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CanonicalLead Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu
Canonical's Kernel Team is looking for a senior kernel specialist to set the technical direction for the Ubuntu Linux kernel. The role covers architecture, implementation and…
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About This Role
Canonical's Kernel Team is looking for a senior kernel specialist to set the technical direction for the Ubuntu Linux kernel. The role covers architecture, implementation and ongoing delivery, and suits people with deep experience of operating system kernels or low-level systems engineering. The posting describes it as a technical leadership role rather than a formal management one, though strong people skills are essential. The work includes driving engagements with key…
Job Description
Canonical's Kernel Team is looking for a senior kernel specialist to set the technical direction for the Ubuntu Linux kernel. The role covers architecture, implementation and ongoing delivery, and suits people with deep experience of operating system kernels or low-level systems engineering. The posting describes it as a technical leadership role rather than a formal management one, though strong people skills are essential.
The work includes driving engagements with key silicon and cloud partners so that their platforms are served well, leading the response to common vulnerabilities in Ubuntu Linux and building active hardening into the kernel, and improving performance and correctness. The lead also simplifies how awkward third-party components get packaged and shipped, and devises new routes for shipping Ubuntu Linux at scale against demanding quality and schedule expectations.
Day to day, the lead steers junior and mid-level engineers, tracks initiatives with management inside and outside the team, and works every day with other senior technical leaders on the Kernel Team. Roles are home-based and open in every time zone. Applicants are benchmarked against roughly 15 or more years of technical equivalent industry experience, which the posting describes as a guideline rather than a strict requirement.
Responsibilities
- Set technical direction and lead delivery for a major part of Ubuntu Linux
- Guide junior and mid-career engineers within the team
- Track initiatives with management and external teams through to delivery
- Drive engagements with silicon and cloud partners
- Lead mitigation of common vulnerabilities and push active kernel hardening
- Work with senior technical leaders to keep Ubuntu at the top of Linux distributions
Requirements
- A well-organised, motivated self-starter who thrives in a remote setting
- Strong written and spoken English
- Expert knowledge of the C programming language
- Demonstrated mastery of *nix kernels and the distributions built on them
- Python and Bash scripting ability
- Strong command of git
- Experience with software packaging formats; Ubuntu, Debian or Snap experience is highly regarded
- Able to make international trips at least twice yearly, each for events of up to a fortnight
Qualifications
- Direct Linux experience, which is ideal though not required
- Experience with RTOS work and real-time performance profiling
- Track record patching and debugging kernels
- Understanding of device drivers, board support packages and other low-level systems work
- Rust experience, ideally as it applies to the Linux kernel
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.
Is this a management role?
The posting says it is not a formal managerial role, but the lead is expected to guide and coordinate engineers.
Where can the job be performed?
Roles are home-based and open in every time zone, although some areas may be linked to a particular region.
How much experience is expected?
The posting uses a comparison guideline of 15 or more years of technical equivalent industry experience, and does not set a strict number.
Sample Interview Questions
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