Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement

Canonical; United States; Remote; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Home-based work environment

Learning budget

Annual compensation review

Recognition rewards

Annual holiday leave

Maternity and paternity leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Travel to new locations

Travel upgrades for events

Job summary

Canonical is seeking an experienced kernel engineer to join the Canonical Kernel Team and help integrate silicon partners into the Ubuntu Linux kernel. This globally remote role offers opportunities to influence hardware support across leading SoCs.

You will work with C, device drivers, and BSPs, collaborate with partners and maintainers, and help deliver silicon-optimized kernel variants worldwide. Travel is required twice a year for company events.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in C programming for low-level development.
• Strong knowledge of device drivers and BSPs.
• Solid OS kernel fundamentals.
• Experience with Git for collaboration.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Willingness to travel up to two weeks twice a year.

Responsibilities

• Drive platform support integration from silicon partners into the Ubuntu kernel.
• Identify and resolve complex kernel issues reported by partners or customers.
• Deliver silicon-optimized kernel variants to the global community.
• Develop tooling and automation for kernel delivery and testing.
• Manage upstream patches with maintainers.
• Identify strategies to maximize performance on partner silicon.
• Collaborate within a globally distributed engineering team.

Skills

C programming

Device drivers & BSPs

OS kernel fundamentals

Git

English communication

Travel for events

Tools

Git

Job description

Ubuntu Linux is already the most popular Linux distribution in the world, and its mission is to remain at the forefront of the global software ecosystem. As the industry evolves, we are expanding our support for a wider array of System on Chip (SoC) platforms to ensure that every user receives a high-performance and reliable experience. There is growing and vital demand from major silicon manufacturers such as NVIDIA, AMD, Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Renesas to provide Ubuntu Linux as the foundational platform for their next-generation hardware.

The Canonical Kernel Team is responsible for the build, maintenance, and distribution of the Linux kernel for Ubuntu. We are looking for engineers who share our passion for building high-quality, robust software foundations that others can rely upon. This role sits at a critical junction in the software stack, ensuring that the underlying hardware is seamlessly integrated, optimized and prepared to meet the demands of modern computing.

While direct experience with the Linux kernel would be an advantage, it is not a hard requirement. Candidates with RTOS or bare-metal experience and demonstrable hardware experience are encouraged to apply.

We welcome applications from engineers at various stages of their careers, from those beginning their journey in hardware-level development to seasoned industry veterans.

Location

This is a globally remote role.

What the role entails

• Drive the integration of platform support from our silicon partners into the Ubuntu Linux kernel
• Lead the identification and resolution of complex kernel issues reported by partners, customers, or discovered through rigorous testing
• Own the delivery of distinct, silicon-optimized variants of the Ubuntu Linux kernel to the global community
• Develop and refine the tooling and automation required for the reliable delivery and testing of our kernels
• Manage the submission and review process for upstream patches, collaborating effectively with both internal and external maintainers
• Identify new methodologies and strategies for maximizing performance on partner silicon
• Collaborate proactively within a globally distributed engineering team to ensure cohesive outcomes across the organization

What we are looking for in you

• Proficiency in C programming, particularly for low-level system development
• A strong grasp of device drivers, BSPs, and other aspects of hardware-level system engineering
• Deep understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals
• Professional proficiency with Git for version control and collaborative development
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbal, within a professional context
• A professional approach to collaborating with business partners and the open-source community
• Ability to travel twice a year for company events of up to two weeks in length

Nice-to-have skills

• Experience with Python or Bash scripting for automation and tooling
• Prior experience working with major SoC families (e.g., NVIDIA, Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, MediaTek, Renesas)
• Familiarity with Ubuntu, Debian, or Snap packaging
• Demonstrated expertise in Linux kernel patching and debugging
• A deep understanding of performance optimization techniques for silicon platforms

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 2,000 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

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 on a daily basis. 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. Canonical has been a remote-first company since its 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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