Senior Embedded Linux & Security Software Engineer

Varughese George

Kanata, ON 613-***-**** *********.*******@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/varughesegeorge1 Software Engineer

Professional Summary

Embedded software and firmware engineer with 25+ years of experience building Linux kernel, Embedded Linux, RTOS, BSP, device-driver, platform-security, and endpoint-protection software across startup and enterprise environments. Deep expertise in Linux kernel development, board bring-up, system reliability, and security hardening across mobile, embedded, and enterprise platforms. Proven record supporting large Linux compatibility matrices, leading board bring-up and security hardening efforts, and sustaining high-quality releases through acquisitions, platform transitions, and major product lifecycles. Motivated and reliable professional with strong written and verbal communication skills. Collaborative team contributor who resolves issues effectively and adapts quickly with a growth mindset. Demonstrates leadership through initiative, accountability, and consistent follow-through. Committed to delivering high-quality work and supporting positive team outcomes.

Highlights: Linux kernel development • 6,000+ supported kernel versions • 7 Linux distributions • Android board bring-up • Secure boot • Endpoint protection • BSP and device-driver development across MQX and QNX RTOS environments.

Core Technical Skills

• Languages and Development: C programming, C++, Python, bash, Assembly, Linux kernel-space programming, POSIX APIs, object-oriented design, IPC, client/server architecture, GNU Make, CMake, and GDB.

• Embedded and Operating Systems: Embedded Linux, Linux kernel, RTOS, Android OS, QNX, Yocto, BB7OS, Precise/MQX, TI DSP/BIOS, and BlackBerry phone embedded systems.

• Kernel, BSP, and Drivers: Linux kernel development, Linux kernel drivers, device drivers, BSP development, board bring-up, SELinux policy, kernel security patches, and Grsecurity backports.

• Linux OS: Adapted custom kernel drivers across multiple Linux distribution releases, worked extensively in Linux command-line environments, and troubleshot system-level issues against current Linux releases.

• Security and Reliability: Endpoint protection systems development, secure boot, Linux kernel hardening, cryptography, denial-of-service mitigation, fault management, log collection, and reset-cause analysis.

• Networking and Protocols: TCP/IP, Ethernet, USB, PPPoE, OSPF, BGP, serial interfaces, and radio protocols.

• Tools and Platforms: Git, GitHub, GitLab, JIRA, Jenkins, Docker, AWS, Kubernetes, Perforce, SVN, Confluence, Eclipse IDE, Visual Studio Code, Windows, Linux, and UNIX.

• AI-Assisted Development: GitHub Copilot and Claude for code generation, debugging, and documentation.

• Hardware and Delivery: Hardware/software debugging, JTAG, emulators, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, schematic review, hardware lab environments, agile methodology, acceptance testing, and release support. Professional Experience

Senior Systems Software Developer II – Cylance EPP Endpoint Arctic Wolf Networks Canada Inc. Remote 02/2025 – 04/2026

• Led continued development and integration of Cylance EPP Linux endpoint software through Arctic Wolf’s acquisition, owning driver, agent, installer, build, and update components while maintaining release stability and product-roadmap continuity.

• Built maintainable production code and automated tests in CI/CD and agile workflows to support stable Linux endpoint releases.

Senior Systems Software Developer – Cylance EPP Endpoint BlackBerry Ottawa, ON 01/2019 – 01/2025

• Served as primary Linux developer for Cylance Protect driver, agent, installer, build, and updater components, maintaining support across approximately 6,000 kernel versions and 7 major Linux distributions while resolving complex compatibility and reliability issues across the supported matrix.

• Resolved Linux endpoint defects reported by testing and internal teams, improving reliability across supported deployment environments.

• Used Docker container technologies to compile, installer packages, and validate Linux kernel drivers for Debian and RPM-based distributions.

• Used AWS cloud infrastructure to test Cylance EPP Linux endpoint software across supported deployment environments.

Senior Systems Software Developer – BB Operating Systems & Security BlackBerry Ottawa, ON 08/2016 – 12/2018

• Led board bring-up for 4 BlackBerry Android devices and strengthened platform security by backporting Linux OS and Grsecurity patches across 2 kernels, advancing kernel hardening and reliability across the device portfolio.

• Created technical design and implementation documentation to support code review, maintainability, and cross-team development.

Senior Software Engineer Equiis Technologies Inc. 04/2016 – 06/2016

• Architected and implemented Android secure-boot software, establishing a hardware-rooted trust chain while applying cryptography, platform security, and Linux kernel hardening to shipping products. Senior Firmware Developer / Technical Lead / Intermediate Software Developer BlackBerry Ottawa, ON 05/2004 – 02/2016

• Architected reset-cause analysis and fault-management capabilities for BlackBerry PRIV, modifying Linux kernel components to capture diagnostic logs, accelerate root-cause analysis, and improve device stability.

• Leadership role for the BlackBerry 8350i program and delivered charging and power-management software that supported an on-time launch with zero reported field or verification issues.

• Delivered BlackBerry 10 OS development, QNX OS bring-up, manufacturing software support, and software integration to enable an on-time launch.

• Owned and maintained the iDEN software platform, engineering low-level device software, integrating Motorola radio-stack components, resolving field issues through carrier-log and source-code analysis, and freeing additional engineering resources for other initiatives. Software / Firmware Engineer Sigpro Wireless Inc. Ottawa, ON 03/2003 – 03/2004

• Designed and implemented boot firmware and USB driver functionality for a wireless processor reference platform based on SHARP7A400.

Software Engineer – RTOS Development & Advanced Internet Technologies ARC International / Precise Software Technologies Ottawa, ON 02/1998 – 12/2002

• Implemented board support packages and IP stack integrations across 5 processor platforms (MPC823, TI TMS32031, TMS320601 DSP, MPC860, and ColdFire MCF5272).

• Developed serial, Ethernet, and USB device drivers for MQX RTOS.

• Designed and integrated PPPoE protocol support with an embedded TCP/IP stack to enable a customer IP phone.

• Hardened the TCP/IP stack by implementing denial-of-service protections, including SYN flood and Smurf attack handling.

• Integrated OSPF and BGP routing with MQX RTOS and the IP stack, delivering customer functionality on time.

• Delivered customer support, defect resolution, and feature enhancements across RTOS, embedded TCP/IP stack, and device-driver products.

Education

• Bachelor of Engineering Science (BESc), Computer Engineering — University of Western Ontario, London, ON

1992 – 1996

• Diploma, Electronics Engineering Technologist — Lambton College, Sarnia, ON 1989 – 1992

Contact this candidate