Lead Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu

Canonical; Phoenix (AZ); Remote; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading provider of open source software as a Lead Linux Kernel Engineer for Ubuntu. This role involves leading kernel architecture and implementation, enhancing performance, and collaborating with partners. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in kernel development and strong leadership skills, thriving in a remote work environment.

Benefits

Annual learning and development budget of USD 2,000

Regular compensation reviews

Comprehensive health and wellness programs

Opportunities for international travel

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Set technical direction and lead a team on Ubuntu Linux projects.
• Collaborate with management to track and coordinate initiatives.

Skills

C programming

Linux kernel development

Python

Bash scripting

English communication

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, as well as industry leaders across sectors. The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing. We have a distributed team of over 1200 colleagues in 75+ countries, with few office-based roles, meeting in person 2-4 times a year in interesting locations worldwide.

The Canonical Kernel Team seeks highly skilled industry veterans with proven experience in operating systems kernel development or low-level system engineering. The role involves leading the architecture, implementation, and delivery of various aspects of the Ubuntu Linux kernel, including:

• Driving engagement with Silicon and Cloud partners for platform optimization
• Leading mitigation of vulnerabilities and kernel hardening
• Enhancing performance and reliability of Ubuntu Linux
• Streamlining packaging and distribution of third-party components
• Developing scalable delivery methods for Ubuntu Linux

This role is not managerial but requires strong leadership skills to guide engineers and coordinate with external teams. Candidates should have deep technical expertise in operating system kernels and distributions, along with leadership qualities. We seek candidates with the equivalent of 15+ years of industry experience.

Location: Remote roles available across time zones, with some responsibilities region-specific.

Key responsibilities include:

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

Qualifications:

• Self-motivated, well-organized, able to thrive remotely
• Excellent English communication skills
• Expertise in C programming and Linux kernel development (experience with *nix systems preferred)
• Proficiency in Python and Bash scripting
• Strong understanding of git and software packaging formats, with Ubuntu/Debian/Snap experience valued
• Willingness to travel internationally twice a year for up to two weeks

Nice-to-have skills:

• Experience with RTOS and real-time performance analysis
• Kernel patching and debugging expertise
• Knowledge of device drivers, BSPs, and low-level system engineering
• Experience with Rust in the Linux kernel context

What we offer:

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person team sprints
• Annual learning and development budget of USD 2,000
• Regular compensation reviews, bonuses, and benefits
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs
• Opportunities for international travel and networking

About Canonical:

Canonical pioneers open source technology, with Ubuntu as a key platform for AI, IoT, and cloud computing. We hire globally, uphold high standards, and foster a diverse, inclusive workplace. Working remotely since 2004, we challenge our colleagues to innovate and excel.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We value diversity and are committed to providing fair opportunities regardless of background or identity.