Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement
Job description
Engineer role in the Canonical Kernel Team responsible for building, maintaining and distributing the Linux kernel for Ubuntu, integrating System on Chip (SoC) platform support from silicon partners. The role focuses on hardware-level integration, kernel issue resolution and delivery of silicon-optimized kernel variants.
At a glance
- Work mode
- Remote · Worldwide
- Languages
- English – professional
What you'll do
- Drive the integration of platform support from our silicon partners into the Ubuntu Linux kernel
- Lead the identification and resolution of complex kernel issues reported by partners, customers, or discovered through rigorous testing
- Own the delivery of distinct, silicon-optimized variants of the Ubuntu Linux kernel to the global community
- Develop and refine the tooling and automation required for the reliable delivery and testing of our kernels
- Manage the submission and review process for upstream patches, collaborating effectively with both internal and external maintainers
- Identify new methodologies and strategies for maximizing performance on partner silicon
- Collaborate proactively within a globally distributed engineering team to ensure cohesive outcomes across the organization
What we're looking for
- Proficiency in C programming, particularly for low-level system development
- A strong grasp of device drivers, BSPs, and other aspects of hardware-level system engineering
- Deep understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals
- Professional proficiency with Git for version control and collaborative development
- Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbal, within a professional context
- A professional approach to collaborating with business partners and the open-source community
- Ability to travel twice a year for company events of up to two weeks in length
Nice to have
- Experience with Python or Bash scripting for automation and tooling
- Prior experience working with major SoC families (e.g., NVIDIA, Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, MediaTek, Renesas)
- Familiarity with Ubuntu, Debian, or Snap packaging
- Demonstrated expertise in Linux kernel patching and debugging
- A deep understanding of performance optimization techniques for silicon platforms
Your team
Canonical Kernel Team
Responsible for the build, maintenance, and distribution of the Linux kernel for Ubuntu.
Benefits
- Home-based work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person
- 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
- Priority Pass, and travel upgrades for long haul company events
- Performance-driven annual bonus
Apply
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About Canonical
A pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source
Canonical is the company that publishes Ubuntu, one of the most important open source projects and the platform for AI, IoT and the cloud. Canonical has been a remote-first company since its inception in 2004.
Mission
To remain at the forefront of the global software ecosystem and change the world through open source
Key facts
- 2004
- Open source software
- Publishes Ubuntu, one of the most important open source projects
- Remote-first company since its inception in 2004
- Recruits on a global basis
Partners & customers
What they value
- Excellence
- Diversity
- Fairness