diff --git a/host/python/uhd/rfnoc_utils/image_builder.py b/host/python/uhd/rfnoc_utils/image_builder.py
index 0fa382a819..434c9d9396 100644
--- a/host/python/uhd/rfnoc_utils/image_builder.py
+++ b/host/python/uhd/rfnoc_utils/image_builder.py
@@ -294,7 +294,7 @@ def build(fpga_top_dir, device, build_dir, use_secure_netlist, **args):
     os.chdir(fpga_top_dir)
     make_cmd = f'{BASH_EXECUTABLE} -c "{make_cmd}"'
     logging.info("Executing the following command: %s", make_cmd)
-    ret_val = os.system(make_cmd)
+    ret_val = subprocess.call(make_cmd, shell=True)
     if ret_val == 0 and args.get("secure_core"):
         patch_netlist_constraints(device, build_dir)
     os.chdir(cwd)