Junior Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu

Canonical; Remote; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology firm is seeking a motivated individual to join its Canonical Kernel Team to work on the Linux kernel for Ubuntu. The candidate should have a strong background in C or Rust programming and be able to thrive in a remote setting. Responsibilities include collaborating with a global team, diagnosing kernel issues, and submitting patches. The role offers a remote environment with opportunities for professional development and travel for company events.

Benefits

Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year

Annual compensation review

Maternity and paternity leave

Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform

Travel upgrades for long-haul company events

Qualifications

• Must thrive in a remote work environment.
• Effective communication skills are essential, both written and verbal.
• Experience in programming with C or Rust is required.
• Familiarity with version control systems, ideally git, is needed.
• Understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a globally distributed team.
• Diagnose and resolve kernel issues reported by customers.
• Work closely with external delivery teams.
• Submit and review kernel patches.
• Take responsibility for Ubuntu Linux kernel delivery.

Skills

Well-organized self-starter

Effective communication in English

Programming in C

Version control practices with git

Understanding of operating systems

Tools

Python

Bash

Job description

Overview

Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is widely used in enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include leading public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders in many sectors. The company has 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries with very few office-based roles. Teams meet two to four times yearly in person, in interesting locations around the world, to align on strategy and execution. The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing.

Every year we select new junior professionals into the Canonical Kernel Team, to work on the Linux kernel for Ubuntu. If you have enjoyed operating systems in coursework or your current role, are confident in writing high quality C and possibly Rust, and are ready to take the plunge, this would be a great place to pursue your next career stage. We are a global team working to ship the world’s most widely used Linux kernel across the latest silicon and cloud.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate regularly and proactively with a globally distributed team
• Learn from senior mentors to understand the inner workings of the Linux kernel and how it is distributed
• Work closely with external silicon, cloud, or hardware manufacturer delivery teams on bleeding-edge platforms
• Diagnose and resolve issues in the kernel reported by customers, the community, and discovered by rigorous testing
• Take personal responsibility for the delivery of various flavors of the Ubuntu Linux kernel
• Improve tooling and automation for delivery and testing of Ubuntu Linux kernels
• Submit, review, and apply kernel patches, working with both internal and external upstream maintainers

What we are looking for in you

• Well-organized and motivated self-starter able to thrive in a remote work environment
• Professional manner with colleagues, business partners, and the open-source community
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbal
• Programming experience in C and/or Rust
• Familiarity with version control practices, ideally with git
• Understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals
• Ability to travel twice a year for company events of up to two weeks in length

Nice-to-have skills

• Interest and experience in Rust
• Python and Bash scripting ability
• Prior experience with Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging
• Demonstrated experience with kernel patching and debugging
• Strong grasp of device drivers, BSPs, and other low-level system engineering

What we offer colleagues

We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually to ensure we recognize outstanding performance. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus or commission. We provide all team members with additional benefits which reflect our values and ideals. We balance our programs to meet local needs and ensure fairness globally.

• Distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
• Annual compensation review
• Recognition rewards
• Annual holiday leave
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long-haul company events

About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the company that publishes Ubuntu, we are changing the world of software. We recruit on a global basis and set a high standard for people joining the company. Most colleagues have worked from home since our inception in 2004. Working here is a step into the future and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.