Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement

Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer – Silicon Enablement

3 days ago – be among the first 25 applicants.

Ubuntu Linux, already the most popular Linux distribution in the world, is looking to increase its adoption by expanding the number of System On Chip (SoC) platforms supported natively and further optimising performance. There is strong demand from silicon manufacturers such as NVIDIA, Xilinx, Media Tek and Qualcomm to provide Ubuntu Linux to their customers and Canonical is looking to broaden its silicon enablement squads to meet this challenge.

The Canonical Kernel Team – responsible for the build, maintenance and distribution of the Linux kernel for Ubuntu – is looking for individuals with a strong flair for software development at the hardware level and a passion for ensuring the silicon can deliver optimal performance.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong aptitude for software engineering at the hardware level. While direct experience with the Linux kernel is a substantial advantage, it is not a hard requirement for candidates with prior background in other RTOS’ or bare‑metal environments, as long as direct hardware experience can be demonstrated.

There are a number of work‑from‑home based roles available worldwide and we are looking for experience levels from early career candidates with a couple of years under their belt up through senior industry veterans.

• Collaborate regularly and proactively with a globally distributed team
• Work closely with silicon vendor partners to integrate platform support into the Ubuntu Linux kernel for their product ranges
• Diagnose and resolve kernel issues reported by partners, customers, the community and through rigorous testing
• Take responsibility for the delivery of distinct silicon‑optimised variants of the Ubuntu Linux kernel worldwide
• Improve tooling and automation for the delivery and test of Ubuntu Linux kernels
• Submit, review and apply kernel patches, working with both internal and external upstream maintainers
• Identify new means of maximising performance on partner silicon

• 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
• Strong grasp of device drivers, BSP’s and other aspects of hardware‑level system engineering
• Solid background with git
• Understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals
• Ability to travel twice a year for company events up to two weeks in length

• Python and Bash scripting ability
• Prior background with the major SoC families
• Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging
• Demonstrated experience with Linux kernel patching and debugging
• Solid understanding of performance optimisation for silicon platforms

• 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
• Compensation shaped worldwide by geographical location, experience and performance, with an annual review and a performance‑driven annual bonus

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, expecting excellence in order to succeed.

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.

Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Information Technology
Industries: Software Development