Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement
Ubuntu Linux is already the most popular Linux distribution in the world, and its mission is to remain at the forefront of the global software ecosystem. As the industry evolves, we are expanding our support for a wider array of System on Chip (SoC) platforms to ensure that every user receives a high-performance and reliable experience. There is growing and vital demand from major silicon manufacturers such as NVIDIA, AMD, Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Renesas to provide Ubuntu Linux as the foundational platform for their next-generation hardware.
The Canonical Kernel Team is responsible for the build, maintenance, and distribution of the Linux kernel for Ubuntu. We are looking for engineers who share our passion for building high-quality, robust software foundations that others can rely upon. This role sits at a critical junction in the software stack, ensuring that the underlying hardware is seamlessly integrated, optimized and prepared to meet the demands of modern computing.
While direct experience with the Linux kernel would be an advantage, it is not a hard requirement. Candidates with RTOS or bare-metal experience and demonstrable hardware experience are encouraged to apply.
We welcome applications from engineers at various stages of their careers, from those beginning their journey in hardware-level development to seasoned industry veterans.
Location
This is a globally remote role.
What the role entails
- 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 are looking for in you
- 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 skills
- 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
What we offer you
We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually (and more often for graduates and associates) 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, which reflect our values and ideals. We balance our programs to meet local needs and ensure fairness globally.
- 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
About Canonical
Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the company that publishes Ubuntu, one of the most important open source projects and the platform for AI, IoT and the cloud, we are changing the world on a daily basis. We recruit on a global basis and set a very high standard for people joining the company. We expect excellence - in order to succeed, we need to be the best at what we do. Canonical has been a remote-first company since its inception in 2004. Working here is a step into the future, and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.
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 work environment and better products.
Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.
#LI-remote
Skills
As published by greenhouse · 18 questions · 5 written answers
Basics
First Name, Last Name, Email, Phone, Resume/CV, Cover Letter
Short answers (2)
- Website optional
- LinkedIn Profile optional
Pick from a list (11)
- During this application process I agree to use only my own words. I understand that plagiarism, the use of AI or other generated content will disqualify my application.
- How did you perform in mathematics at high school?
- How did you perform in your native language at high school?
- Are you comfortable using your own computer running Ubuntu?
- We require all colleagues to meet in person 2-4 times a year, at internal company events lasting between 1-2 weeks. We try to pick new and interesting locations that will likely require international travel and entry requirement visas and vaccinations. Are you willing and able to commit to this?
- Please confirm that you have read and agree to Canonical's Recruitment Privacy Notice and Privacy Policy.
- In which country do you currently work?
- In the past ten years, looking only at the time since you graduated your first undergraduate degree, how many companies have you worked for?
- Which gender do you identify as?
- Please indicate your nationality:
- Please indicate your race or ethnicity:
Written answers (5)
- Please share your rationale or evidence for the high school performance selections above. Make reference to provincial, state or nation-wide scoring systems, rankings, or recognition awards, or to competitive or selective college entrance results such as SAT or ACT scores, JAMB, matriculation results, IB results etc. We recognise every system is different but we will ask you to justify your selections above.
- What was your bachelor's university degree result, or expected result if you have not yet graduated? Please include the grading system to help us understand your result e.g. ‘85 out of 100’, ‘2:1 (Grading system: first class, 2:1, 2:2, third class)’ or ‘GPA score of 3.8/4.0 (predicted)’. We have hired outstanding individuals who did not attend or complete university. If this describes you, please continue with your application and enter ‘no degree’.
- Please summarise any experience you have in HW level programming. What platform(s)? To what extent? optional
- Please summarise any experience you have working in operating system kernels. Which kernel(s)? To what extent? optional
- If you have made direct contributions to Linux kernel mainline or other open source projects, please provide links here. optional