Remote opportunity at
CanonicalUbuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement
Canonical, the publisher of Ubuntu and a pioneer in open-source technology, is seeking an Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer for Silicon Enablement to join its globally distributed…
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About This Role
Canonical, the publisher of Ubuntu and a pioneer in open-source technology, is seeking an Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer for Silicon Enablement to join its globally distributed Kernel Team. This remote position focuses on expanding natively supported System On Chip platforms from major manufacturers such as NVIDIA, MediaTek, Qualcomm, and Xilinx, ensuring optimal performance for Ubuntu users worldwide. The role suits software engineers with a strong aptitude for hardware-level development, ranging…
Job Description
Canonical, the publisher of Ubuntu and a pioneer in open-source technology, is seeking an Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer for Silicon Enablement to join its globally distributed Kernel Team. This remote position focuses on expanding natively supported System On Chip platforms from major manufacturers such as NVIDIA, MediaTek, Qualcomm, and Xilinx, ensuring optimal performance for Ubuntu users worldwide.
The role suits software engineers with a strong aptitude for hardware-level development, ranging from early-career professionals to senior industry veterans. Team members collaborate proactively to integrate vendor platform support, resolve kernel issues, and deliver silicon-optimized variants of the Ubuntu Linux kernel.
Canonical has operated as a remote-first organization since 2004, offering a home-based work environment supported by annual compensation reviews, performance-driven bonuses, and learning budgets. Employees also participate in mandatory company events that require traveling twice a year.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate proactively with a distributed team across the globe
- Partner with silicon vendors to integrate platform support into the Ubuntu Linux kernel
- Troubleshoot and fix kernel problems identified by customers, partners, community members, and internal testing
- Deliver specialized silicon-optimized versions of the Ubuntu Linux kernel
- Enhance automation and tooling used for kernel delivery and testing
- Create, review, and apply kernel patches alongside upstream maintainers
- Discover new methods to maximize hardware performance on partner silicon
Requirements
- Self-motivated and well-organized approach suited for remote work
- Professional communication skills with colleagues, partners, and open-source contributors
- Effective written and verbal communication in English
- Significant C programming capabilities
- Strong understanding of board support packages, device drivers, and hardware-level system engineering
- Solid familiarity with git
- Comprehension of operating system kernel fundamentals
- Availability to travel up to two times per year for periods lasting up to two weeks
Qualifications
- Direct Linux kernel experience
- Background working with bare-metal environments or other real-time operating systems
- Proficiency in Bash and Python scripting
- Experience with major System On Chip families
- Familiarity with Snap, Debian, and Ubuntu packaging
- Demonstrated skill in Linux kernel debugging and patching
- Understanding of silicon performance optimization
Core Skills
Benefits
- Annual compensation reviews
- Performance-driven yearly bonus
- Home-based work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints
- Annual personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000
- Recognition rewards
- Annual holiday leave
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- 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 position remote?
Yes, this is a home-based role with worldwide availability, though it requires traveling twice a year for company events lasting up to two weeks.
What experience level is Canonical looking for?
Canonical is hiring across a range of experience levels, from early-career candidates with a couple of years of experience up to senior industry veterans.
What are the core technical requirements for the role?
Candidates must have significant C programming ability, a strong grasp of device drivers and board support packages, solid git skills, an understanding of kernel fundamentals, and hardware-level system engineering experience.
Does the posting state the salary?
No, the salary is not stated in the job posting, though compensation is shaped by geographical location, experience, and performance with annual reviews and performance bonuses.
Sample Interview Questions
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