Senior Linux Distribution Engineer (Debian) – 80–100%

Swisslinx is seeking an experienced Linux Distribution Engineer for a technically demanding opportunity with a leading international healthcare organisation.
Senior Linux Distribution Engineer (Debian) – 80–100%
Job description:
Engineer, maintain and optimise a customised Debian-based Linux distribution.
Customise Linux kernels and support hardware-driver integration.
Create, patch and maintain Debian packages, including dependency and lifecycle management.
Improve the infrastructure and processes used to build, test and release the operating-system platform.
Ensure builds and releases are reliable, repeatable and maintainable.
Investigate complex technical issues spanning hardware, drivers, the kernel and application layers.
Perform structured root-cause analysis and implement sustainable solutions.
Advise internal development teams on the effective use of the Linux platform.
Identify and deliver improvements in security, performance, automation and engineering processes.
About the customer:
You will help engineer and improve a customised Debian-based Linux platform supporting highly reliable healthcare technology. This is a senior, hands-on position offering substantial technical ownership across Linux distribution engineering, packaging, automation, hardware integration and complex systems troubleshooting.
Our client is a leading global organisation operating at the intersection of healthcare and technology. Its multidisciplinary engineering teams develop dependable software and hardware platforms for use in demanding, quality-focused environments.
Requirements:
Extensive senior-level, hands-on Linux engineering experience (10+ years)
Proven experience building, modifying or maintaining a customised Linux distribution.
Strong Debian expertise, including creating, patching and maintaining .deb packages.
Sound knowledge of Debian dependencies, packaging policies and associated best practices.
Strong Python and shell-scripting capability.
Good understanding of operating-system fundamentals, including processes, memory and filesystems.
Experience with software build systems such as make and CMake.
Understanding of the complete build, testing, packaging and release lifecycle.
Strong low-level troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills.
A proactive and structured approach, with the ability to work independently and identify improvements.
Advanced professional English and the ability to explain complex technical subjects clearly.
Nice to have:
C or C++ systems-programming experience.
Embedded Linux, ARM or board support package experience.
Knowledge of hardware drivers and low-level hardware/software integration.
Experience with KVM or comparable virtualisation technologies.
Exposure to Docker, Kubernetes or other container platforms.
Experience implementing modern CI/CD pipelines.
Knowledge of Terraform or other infrastructure-as-code tools.
Exposure to AWS or another cloud platform.
German-language capability.
Compensation benefits:
An initial 12-month engagement, with the possibility of extension.
A flexible workload of 80–100%.
Hybrid working, with approximately 50% onsite attendance in Central Switzerland and home-office options.
Flexible working hours within a standard working schedule.
No regular travel requirement.
A technically influential role within an international, multidisciplinary engineering environment.
The opportunity to improve a foundational Linux platform supporting meaningful healthcare technology.
A planned start as soon as possible, subject to candidate availability.
If you are an experienced Linux engineer with genuine Debian distribution and packaging expertise, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Please apply through Swisslinx or contact us for a confidential discussion about the opportunity, technical environment and engagement arrangements.