based work with extensive software debugging, giving you direct ownership of real power measurements rather than relying solely on software metrics. You will collaborate closely with hardware, firmware, and platform engineers and have high visibility into platform-level decisions. The culture emphasizes ownership, experimentation, and data-driven decision making, with strong support for continuous learning across embedded Linux, SoC architecture, and power systems. Work may be on-site or hybrid, depending on lab access needs and the requirements of power measurement equipment and hardware collaboration. We reserve the right to pay above or below the posted wage based on factors unrelated to sex, race, or any other protected classification. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. This temporary role may be eligible for the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• 401(k)/Roth
• Insurance (Basic/Supplemental Life & AD&D)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health & Dependent Care Spending Accounts (HSA & DCFSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program .

Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Bellevue, WA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $160000.00 - $180000.00/yr. 17 vacation days per year 5 sick days per year medical, dental, vision The company does an annual trip that is similar to our contest trip except the company doesn't cover significant others. However, the employee can fly their significant other in prior to the strip starting or after the trip concludes to extend their stay. They also have a chance to earn a "bonus" based on what they bill to the client Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Bellevue,WA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 26, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.