Remote opportunity at
CanonicalJunior Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu
Canonical provides open source software and enterprise operating systems, creating the Ubuntu platform utilized across public clouds, AI, data science, and IoT. The organization is a…
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About This Role
Canonical provides open source software and enterprise operating systems, creating the Ubuntu platform utilized across public clouds, AI, data science, and IoT. The organization is a profitable, founder-led enterprise operating with a distributed model where personnel work from home. The Canonical Kernel Team regularly recruits junior professionals to build, maintain, and support Linux kernels for Ubuntu across a wide range of architectures, from small embedded hardware to large cloud environments.…
Job Description
Canonical provides open source software and enterprise operating systems, creating the Ubuntu platform utilized across public clouds, AI, data science, and IoT. The organization is a profitable, founder-led enterprise operating with a distributed model where personnel work from home. The Canonical Kernel Team regularly recruits junior professionals to build, maintain, and support Linux kernels for Ubuntu across a wide range of architectures, from small embedded hardware to large cloud environments.
This position suits recent university graduates and early-career professionals eager to develop kernel-level software. During the first year, contributors handle initiatives involving silicon and cloud partner platforms, developer devices like Raspberry Pi and RISC-V, security hardening, and driver integration. Employees collaborate across a distributed environment and participate in twice-yearly in-person company gatherings.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate proactively with a globally distributed team
- Learn from senior mentors regarding Linux kernel internals and distribution methods
- Partner with external silicon, cloud, and hardware manufacturer delivery teams
- Diagnose and resolve kernel issues identified by customers, community members, or internal testing
- Take personal responsibility for delivering various flavors of the Ubuntu Linux kernel
- Enhance automation and tooling for the delivery and testing of kernels
- Submit, review, and apply kernel patches with upstream maintainers
Requirements
- Ability to communicate effectively in English through written and verbal channels
- Programming experience in C and/or Rust
- Familiarity with git version control practices
- Understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals
- Ability to travel twice annually for company events lasting up to two weeks
Qualifications
- Background in software engineering
- Recent university graduate or early career professional
- Interest and experience in Rust
- Proficiency in Python and Bash scripting
- Prior experience working with Ubuntu, Debian, or Snap packaging
- Demonstrated experience with kernel debugging and patching
- Strong grasp of low-level system engineering, device drivers, and BSPs
Core Skills
Benefits
- Performance-driven annual bonus or commission
- Annual compensation reviews
- Distributed work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints
- Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
- Recognition rewards
- Annual holiday leave
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Team Member Assistance Program and Wellness Platform
- Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long-haul company events
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers are based only on the employer’s listing; where it doesn’t say, neither do we.
Is this a remote position?
Yes, Canonical operates with a distributed model where most colleagues have worked from home since 2004, though team members travel globally twice a year for in-person events.
What is the employment type?
This is a full-time position intended for prospective or recently graduated students and early-career professionals.
What compensation and perks are included?
Compensation is shaped by location, experience, and performance, reviewed annually, and supplemented by a performance-driven bonus or commission. Additional benefits include a USD 2,000 annual learning budget, holiday leave, parental leave, wellness platforms, and travel upgrades.
What programming languages are required?
Applicants must have programming experience in C and/or Rust.
Sample Interview Questions
AI-generated questions tailored to this specific role — a preview of the full practice set.