Lead Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu

Canonical; Calgary; Remote; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company as a Lead Linux Kernel Engineer for Ubuntu. This role involves leading kernel initiatives, collaborating with partners, and enhancing Ubuntu's performance. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in kernel development and strong leadership skills, thriving in a remote-first environment.

Benefits

Annual learning and development budget of USD 2,000

Regular compensation reviews

Generous leave policies

Parental leave

Wellness programs

Travel opportunities

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in operating systems kernel development.
• Deep technical expertise in operating system kernels and distributions.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, implementation, and delivery of Ubuntu Linux kernel initiatives.
• Set technical direction and lead a team of engineers.

Skills

C programming

Python

Bash scripting

Communication

Leadership

Tools

git

Ubuntu

Debian

Snap

Job description

Join to apply for the Lead Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu role at Canonical

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 top public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders across sectors. The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing, with a remote-first culture and teams in over 75 countries.

The Canonical Kernel Team seeks experienced professionals with a proven track record in operating systems kernel development or low-level system engineering. The role involves leading architecture, implementation, and delivery of Ubuntu Linux kernel initiatives, including:

1. Engaging with Silicon and Cloud partners to optimize solutions
2. Mitigating vulnerabilities and hardening the kernel
3. Enhancing performance and reliability of Ubuntu Linux
4. Streamlining packaging and distribution of third-party components
5. Scaling Ubuntu Linux delivery to meet quality and schedule standards

This is not a formal managerial role, but the candidate should possess leadership skills to guide engineers and coordinate with external teams. Candidates should have deep technical expertise in operating system kernels and distributions, and demonstrate initiative and leadership.

While experience requirements are flexible, we look for candidates with the equivalent of 15+ years in industry. Location-wise, roles are home-based in every timezone, with some regional specifics.

Key responsibilities include:

• Setting technical direction and leading a team of engineers
• Collaborating with management to track and coordinate initiatives
• Working with senior leadership to ensure Ubuntu remains at the forefront of Linux distributions

Ideal candidates will have:

• Strong organizational and self-starting capabilities in a remote environment
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Expertise in C programming
• Experience with *nix kernel development, Linux preferred but not mandatory
• Proficiency in Python and Bash scripting
• Deep understanding of git
• Experience with software packaging, especially Ubuntu/Debian/Snap
• Willingness to travel internationally at least twice a year for up to two weeks

Nice-to-have skills include:

• RTOS and real-time performance analysis
• Kernel patching and debugging experience
• Device drivers and low-level system engineering
• Experience with Rust in Linux kernel context

We offer:

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person sprints
• Annual learning and development budget of USD 2,000
• Regular compensation reviews and recognition rewards
• Generous leave policies, parental leave, wellness programs, and travel opportunities

About Canonical:

Canonical pioneers in open source, publishing Ubuntu, a key platform for AI, IoT, and cloud. We hire globally, uphold high standards, and foster a diverse, inclusive workplace. Working here challenges you to innovate and grow.

Additional details:

• Senior level: Mid-Senior
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: IT
• Industry: Software Development