Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - BIOS/Firmware

Canonical; United States; Remote; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning budget USD 2,000 per year

Annual compensation review

Holiday leave

Maternity and paternity leave

Wellness Platform

Travel opportunities

Travel upgrades

Job summary

Canonical seeks a kernel firmware expert to own boot process components, ACPI, BIOS/UEFI, and related platform firmware within the Ubuntu kernel. You will work with a globally distributed team, contribute to FWTS, and enhance tooling for x86 platforms.

Strong C and AML experience, plus kernel patching and git proficiency, are essential. The role supports remote work with occasional international travel for team events and collaboration with platform vendors.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of ACPI from the Linux kernel perspective.
• Experience with BIOS/UEFI and AML in kernel context.
• Solid background with git and kernel patch submission.
• Familiarity with x86 bootstrap and OS kernel fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate regularly with a globally distributed team.
• Work with PC platform enablement teams and vendors on BIOS/UEFI/ACPI issues.
• Contribute to and maintain FWTS (Firmware Test Suite).
• Improve tooling and automation for Ubuntu on x86 platforms.
• Submit kernel patches and coordinate with upstream maintainers.

Skills

C programming

English communication

Kernel fundamentals

ACPI/UEFI knowledge

x86 bootstrap understanding

Tools

Git

Devicetree

SystemReady

u-boot

Job description

With a proven track record now spanning decades, Ubuntu is now the go-to Linux distribution for x86/amd64 environments. To stay at the forefront of consumer choice, Canonical - the company behind Ubuntu Linux - is expanding its investment into PC platform stability, reliability, and performance. The Canonical Kernel Team - those responsible for the build, maintenance, and distribution of the Linux kernel for Ubuntu - is looking for an individual to take ownership of aspects pertaining to the boot process, BIOS, UEFI, ACPI, and other platform firmware components as they pertain to the Ubuntu Linux kernel.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of ACPI, ideally from the Linux kernel perspective, as well as enough familiarity with BIOS/UEFI to resolve issues as they are reported from PC platform vendors or the community at large. Prior work experience with a major PC platform firmware vendor or active participation in the Coreboot project would be a significant advantage.

The role entails

• Collaborate regularly and proactively with a globally distributed team
• Work closely with our PC platform enablement team and vendors to resolve issues involving BIOS, UEFI, ACPI, or other problems involving boot and configuration of the Linux kernel
• Become a primary contributor and maintainer to the Firmware Test Suite (FWTS)
• Improve tooling and automation for comprehensive verification of Ubuntu Linux on x86 platforms
• Submit, review, and apply kernel patches, working with both internal and external upstream maintainers

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
• Demonstrated software development background involving UEFI and/or ACPI, with in-depth understanding of AML.
• Solid background with git
• Familiarity with the x86 bootstrap process
• Understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals, with a focus on ACPI and UEFI interaction
• Ability to travel internationally 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 coreboot project
• Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging
• Experience with Linux kernel patching and debugging
• Familiarity with Devicetree, SystemReady, u-boot, or other non-x86 platform bootstrap or configuration mechanisms

What we offer colleagues

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 recognize outstanding performance. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus or commission. 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.

• Distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
• Annual compensation review
• Recognition rewards
• Annual holiday leave
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long-haul company events

About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the company that publishes Ubuntu, one of the most important open-source projects and the platform for AI, IoT, and the cloud, we are changing the world of software. We recruit on a global basis and set a very high standard for people joining the company. We expect excellence; in order to succeed, we need to be the best at what we do. Most colleagues at Canonical have worked from home since our inception in 2004. Working here is a step into the future and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer

We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.

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