Lead Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu

Canonical; Vancouver; Remote; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Linux Kernel Engineer to drive the architecture and delivery of Ubuntu Linux kernel aspects. This role demands deep technical expertise in operating system kernels and distributions, along with strong leadership skills to guide engineers and collaborate with external teams. The ideal candidate will thrive in a remote environment, showcasing self-motivation and excellent communication skills. Join this innovative company to contribute to cutting-edge solutions in AI, IoT, and cloud platforms, while enjoying a distributed work environment and numerous benefits.

Benefits

Learning and Development Budget (USD 2,000/year)

Annual Compensation Review

Wellness Programs

Travel Opportunities

Parental Leave

Distributed Work Environment

Biannual In-Person Sprints

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in operating systems kernel development.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to guide engineers.

Responsibilities

• Setting technical direction and leading delivery teams.
• Collaborating to maintain Ubuntu's leadership in Linux distributions.

Skills

C Programming

Linux Kernel Development

Python

Bash Scripting

Git

Software Packaging (Ubuntu/Debian/Snap)

Self-motivation

Strong English Communication

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.

The Canonical Kernel Team seeks talented experts with a proven track record in operating systems kernel development or low-level system engineering to lead the architecture, implementation, and delivery of Ubuntu Linux kernel aspects, including:

• Driving engagements with Silicon and Cloud partners for optimal platform solutions
• Mitigating vulnerabilities and enhancing kernel security
• Architecting performance and reliability improvements
• Streamlining packaging and distribution of third-party components
• Delivering Ubuntu Linux at scale with high quality standards

This role, while not managerial, requires strong leadership skills to guide engineers and collaborate with external teams. Candidates should have deep technical expertise in operating system kernels and distributions, with a demonstrated ability to lead initiatives. Experience equivalent to 15+ years in industry is preferred.

Location: Remote roles available worldwide, with some responsibilities linked to specific regions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Setting technical direction and leading delivery teams
• Coordinating initiatives with management and teams
• Collaborating on maintaining Ubuntu's leadership in Linux distributions

Ideal candidates will have:

• Self-motivation and organization in a remote environment
• Strong English communication skills
• Expertise in C programming
• Experience with *nix kernels and distributions (Linux preferred)
• Proficiency in Python and Bash scripting
• Deep understanding of git
• Experience with software packaging, especially Ubuntu/Debian/Snap
• Willingness to travel internationally twice a year

Nice-to-have skills include:

• RTOS and real-time performance analysis
• Kernel patching and debugging experience
• Knowledge of device drivers and low-level system engineering
• Experience with Rust in kernel development

What we offer:

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person sprints
• Learning and development budget of USD 2,000/year
• Annual compensation review and performance rewards
• Benefits including leave, parental leave, wellness programs, travel opportunities, and more

About Canonical: A pioneering open source company behind Ubuntu, leading in AI, IoT, and cloud platforms. We hire globally, value excellence, and promote a diverse, inclusive workplace. Most colleagues work remotely, fostering innovation and growth.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are committed to diversity and fair consideration for all applicants.

Additional details:

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Information Technology
• Industries: Software Development