Embedded Systems / Kernel Engineer

$100–150/hr

rate as listed

Workload: 20+ hrs/week
Engagement: Project-based
Location: US
Field: STEM and Coding

Create and evaluate technical training tasks in embedded systems, firmware, kernel development, device drivers, RTOS behavior, or chip design. The work combines low-level engineering judgment with precise written solutions, rubrics, and feedback for AI model training.

The work

You will design difficult systems-level tasks, write reference solutions, evaluate proposed answers, and explain technical errors in writing. Topics may include memory management, concurrency, device drivers, firmware, RTOS behavior, hardware description, verification, correctness, safety, and performance. You may also help research and engineering teams identify gaps in AI model behavior and align evaluation standards with other subject matter experts.

Technical background

The role requires at least four years of dedicated professional experience in embedded systems, firmware, OS kernel engineering, or chip design at a recognized top-tier organization in semiconductors, operating systems, devices, automotive, or aerospace. Strong production C and/or C++ is required. Candidates must also have hands-on experience in at least one of these areas: Linux kernel or driver development, RTOS and firmware, or RTL design and verification. For the RTL path, the listed technologies are Verilog, SystemVerilog, VHDL, and UVM.

Screening focus

Expect an AI-led screen to ask for specific production examples and follow up on design decisions, failure modes, debugging evidence, and technical tradeoffs. Strong responses distinguish observed facts from assumptions, identify safety or performance risks, and show how a task or rubric would account for edge cases rather than accepting a superficially plausible solution.

Logistics

This is a W-2 employment position with Cincinnatus LLC, which serves as employer of record for placement with an AI lab. The required commitment is at least 20 hours per week during weekdays. The listing does not specify whether the work is remote, whether hours are fully asynchronous, or what daily overlap is required, so candidates should confirm those details during the process.

Pay band: $100–150/hr

What they look for

4+ years of professional embedded systems, firmware, OS kernel, or chip design experience
Production C and/or C++ for resource-constrained or performance-critical systems
Hands-on Linux kernel or driver, RTOS and firmware, or RTL design and verification experience
Technical evaluation across correctness, safety, and performance
Clear written explanations of low-level engineering decisions
Demonstrable career progression

Included with this listing

Interview prep — 10 questions

Matched to what this platform's screening actually measures. Answer each out loud in 60–90 seconds: claim → concrete example → implication.

What it tests: This tests whether your work history shows sustained domain experience, increasing ownership, and direct responsibility for production systems rather than occasional exposure.
A strong answer: Give a chronological account with employers or product contexts, your exact responsibilities, and how your ownership grew. Identify at least one production outcome that can be verified through the scope, artifacts, or technical details you provide.
Where people lose it: Candidates lose points by listing technologies without distinguishing what they personally designed, implemented, reviewed, or debugged.

Summary, eligibility guidance and screening preparation are prepared by Sidequest from the platform's posting. Check the source listing before applying.

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