Remote opportunity at
CanonicalKernel Build Automation Engineer - Ubuntu Linux
Canonical, which publishes Ubuntu Linux, wants a senior engineer to head an initiative that simplifies building and configuring the Ubuntu Linux kernel simpler and more automated.…
Career Tools
About This Role
Canonical, which publishes Ubuntu Linux, wants a senior engineer to head an initiative that simplifies building and configuring the Ubuntu Linux kernel simpler and more automated. The aim is to make it easier to distribute kernels tailored to each customer's specific system needs. It is home-based, covering the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions. The engineer takes the initiative from concept through to delivery, designs and implements an advanced automated…
Job Description
Canonical, which publishes Ubuntu Linux, wants a senior engineer to head an initiative that simplifies building and configuring the Ubuntu Linux kernel simpler and more automated. The aim is to make it easier to distribute kernels tailored to each customer's specific system needs. It is home-based, covering the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions.
The engineer takes the initiative from concept through to delivery, designs and implements an advanced automated build control system, and works with other engineering teams so that it fits into the Canonical ecosystem. The work calls for digging into kbuild, kconfig and make to find the best answer to each problem, and for proposing new approaches to kernel build roadblocks and taking them through to upstream acceptance.
The posting seeks an experienced engineer whose experience spans much of the software stack, who can hold to strict project schedules, and who pays close attention to detail. Prior kernel internals experience is welcome but not required. A deeper understanding of the build system than running make from the command line is essential, along with advanced git and kernel patching skills.
Responsibilities
- Direct the creation and rollout of a sophisticated automated kernel build control system
- Coordinate with peer engineering groups to roll it out across the Canonical ecosystem
- Investigate kbuild, kconfig and make to find the best solution to each issue
- Put forward novel answers to kernel build obstacles and push them toward upstream adoption
Requirements
- Significant programming ability in Python
- Demonstrated experience patching and configuring the Linux kernel
- Practical familiarity with kconfig plus git
- Clear communication in English, in writing and speech
- Experience with open-source tooling for bespoke Linux distros, e.g., Yocto or buildroot
Qualifications
- Strong C skills
- JavaScript or Go programming ability
- Experience writing CLI tools, including interacting with REST APIs
- Experience building CI/CD pipelines and automating processes
- Experience with software packaging formats; Ubuntu, Debian or Snap experience is highly regarded
Core Skills
Benefits
- Home-based work plus in-person team sprints twice a year
- Yearly allowance of USD 2,000 toward training
- Yearly pay review and recognition awards
- Yearly holiday leave, plus maternity and paternity leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Chances to visit new places and meet coworkers
- Priority Pass access and travel upgrades on long-haul company trips
- Performance-based annual bonus
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers are based only on the employer’s listing; where it doesn’t say, neither do we.
Where is the role based?
It is home-based, covering the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions.
Is prior kernel internals experience needed?
It is not required, though the posting calls it a strong asset. Understanding the build system well past running make is essential.
Is salary information stated?
The posting does not specify a salary.
Sample Interview Questions
AI-generated questions tailored to this specific role — a preview of the full practice set.