Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer – BIOS/Firmware

Canonical; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Canonical seeks a kernel engineer to own BIOS/UEFI/ACPI and platform firmware aspects for Ubuntu on x86. You will work with a globally distributed team, contribute to FWTS, and help verify Ubuntu Linux on PC hardware.

Applicants should have strong C programming skills, AML/ACPI expertise, familiarity with UEFI, and some coreboot experience. Remote work is expected with international travel twice yearly.

Qualifications

• Strong C programming experience and systems software background.
• Demonstrated development involving UEFI and/or ACPI, with AML understanding.
• Familiarity with BIOS/UEFI boot issues and kernel patch submission processes.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a globally distributed team on boot process and firmware issues.
• Resolve BIOS/UEFI/ACPI problems affecting Ubuntu kernel for x86 platforms.
• Contribute to FWTS and improve tooling for verification of Ubuntu Linux on PC hardware.
• Submit, review, and apply kernel patches with upstream maintainers.

Skills

C

ACPI/AML

UEFI

Git

x86 bootstrapping

Linux kernel basics

English communication

Tools

Coreboot

Devicetree

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.