Remote opportunity at
CanonicalJunior Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu
Canonical, the publisher of the widely adopted Ubuntu operating system, seeks early-career professionals and recent university graduates for its kernel team. This full-time, remote position offers…
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About This Role
Canonical, the publisher of the widely adopted Ubuntu operating system, seeks early-career professionals and recent university graduates for its kernel team. This full-time, remote position offers the opportunity to build, maintain, and test Linux kernels utilized across cloud environments, embedded systems, desktop computers, and silicon platforms. Ideal candidates enjoy operating systems, write quality C code, and want to learn kernel-level software development alongside senior mentors. Team members operate in a…
Job Description
Canonical, the publisher of the widely adopted Ubuntu operating system, seeks early-career professionals and recent university graduates for its kernel team. This full-time, remote position offers the opportunity to build, maintain, and test Linux kernels utilized across cloud environments, embedded systems, desktop computers, and silicon platforms. Ideal candidates enjoy operating systems, write quality C code, and want to learn kernel-level software development alongside senior mentors.
Team members operate in a distributed environment spanning more than 75 countries, communicating professionally in English and gathering twice yearly for in-person international sprints. The role involves diagnosing and fixing bugs, handling third-party driver integration, contributing security updates, and collaborating with external manufacturers and upstream maintainers.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate proactively with a globally distributed engineering team
- Learn from senior mentors regarding the inner workings of the Linux kernel and distribution
- Partner with external silicon, cloud, and hardware manufacturer delivery teams
- Diagnose and resolve kernel issues reported by customers, the community, and internal testing
- Take personal responsibility for delivering various flavors of the Ubuntu Linux kernel
- Improve tooling and automation used for testing and delivering kernels
- Submit, review, and apply kernel patches alongside internal and external upstream maintainers
Requirements
- Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal English
- Programming experience utilizing C and/or Rust
- Familiarity with git or other version control practices
- Solid understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals
- Availability to travel globally twice a year for company events lasting up to two weeks
Qualifications
- Background in software engineering
- Interest and practical experience in Rust
- Proficiency in Python and Bash scripting
- Prior familiarity with Ubuntu, Debian, or Snap packaging
- Demonstrated experience in kernel debugging and patching
- Strong grasp of low-level system engineering, board support packages, and device drivers
Core Skills
Benefits
- Annual compensation reviews based on location, experience, and performance
- Performance-driven annual bonus or commission
- Distributed work model featuring twice-yearly in-person team gatherings
- Annual personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000
- Recognition rewards and annual holiday leave
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Access to a wellness platform and Team Member Assistance Program
- 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 as a globally distributed company with home-based teams and very few office-based roles.
What is the employment type?
This is a full-time position intended for prospective or recently graduated students and early career professionals.
Does the role require travel?
Yes, team members are required to travel internationally twice a year for up to two weeks at a time to attend company engineering events.
What salary is offered for this role?
The specific salary is not stated in the posting, though compensation is determined using geographical location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews.
Sample Interview Questions
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