Application Guide

How to Apply for Embedded Linux Engineer - Platform Software

at Charge Point

๐Ÿข About Charge Point

ChargePoint is the world's largest open EV charging network, powering the transition to electric mobility with over 200,000 charging spots. Working here means contributing to a sustainable future with cutting-edge technology in a rapidly growing industry.

About This Role

As an Embedded Linux Engineer on the Platform Software team, you'll architect and implement the core software that powers ChargePoint's charging stations, from kernel drivers to wireless connectivity. Your work directly enables reliable, secure, and scalable EV charging infrastructure.

๐Ÿ’ก A Day in the Life

You'll start by reviewing overnight automated test results, then dive into coding a new kernel driver for a sensor. After a stand-up with hardware engineers to discuss pin mappings, you'll debug a Wi-Fi connectivity issue in the field, and end the day by reviewing a colleague's pull request for a BSP update.

๐ŸŽฏ Who Charge Point Is Looking For

  • Proven 2+ years of hands-on experience with embedded Linux BSP, including custom board bring-up, U-Boot, kernel, and device drivers.
  • Deep expertise in C/C++ with a track record of shipping production code in Linux/RTOS environments.
  • Strong familiarity with communication protocols (CAN, RS-232/485, I2C, SPI, Ethernet) and wireless stacks (LTE, Wi-Fi, BLE).
  • Experience using build systems like Buildroot, Yocto, or similar, along with Git, GCC, Make, and CMake.

๐Ÿ“ Tips for Applying to Charge Point

1

Highlight any experience with EV charging protocols (e.g., OCPP, CHAdeMO, CCS) or power electronics communication.

2

In your resume, explicitly list the Linux subsystems you've worked on (e.g., USB, GPIO, I2C, SPI, PCIe) and tools like Buildroot/Yocto.

3

Tailor your cover letter to mention how your work on reliability or security in embedded systems aligns with ChargePoint's mission.

4

Include a link to a GitHub repo or project that shows your embedded Linux work (e.g., a custom kernel module or BSP).

5

Mention any experience with CI/CD pipelines for embedded firmware testing or automated testing frameworks.

โœ‰๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your passion for sustainable energy and EV infrastructure.', 'Showcase specific projects where you architected or optimized Linux BSP for custom hardware.', 'Highlight cross-functional collaboration with hardware and software teams to define APIs and specifications.', 'Demonstrate your mentoring or code review experience to show leadership potential.']

Generate Cover Letter โ†’

๐Ÿ” Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • โ†’ Read ChargePoint's engineering blog posts (if any) or press releases about their hardware platform.
  • โ†’ Understand the OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) standard and how it applies to their chargers.
  • โ†’ Learn about ChargePoint's network architecture: cloud-connected chargers vs. standalone operation.
  • โ†’ Check out their open-source contributions on GitHub or any community forums they participate in.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Explain how you would bring up a new custom board: from U-Boot to kernel to root filesystem.
2 Describe a time you debugged a tricky kernel panic or device driver issue.
3 How do you ensure real-time performance in a Linux-based embedded system?
4 Walk through your experience with CAN bus: how would you design a driver for an EV charger?
5 How do you handle secure boot or firmware updates in an embedded Linux device?
Practice Interview Questions โ†’

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't apply without embedded Linux experienceโ€”this role is not for application-level or web developers.
  • Avoid generic statements like 'I love technology'; instead, show specific knowledge of EV charging systems.
  • Don't neglect to mention your experience with build systems (Buildroot/Yocto)โ€”it's a key requirement.

๐Ÿ“… Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

โœ“

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Charge Point!