Linux Kernel Software Engineer

Advanced Micro Devices; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company is looking for a Linux Engineer to define and manage the Diagnostics software environment for pre-silicon and post-silicon. The role involves collaborating on OS requirements, debugging boot issues, and maintaining Linux drivers. Candidates should have strong expertise in Linux kernel development, C/C++ programming, and an understanding of hardware interfaces. This position is based in Markham, Ontario, and offers a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• Proven record of successful software engineering in Linux.
• Excellent knowledge of hardware interfaces.
• Strong proficiency in Linux kernel development.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to understand OS and Linux kernel requirements.
• Develop and maintain Linux kernel drivers.
• Debug OS boot issues for different environments.
• Set up Git repo for kernel and driver builds.
• Release Ubuntu OS images with optimizations.

Skills

Linux expertise

X86/ARM architecture knowledge

Linux kernel development

C/C++ programming

Problem-solving skills

Scripting languages

Debugging skills

Source control systems (Git)

Education

B.Sc. or M.Sc. in EE or CS or equivalent

Tools

Linux kernel

Ubuntu

RedHat

CentOS

GitHub

Job description

WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING

At AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences—from AI and data centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you’ll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world’s most important challenges—striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond.

THE ROLE:

In the Diag team, you will be the Linux expert and define the Diagnostics software running environment for both pre‑silicon and post‑silicon.

THE PERSON:

In this high visibility position, your Linux engineering expertise will be necessary to address Linux kernel & driver issues, develop new solutions and strategies to support our next generation of products.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with ASIC design team/SoC architecture to understand the OS and Linux kernel requirement for each program and propose the correct OS and kernel versions.
• Develop and maintain Linux kernel driver used by CPU and GPU diagnostic software to validate the SOC IPs.
• Build Linux kernel image and create Ubuntu OS for both pre‑silicon and post‑silicon environment.
• Debug OS boot issues on both pre‑silicon environment (Simnow and Emulation) and UU Bring Up systems.
• Set up and maintain Git repo for kernel and driver build environment, keep it updated with upstream kernels, develop strategies on how to test kernel and OS image on AMD platforms.
• Create customized toolchain with AMD next generation CPU instruction support and use them to build kernel and Diagnostics SW etc.
• Regularly release Ubuntu OS image to internal and external teams with new kernel/driver and optimizations for TTR, etc.
• Support other operating systems (RedHat, CentOS etc.) that customers requested.
• Provide support to external customers, PEO and internal IP/CI teams to assist activities such as investigating ASIC, board and firmware issues.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Proven record of successful software engineering in Linux
• Excellent knowledge of X86/ARM architecture with an emphasis on hardware interfaces
• Proficiency in Linux kernel development, strong understanding with Linux modules like IOMMU/SDMA/Interrupt/event handler etc.
• Hands‑on issue debugging skills, issue isolation with Linux kernel, driver module level
• Proficient in C/C++ programming and one or more scripting languages
• Familiarity with compiler toolchains, build environments.
• Familiar with the boot up flow of BIOS + Linux operating system
• Experience with emulation and ASIC Bring UP is strongly preferred
• Experience with VMs like VBOX, QEMU, WSL etc. is preferred
• Multiple operating system experience (Ubuntu, RedHat, CentOS etc.) is a plus
• Familiar with source control systems like Git, GitHub
• Good attitude, strong analysis, problem‑solving & interpersonal skills.
• Good English required – verbal written

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS:

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. In EE or CS or equivalent.

LOCATION:

Markham, ON

This role is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

#LI-TW2 #LI-HYBRID

Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee‑based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third‑party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.