Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer

Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement

Join to apply for the Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement role at Canonical.

Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement

Ubuntu Linux is the most popular Linux distribution, and Canonical is expanding silicon enablement to support more System On Chip (SoC) platforms natively and optimise performance for users. The Canonical Kernel Team, responsible for the build, maintenance, and distribution of the Linux kernel for Ubuntu, seeks individuals with a strong flair for software development at the hardware level and a passion for ensuring the silicon provides the best possible performance.

The successful candidate will show a strong aptitude for software engineering at the hardware level. Direct experience with the Linux kernel is advantageous but not a hard requirement for candidates with experience in other RTOS or bare-metal environments, provided direct hardware experience can be demonstrated.

There are work-from-home roles available worldwide; we are seeking experience levels from early career (a couple of years) to senior industry veterans.

What your day will look like

• Collaborate regularly and proactively with a globally distributed team
• Work with silicon vendor partners to integrate their platform support into the Ubuntu Linux kernel for their product ranges
• Diagnose and resolve kernel issues reported by partners, customers, community, and through rigorous testing
• Deliver silicon-optimised variants of the Ubuntu Linux kernel to the world
• Improve tooling and automation for delivery and testing of Ubuntu Linux kernels
• Submit, review, and apply kernel patches, collaborating with internal and external upstream maintainers
• Identify new means of maximising performance on partner silicon

What we are looking for in you

• Well-organised and motivated self-starter who thrives in a remote work environment
• Professional manner with colleagues, business partners, and the open-source community
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbal
• Significant programming ability in C
• Strong grasp of device drivers, BSPs, and other hardware-level system engineering
• Solid background with Git
• Understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals
• Ability to travel biannually for company events up to two weeks

Additional skills that you might also bring

• Python and Bash scripting ability
• Prior background with major SoC families
• Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging
• Demonstrated experience with Linux kernel patching and debugging
• Solid understanding of performance optimisation for silicon platforms

What we offer you

We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually to ensure we recognise outstanding performance. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus. We provide all team members with additional benefits reflecting our values and goals, balancing programs to meet local needs and ensure fairness globally.

• Home-based work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
• Annual compensation review
• Recognition rewards
• Annual holiday leave
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
• Travel upgrades for long-haul company events

About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the company that publishes Ubuntu, we drive open-source innovation across AI, IoT, and the cloud. Canonical is remote-first since 2004. We recruit on a global basis and set a high standard for people joining the company.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Information Technology

Industries

• Software Development

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