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CanonicalUbuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - BIOS/Firmware
Canonical is looking for an engineer to own boot-time behaviour and platform firmware, including BIOS, UEFI and ACPI, where they touch the Ubuntu Linux kernel. The…
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About This Role
Canonical is looking for an engineer to own boot-time behaviour and platform firmware, including BIOS, UEFI and ACPI, where they touch the Ubuntu Linux kernel. The Canonical Kernel Team handles building, upkeep and delivery of that kernel. The post is part of a broader effort to make PC platforms more dependable and quicker, and the posting positions Ubuntu as a first-choice Linux distribution on x86 and amd64 hardware. A strong…
Job Description
Canonical is looking for an engineer to own boot-time behaviour and platform firmware, including BIOS, UEFI and ACPI, where they touch the Ubuntu Linux kernel. The Canonical Kernel Team handles building, upkeep and delivery of that kernel. The post is part of a broader effort to make PC platforms more dependable and quicker, and the posting positions Ubuntu as a first-choice Linux distribution on x86 and amd64 hardware.
A strong handle on ACPI is essential, preferably from the kernel vantage point, along with enough BIOS and UEFI familiarity to troubleshoot reports arriving from PC platform makers and the wider community. Earlier experience with a large PC firmware supplier, or real involvement in coreboot, would be a notable plus, the posting says.
Day to day, the engineer collaborates with a team spread across the globe, the PC platform enablement group and hardware partners to remove boot and configuration faults. Over time the engineer takes on the lead contributor and maintainer role for the Firmware Test Suite, improves automation for validating Ubuntu on x86 machines, and sends, reviews and merges kernel patches together with upstream maintainers. Candidates must be self-driven and able to work remotely, and the position requires international travel twice a year.
Responsibilities
- Take charge of boot, BIOS, UEFI, ACPI and firmware problems within the Ubuntu kernel
- Partner with the PC enablement group and vendors to fix firmware and boot issues
- Serve as lead contributor and maintainer of the Firmware Test Suite
- Enhance tooling and automation that validates Ubuntu on x86 hardware
- Send, review and merge kernel patches with upstream maintainers
- Work regularly with colleagues spread across the globe
Requirements
- Solid grasp of ACPI, preferably from the kernel side
- Enough BIOS and UEFI knowledge to address vendor and community reports
- Strong C programming
- Background building software that touches UEFI, ACPI or both, and knows AML well
- Confident use of git
- Understanding of the x86 boot sequence
- Core kernel knowledge, especially how ACPI and UEFI interact
- Self-motivated, organised, and comfortable working remotely
- Courteous and professional with colleagues, partners and open-source contributors
- Clear English in writing and speech
- Able to travel abroad twice a year for trips of up to a fortnight
Qualifications
- Python and Bash scripting
- Prior exposure to coreboot
- Work with a major PC firmware vendor, a significant advantage
- Packaging skills with Ubuntu, Debian or Snap
- Experience patching and debugging the Linux kernel
- Exposure to Devicetree, SystemReady and u-boot, or to non-x86 boot setups
Core Skills
Benefits
- Remote-first working, with two in-person team sprints a year
- A yearly USD 2,000 budget for learning and skill growth
- Yearly pay review and recognition awards
- Paid holidays each year, plus maternity and paternity leave
- Wellness platform and team member assistance program
- Chances to visit new places and meet teammates in person
- Priority Pass access and upgrades on long-haul trips for company events
- Yearly bonus or commission linked to performance
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?
The posting does not name a city. It asks for someone who can thrive in a remote setting and travel internationally twice a year.
Is this a full-time position?
Yes, the listing is for a full-time role.
Which technical skills are needed?
C programming, a solid understanding of ACPI and UEFI, git, and kernel fundamentals are all listed.
What is the salary?
The posting does not specify a salary. It says compensation depends on location, experience and performance.
Sample Interview Questions
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