Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement

Canonical; London; Remote; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading open-source software company in London is hiring an Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer to enhance platform support for silicon manufacturers. You'll collaborate with global partners, optimize kernel performance, and require strong development skills in C. This role offers a home-based work environment; ideal candidates have a background in hardware-level software engineering and are motivated self-starters.

Benefits

Home-based work environment

Personal learning and development budget

Annual compensation review

Maternity and paternity leave

Qualifications

• Significant programming ability in C.
• Strong grasp of device drivers and hardware-level system engineering.
• Ability to travel for company events.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a globally distributed team.
• Work closely with silicon vendor partners.
• Diagnose and resolve kernel issues.

Skills

Programming in C

Device drivers knowledge

Communication in English

Solid background with git

Tools

Linux kernel patching

Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging

Job description

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Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement, 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:

5e543fdfd836

Job Views:

7

Posted:

12.08.2025

Expiry Date:

26.09.2025

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Job Description:

Ubuntu Linux, already the most popular Linux distribution in the world, is looking to increase its adoption even further by expanding the number of System On Chip (SoC) platforms supported natively and further optimising to ensure the highest performant experience for all users. There is a strong demand from silicon manufacturers such as NVIDIA, Xilinx, MediaTek, and Qualcomm to provide Ubuntu Linux to their customers and Canonical is looking to broaden its silicon enablement squads to meet this challenge. The Canonical Kernel Team - those responsible for the build, maintenance, and distribution of the Linux kernel for Ubuntu - are looking for individuals with a strong flair for software development at the hardware level and a passion for ensuring the most optimal performance the silicon can provide.

The successful candidate will be able to prove a strong aptitude for software engineering at the hardware level. While direct experience with the Linux kernel would be a substantial advantage, it is not a hard requirement for candidates with prior background in other RTOS’ or bare-metal environments as long as direct hardware experience can be demonstrated.

There are a number of work-from-home based roles available worldwide and we are looking for experience levels from early career candidates with a couple of years under their belt up through senior industry veterans.

What your day will look like

• Collaborate regularly and proactively with a globally distributed team
• Work closely with our silicon vendor partners to integrate their platform support into the Ubuntu Linux kernel for their product ranges
• Diagnose and resolve issues in the kernel reported by partners, customers, the community at large, and discovered by your own rigorous testing
• Take responsibility for the delivery of distinct silicon-optimised variants of the Ubuntu Linux kernel to the world
• Improve tooling and automation for the delivery and test of Ubuntu Linux kernels
• Submit, review, and apply kernel patches, working with both internal and external upstream maintainers
• Identify new means of maximising performance on partner silicon

What we are looking for in you

• Well-organised 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
• Significant programming ability in C
• Strong grasp of device drivers, BSP’s, and other aspects of hardware-level system engineering
• Solid background 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

• Python and Bash scripting ability
• Prior background with the major SoC families
• Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging
• Demonstrated experience with Linux kernel patching and debugging
• Solid understanding of performance optimisation for silicon platforms

What we offer you

We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually 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