H-1B Visa Linux Software Engineer Jobs
Linux Software Engineers are among the most consistently sponsored H-1B visa roles in the U.S. tech sector, with demand concentrated in cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, and kernel development. Employers filing LCAs for these roles typically classify them under SOC codes tied to software developers, which means your degree field and job duties both need to align clearly with a specialty occupation.
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INTRODUCTION
Cullerton Group is seeking an experienced Senior FPGA / Embedded Linux Engineer to support a leading manufacturer of advanced automated inspection and precision technology equipment. This position focuses on migrating an existing embedded processing and control platform from the Ultra96-V2 development board to the AMD Kria KR260 Robotics Starter Kit. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with AMD/Xilinx FPGA and SoC platforms, embedded Linux development, and hardware/software integration. Experience migrating FPGA designs and embedded applications between hardware platforms is highly desirable.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the migration of an existing embedded system from Ultra96-V2 to AMD Kria KR260.
- Review and modify FPGA designs, embedded applications, and hardware interfaces.
- Develop, configure, and integrate embedded Linux environments on AMD/Xilinx SoC platforms.
- Develop and debug FPGA logic using VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog.
- Adapt embedded C/C++ applications, Linux device drivers, and hardware interfaces.
- Troubleshoot FPGA, embedded Linux, and hardware/software integration issues.
- Perform board bring-up, system-level testing, and performance validation.
- Identify and resolve compatibility and integration challenges.
- Collaborate with engineering teams and document migration activities and validation results.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of experience in FPGA development, embedded systems, or related engineering.
- Strong hands-on FPGA design, development, and debugging experience.
- Experience with AMD/Xilinx FPGA or Zynq SoC platforms.
- Hands-on experience developing or integrating embedded Linux.
- Proficiency in FPGA development tools and hardware/software integration.
- Experience troubleshooting embedded processors, programmable logic, and hardware interfaces.
- Strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently on complex engineering projects.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with Ultra96-V2 or AMD Kria KR260 development boards.
- Experience migrating or porting FPGA/SoC applications between hardware platforms.
- Proficiency with AMD/Xilinx Vivado, Vitis, and PetaLinux.
- Experience with VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog.
- Strong embedded C/C++ programming skills.
- Experience with Linux device drivers, Yocto, BSP development, or board bring-up.
- Familiarity with Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC architectures.
- Experience with FPGA-based sensor interfaces, data acquisition, or digital signal processing.
- Background in industrial automation, machine vision, automated inspection, or precision instrumentation.
COMPENSATION
- W2: $75–$100 per hour
- C2C: $95–$125 per hour
- Employment Type: Contract / Project-Based
LOCATION
Location: Chicago, IL (Remote candidates considered)
Apply Today
If you have hands-on experience with AMD/Xilinx FPGA platforms, embedded Linux, and embedded hardware migration, we encourage you to apply or connect with Cullerton Group to learn more.
Hiring #FPGA #EmbeddedLinux #EmbeddedSystems #Xilinx #AMD #Zynq #Vivado #Vitis #PetaLinux #FPGAEngineer #RemoteJobs #EngineeringJobs
See all 50+ H-1B Visa Linux Software Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Linux Software Engineer
Align your resume to SOC codes
Linux Software Engineer roles are typically filed under software developer SOC codes. Review the O*NET occupation profile for your target title and mirror its language in your resume so your duties match what the employer certifies on the LCA.
Verify prevailing wage before negotiating
Run your target job title, location, and experience level through the OFLC Wage Search before your first offer call. Your employer's LCA must certify at least the prevailing wage, so knowing Level I through Level IV ranges gives you a real floor to negotiate from.
Target E-Verify enrolled employers early
If you're on OPT or cap-gap, you must work for an E-Verify enrolled employer for STEM OPT eligibility. Confirm enrollment during the recruiter screen, not after an offer, since switching employers mid-process resets your timeline.
Search H-1B filing history on Migrate Mate
Filter by Linux or systems engineering roles on Migrate Mate to see which employers have active LCA filing history for this occupation. That data tells you which companies have actually sponsored the role, not just which ones say they're open to it.
Request premium processing before your start date
USCIS standard H-1B adjudication can run several months. If your OPT expires before your H-1B start date, ask your employer to file with premium processing. The 15-business-day guarantee reduces status gap risk for roles with hard project deadlines.
Document proprietary kernel or system work carefully
USCIS RFEs for Linux roles often challenge whether the position requires a specific degree rather than general IT skills. Your employer's support letter should describe the complexity of your kernel, driver, or system architecture work in concrete technical terms, not just job titles.
H-1B Visa Linux Software Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Linux Software Engineer roles qualify as H-1B specialty occupations?
Yes, provided the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as computer science, electrical engineering, or computer engineering. Generic IT support or systems administration roles can face RFEs if the employer's job description doesn't establish that a specific technical degree is a minimum requirement. The more the role involves kernel development, device drivers, or complex systems architecture, the stronger the specialty occupation argument.
Which employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas for Linux Software Engineers?
Cloud infrastructure providers, semiconductor companies, defense contractors, and enterprise software firms are the most consistent sponsors for Linux-focused roles. Embedded systems and networking hardware companies also file regularly because Linux expertise is core to their product development, not peripheral. Use Migrate Mate to browse employers with verified LCA filing history specifically for software engineering and systems roles, so you're targeting companies that have actually sponsored the position before.
How does the H-1B cap lottery affect Linux Software Engineer job offers?
Most Linux Software Engineer positions at for-profit companies are subject to the annual H-1B cap and lottery, which opens each April for an October 1 start date. If you're not selected, your status and work authorization don't begin until the next lottery cycle. Some employers at universities, nonprofit research institutions, or cap-exempt organizations can file outside the lottery, so it's worth confirming cap status during the offer process.
What happens to my H-1B if I switch from one Linux role to another employer?
H-1B portability under AC21 lets you start working for a new employer as soon as they file a new H-1B petition, as long as your prior petition was approved and you've been in valid H-1B status for at least 180 days. The new employer must file before your current status expires. If the SOC code or job duties change significantly, USCIS treats it as a new petition rather than a straightforward transfer.
What documentation does my employer need to support an H-1B petition for this role?
Your employer needs a certified LCA from DOL, an I-129 petition, and a support letter that describes the specific technical duties of the Linux role and explains why a bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or computer science field is required. For roles involving proprietary kernel work or embedded firmware, the support letter should detail the complexity of the systems involved. USCIS may also request evidence of your academic credentials, particularly if your degree is from a non-U.S. institution.