Linux System Engineer (m/f/d)  

As a first-tier supplier to our renowned business partner Roche Diagnostics in Rotkreuz, we are currently looking for a motivated and dedicated Linux System Engineer for a temporary assignment of 12 months, with possibility of extension.

Roche has a specialized team of software and hardware experts at the heart of their medical instrument development. They build and own "Roche Linux", a purpose-built, Debian-based platform that powers the next generation of medical devices. The company is seeking a senior engineer to join this team, someone who combines deep technical mastery with a passion for craftsmanship and a relentless drive to make things better. In this role, you will be a core contributor and consultant, ensuring the foundational operating system is robust, secure, and perfectly tailored to the demanding world of MedTech.

The perfect candidate is a systems thinker who effortlessly grasps the big picture and understands how individual components interact to form a cohesive, reliable whole. Driven by an innate curiosity, you are never satisfied with surface-level explanations; instead, you are a pragmatic problem-solver who uses a logical, structured mindset to independently track down root causes. Rather than waiting for direction, you are a proactive contributor who spots areas for improvement and takes the initiative to elevate the entire team. Finally, you are an excellent communicator with advanced English skills, fully capable of translating complex technical concepts into clear insights for both engineering peers and non-technical stakeholders alike.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Architect and Engineer the Core OS Platform: Take ownership of the custom Debian-based distribution. This includes everything from kernel customization and driver integration to the creation, maintenance, and optimization of Debian packages.
• Master the Build and Release Pipeline: Evolve and improve the infrastructure and processes used to build, test, and release the Linux distribution, ensuring reliability and reproducibility.
• Be the Ultimate Escalation Point: Act as the go-to expert for complex, low-level system issues. Perform deep-dive troubleshooting, debugging, and root-cause analysis across both software and hardware.
• Consult and Empower Development Teams: Guide internal project teams on how to best leverage the Roche Linux platform.
• Proactively Drive Improvement: Constantly seek out opportunities to enhance the distribution, tools, and processes. Whether it's improving system performance, strengthening security, or automating a complex workflow, you will be expected to identify needs and champion solutions.

Must-Haves

• Deep, Hands-On Linux Mastery (10+ years): You are a seasoned professional who is comfortable across the entire Linux stack.
• Custom Distribution Engineering: Proven, extensive experience building, modifying, or maintaining a customized Linux distribution, with a strong preference for Debian (e.g., using tools like debootstrap, molior, aptly).
• Expertise in Debian Packaging: You don't just apt-get install. You can create, patch, and maintain .deb packages from scratch, understanding policy, dependencies and best practices.
• Strong Scripting and Automation Skills: Fluency in Python and Shell scripting is essential for building tools and automating system tasks.
• Fundamental Systems Knowledge: A solid grasp of operating system theory (process management, memory, filesystems), software build systems (make, CMake), and the full testing and packaging lifecycle.
• Advanced English is mandatory; German is a welcome bonus.

Nice-to-Haves

• Proficiency in a systems programming language like C or C++.
• Experience with embedded systems, the ARM platform, hardware drivers, and low-level hardware/software integration.
• Knowledge of modern infrastructure: Virtualization (KVM), Containers (Docker, Kubernetes), CI/CD pipelines, and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform).
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS).

Benefits

• Become part of one of the most prestigious pharmaceutical companies and actively shape the future of healthcare
• Experience a work culture that promotes diversity and inclusion and where all employees feel valued
• Work on a state-of-the-art campus featuring green spaces, meeting areas, and an inspiring atmosphere
• Work with modern and up-to-date tools in an innovative work environment
• Start with a professional onboarding process and a thorough introduction to your new role during the Welcome Days
• Benefit from financial support for your professional development plans
• Enjoy a selection of high-quality meals in modern staff restaurants
• As part of a sustainable mobility concept, on-site parking spaces are available to you
• Take advantage of unbeatable, year-round discounts at renowned retailers and over 200 top brands
• Benefit from fleet discounts when purchasing new cars or receive constant fuel discounts

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