Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement

Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement

Join Canonical as a Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement to expand the number of System On Chip (SoC) platforms supported natively and optimise performance for Ubuntu users worldwide. Build, maintain, and distribute the Linux kernel for Ubuntu and work closely with silicon manufacturers such as NVIDIA, Xilinx, Media Tek, and Qualcomm.

We’re looking for individuals with strong software engineering at the hardware level and a passion for optimizing silicon performance. Direct Linux kernel experience is a plus but not required; experience with RTOS or bare‑metal environments that demonstrates hardware expertise is acceptable. Roles are work‑from‑home based worldwide, suitable for early‑career to senior 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, community, and own testing
• Take responsibility for delivering 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 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
• Effective communication in English, written and verbal
• Significant programming ability in C
• Strong grasp of device drivers, BSPs, and other aspects of hardware‑level system engineering
• 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 ability
• Background with major SoC families
• Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging
• Experience with Linux kernel patching and debugging
• Understanding of performance optimisation for silicon platforms

Compensation is shaped worldwide by location, experience, and performance. We revisit compensation annually, offer performance‑driven annual bonus, and provide a suite of benefits that reflect our values and ideals. We balance programs with 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

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the publisher of Ubuntu, one of the most important open source projects and the platform for AI, IoT and the cloud, we’re changing the world daily. The company recruits globally and sets a high standard for people who join us, fostering excellence. Canonical has been a remote‑first company since 2004.

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.

• Entry level

• Full‑time

• Information Technology

• Software Development

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