Junior Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu

TN United Kingdom; London; Remote; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Junior Linux Kernel Engineer to join their dynamic team. This role offers the opportunity to work on the Linux kernel for Ubuntu, collaborating with a globally distributed team. You'll tackle exciting initiatives such as optimizing solutions for key platforms and enhancing security measures. Ideal candidates are recent graduates with a passion for software engineering and a desire to grow their skills in a supportive environment. With a focus on personal development and a commitment to performance recognition, this position promises a fulfilling career path in a cutting-edge field.

Benefits

Home-based work environment

Personal learning and development budget

Annual compensation review

Recognition rewards

Annual holiday leave

Maternity and paternity leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Opportunity to travel

Priority Pass for travel upgrades

Qualifications

• Recent university graduates or early career professionals are encouraged to apply.
• Background in software engineering with a focus on kernel-level software.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a globally distributed team on Linux kernel development.
• Diagnose and resolve kernel issues reported by users and the community.

Skills

C Programming

Rust Programming

Version Control (Git)

Operating System Fundamentals

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Recent Graduate

Tools

Ubuntu

Bash Scripting

Python

Job description

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Junior Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu, London

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Client:

Canonical

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

ac54deeaa05c

Job Views:

3

Posted:

05.05.2025

Expiry Date:

19.06.2025

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Job Description:

Every year we select new junior professionals into the Canonical kernel team, to work on the Linux kernel for Ubuntu. If you’ve enjoyed operating systems in your coursework or current role, you are confident in your ability to write high quality C and possibly Rust, and are ready to take the plunge and see how it all works, then 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 very latest silicon and cloud, where you can apply and grow your software engineering skills.

The Canonical Kernel Team builds and maintains all supported Ubuntu Linux kernels for a variety of platforms and architectures from small embedded devices to standard desktop/server systems to large-scale cloud environments. In your first year you will tackle serious initiatives, which include but are not limited to:

• Optimized solutions for key Silicon and Cloud partner platforms
• Developer platforms such as Raspberry Pi and RISC-V
• Enabling Ubuntu on a wide range of embedded systems
• Security hardening and exploit mitigation
• Third-party driver integration and distribution, such as graphics
• Expanded driver support for bleeding-edge PC platforms

We select candidates that are recent university graduates or early career professionals who are enthusiastic to develop kernel-level software in multiple areas including security updates, patching, and testing. The successful candidate will have a background in software engineering, be motivated to work in a distributed team and willing and able to travel globally twice a year for company engineering events.

These are full-time positions available to prospective or recently graduated students.

Location: We have home-based kernel teams in every timezone.

What your day will look like

• Collaborate regularly and proactively with a globally distributed team
• Learn from senior mentors to demystify 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 your own rigorous testing
• Take personal responsibility for the delivery of various flavors of the Ubuntu Linux kernel
• Improve tooling and automation for delivery and test 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 length

Additional skills that you might also bring

• 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, BSP’s, and other low level system engineering

What we offer you

We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually (and more often for graduates and associates) to ensure we recognise outstanding performance. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus. 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.

• Home-based work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2, per year
• Annual compensation review
• Recognition rewards
• Annual holiday leave
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
• Priority Pass, and travel upgrades for long haul company events