Overview
Join to apply for the 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 across cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. The company is a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries and very few office-based roles. Teams meet two to four times yearly in person in locations around the world to align on strategy and execution. The Canonical Linux Kernel Organization has teams in every time zone with opportunities for technical leadership, engineering management, and engineering directorships. The team is responsible for all supported Ubuntu Linux kernels on all platforms and architectures from embedded devices to desktop/server systems, cloud environments, mainframes, and supercomputers.
We care most about hardware and virtualization enablement, security, reliability and performance. We focus on production readiness and performance for the latest patch-sets, rather than subsystem maintenance or evolution. Kernel Team projects include but are not limited to Ubuntu kernel planning, benchmarking, stress testing, optimized kernels for silicon and cloud partners, confidential computing and next-generation security primitives, developer platforms (e.g., Raspberry Pi and RISC-V), enabling Ubuntu on embedded systems, Kernel Livepatch, FIPS compliance, Real-Time/Low Latency variants, virtualization, container technology, security with AppArmor/SECCOMP/namespaces, networking performance and security, and storage (Ceph, DRBD).
Location: Working from home, worldwide. We have kernel teams and openings in every time zone with no offices in most regions.
What the role entails
- Collaborate regularly and proactively with a globally distributed team
- Work closely with external silicon, cloud, or hardware manufacturer delivery teams on bleeding-edge platforms
- Diagnose and resolve kernel issues reported by customers, the community, and through rigorous testing
- Take personal responsibility for delivering a flavour of the Ubuntu Linux kernel
- Improve tooling and automation for delivery and testing of Ubuntu Linux kernels
- Submit, review, and apply kernel patches, working with internal and external upstream maintainers
What we are looking for in you
- Significant programming experience in C, with Python, Golang, or other similar languages
- Experience with operating system kernel internals and concepts; Linux experience is highly regarded but not essential
- Solid background with git
- Experience with Linux (Debian or Ubuntu preferred)
- Skilled written and spoken English with excellent presentation skills
- Ability to travel up to two weeks twice a year for company events
Nice-to-have skills
- Strong grasp of device drivers, BSPs, and other low-level system engineering
- Experience with software packaging formats; direct Ubuntu/Debian/Snap experience is highly regarded
- Understanding of Linux kernel upstream processes and release cycles
- Performance engineering and security experience
- Solid background in CI/CD and process automation
- Prior public involvement with an open source project
What we offer colleagues
- Distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person
- Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
- Annual compensation review and performance-driven bonus or commission where applicable
- Extra benefits reflecting our values and local needs
- Fair global compensation practices
- Diversity-friendly, inclusive workplace
About Canonical
Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of open source. As the company that publishes Ubuntu, a key platform for AI, IoT, and the cloud, we recruit on a global basis and uphold high standards for joining the company. Most colleagues work from home, and we focus on thinking differently, learning new skills, and raising performance.
Canonical is an equal chance 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.
Seniority level : Entry level
Employment type : Full-time
Job function : Information Technology
Industries : Software Development
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📌 Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu
🏢 Canonical
📍 Bunbury