Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement

Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement

Join to apply for the Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement role at Canonical

Ubuntu Linux, already the most popular Linux distribution in the world, is looking to expand the number of System On Chip (SoC) platforms supported natively and further optimise to ensure the highest performance experience for all users. NVIDIA, Xilinx, Media Tek, and Qualcomm have requested Ubuntu Linux for their customers, and Canonical seeks to broaden its silicon enablement squads to meet this challenge.

The Canonical Kernel Team, responsible for building, maintaining, and distributing the Linux kernel for Ubuntu, seeks individuals with a strong flair for software development at the hardware level and a passion for optimising silicon performance.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong software engineering aptitude at the hardware level. While direct experience with the Linux kernel is a substantial advantage, it is not mandatory; background in other RTOS or bare‑metal environments is acceptable if hardware experience is evident.

Work‑from‑home roles are available worldwide. Experience levels sought range from early‑career candidates with a few years to senior industry veterans.

• Collaborate regularly and proactively with a globally distributed team
• Work closely with silicon vendor partners to integrate their platform support into the Ubuntu Linux kernel for their product ranges
• Diagnose and resolve issues in the kernel reported by partners, customers, the community, and discovered through rigorous testing
• Take responsibility for delivery of distinct silicon‑optimised variants of the Ubuntu Linux kernel worldwide
• 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
• Identify new means of maximising performance on partner silicon

• Well‑organised and self‑motivated, thriving in a remote work environment
• Professional manner with colleagues, business partners, and the open‑source community
• Effective communication in English, both written and verbal
• Significant programming ability in C
• Strong grasp of device drivers, BSPs, and other hardware‑level system engineering aspects
• Solid background with git
• Understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals
• Willingness to travel twice a year for company events, up to two weeks

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

We consider geographic location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. Annual compensation review, performance‑driven bonus, and additional benefits 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
• Opportunities to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long‑haul company events

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 daily. We recruit globally and set a very high standard for people joining the company, expecting excellence.

Canonical has been a remote‑first company since its inception in 2004. Working here challenges you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.

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