Free Software Foundation Hiring Engineering & Certification Manager – Fully Remote | Salary: $83,034/Year

The Free Software Foundation (FSF) is inviting applications for an Engineering and Certification Manager to help lead its Respects Your Freedom (RYF) certification programme and advance initiatives focused on computer user freedom. This is a senior technical opportunity suited to an experienced professional with strong expertise in hardware systems, firmware, reverse engineering and free software principles.

The FSF is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit organisation with a worldwide mission to promote the freedom of computer users to use, study, copy, modify and redistribute software. The organisation is seeking a technically strong professional who can combine deep engineering knowledge with programme leadership, stakeholder engagement and clear communication.

Engineering and Certification Manager Role

The Engineering and Certification Manager will report directly to the FSF Executive Director and serve as a senior technical authority within the organisation.

A major part of the role will involve managing and growing the Respects Your Freedom (RYF) programme. RYF focuses on evaluating hardware products against certification requirements designed to protect users’ freedom and control over their devices.

The successful candidate will work closely with the FSF’s management, technology and licensing teams. They will also engage with hardware vendors, community members and partner organisations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing technical and strategic direction for the RYF programme.
• Managing relationships with vendors, community members and partner organisations.
• Overseeing hardware product submissions and certification reviews.
• Conducting hands-on technical assessments.
• Ensuring certification decisions are complete and well documented.
• Representing the FSF through technical communication and public engagement.
• Supporting other technical and organisational initiatives as required.

Who Should Apply?

This position is designed for an experienced technical professional with approximately 7–10 years of relevant professional experience.

Candidates should have a strong background in engineering and practical experience working with hardware and software systems. The FSF is particularly interested in applicants who understand how devices operate beyond their advertised specifications.

Experience examining boot processes, analysing firmware and reverse engineering hardware systems will be particularly valuable. Candidates should also be comfortable working with incomplete technical information and asking detailed questions to determine whether users retain meaningful control over the software running on a device.

The role also requires someone who can work independently while coordinating effectively with multiple stakeholders and technical teams.

Technical Skills and Experience

Applicants should demonstrate practical knowledge of several important technical areas.

These include:

• Hardware architecture and systems.
• Firmware and boot processes.
• Reverse engineering and technical analysis.
• Free software principles.
• FSF licensing guidance.
• Technical issue and task management.
• Coordination between technical, legal and licensing teams.
• Assessing whether software can be built or reproduced using free software tools.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are also important. The successful candidate will need to explain complex technical concepts clearly to colleagues, partners and the wider public.

Fully Remote Working Opportunity

The Free Software Foundation operates as a fully remote organisation, making this opportunity attractive to experienced technical professionals who prefer distributed working environments.

Although the position is ideally full-time and US-based, the organisation states that exceptions may be made for qualified candidates.

Because the FSF has a relatively small team, employees are expected to make a meaningful contribution across their areas of responsibility. The organisation describes its working environment as humane while acknowledging the importance of hard work and individual contribution.

Salary and Benefits

The Engineering and Certification Manager position offers a fixed annual salary of $83,034.

The position is also a union role and comes with a range of benefits, including:

• Flexible and remote working.
• Individual or family health coverage.
• Subsidised dental insurance.
• Four weeks of paid annual vacation.
• 17 paid holidays.
• Public transportation reimbursement.
• 403(b) retirement programme with employer matching.
• Annual cost-of-living increases based on applicable guidelines.
• Healthcare expense reimbursement.
• Ergonomic equipment support.
• Conference travel and professional development opportunities.
• Potential annual performance bonus.

These benefits make the position particularly appealing to experienced engineers seeking to combine technical work with a mission-driven organisation.

How to Apply

Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Applicants must submit their materials by email to the FSF recruitment address using the subject line “Engineering and Certification Manager.”

A complete application should include:

• A cover letter.
• A resume.
• Three samples demonstrating technical achievements in software development or hardware design.

Examples of suitable technical samples may include code, hardware schematics, PCB designs or other relevant engineering work.

Applicants should ensure that all materials follow the organisation’s requested formats and application instructions, as incomplete applications may be overlooked.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

The Engineering and Certification Manager role offers more than a conventional engineering position. It provides an opportunity for an experienced technical professional to contribute to a global movement focused on software freedom, user control and ethical technology.

For candidates with extensive experience in reverse engineering, firmware analysis, hardware systems and free software, this position provides an opportunity to apply those skills to a broader social mission.

Professionals who are passionate about technology, digital rights and user freedom may find this an especially meaningful opportunity to combine technical expertise with advocacy and programme leadership.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so qualified candidates should prepare their application materials and apply as soon as possible.

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