Job Description
Job Description
Systems Debug Engineer – PCIe & Linux Kernel
3 month minimum contract w/ possible extensions
Milpitas, CA- 100% onsite M-F
Pay Rate: $60-$66
There's possible overtime which requires pre-approval from hiring manager.
Key Points
This role is responsible for validating products prior to release, ensuring quality and performance requirements are met. The ideal candidate has strong Linux and Linux Kernel expertise, with the ability to debug complex system-level issues. Responsibilities include investigating product defects, identifying root causes, and supporting the company's in-house testing infrastructure to improve product reliability and test coverage.
Role Summary: Responsible for diagnosing, debugging, and resolving PCIe, Linux kernel, and system-level issues on internal test platforms. Work closely with hardware, firmware, software, and validation teams to identify root causes, improve system stability, and support new platform development.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Investigate and debug PCIe-related issues, including link training failures, enumeration problems, bandwidth limitations, hot-plug events, AER errors, and device communication failures.
2. Analyze Linux kernel logs, crash dumps, kernel panics, driver issues, and performance bottlenecks to determine root causes.
3. Develop and execute debug plans using tools such as lspci, dmesg, kernel tracing, PCIe protocol analyzers, and logic analyzers.
4. Perform root cause analysis (RCA) and drive corrective actions across hardware, firmware, BIOS, kernel, and application layers.
5. Work with internal tester platforms involving PCIe switches, NVMe devices, custom hardware, and embedded controllers.
6. Collaborate with HW, FW, BIOS, and SW teams to reproduce issues, validate fixes, and improve platform reliability.
7. Create debug documentation, test procedures, and troubleshooting guides for engineering teams.
8. Support system bring-up, qualification, and production readiness activities for new tester platforms. Required Qualifications:
1. Strong understanding of PCIe architecture, protocol, and troubleshooting methodologies.
2. Experience with Linux kernel debugging, device drivers, and system-level diagnostics.
3. Proficiency in Linux command-line tools and scripting (Python, Bash, or similar).
4. Experience analyzing kernel logs, crash dumps, and system traces.
5. Knowledge of BIOS/UEFI, hardware bring-up, and platform validation.
6. Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Experience with NVMe/SSD systems and PCIe switches.
2. Familiarity with protocol analyzers, oscilloscopes, and hardware debug tools.
3. Experience supporting high-performance computing, storage, or test equipment platforms.
4. Understanding of Linux kernel internals and driver development.
Education
Formal college degree is required.