Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement

Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement

Join Canonical as an Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer – Silicon Enablement. This role focuses on expanding native support for System On Chip (SoC) platforms and optimizing performance. The Canonical Kernel Team builds, maintains, and distributes the Linux kernel for Ubuntu.

We are seeking engineers with a strong aptitude for low‑level software development. Prior Linux kernel experience is a plus but not required if you have proven hardware‑level experience.

There are remote, work‑from‑home opportunities worldwide for early‑career to senior candidates.

• Collaborate with a globally distributed team.
• Work with silicon vendor partners to integrate platform support into the Ubuntu Linux kernel.
• Diagnose and resolve kernel issues reported by partners, customers, the community, and discovered through testing.
• Deliver distinct silicon‑optimised kernel variants globally.
• Improve tooling and automation for kernel delivery and testing.
• Submit, review, and apply kernel patches, coordinating with upstream maintainers.
• Identify new ways to maximise performance on partner silicon.

• Self‑starter, organised, and motivated in a remote work environment.
• Professional communication with colleagues, partners, and the open‑source community.
• Fluent in English (written and verbal).
• Strong C programming skills.
• Deep understanding of device drivers, BSPs, and hardware‑level system engineering.
• Solid experience with git.
• Knowledge of kernel fundamentals.
• Travel willingness (up to two weeks twice a year).

• Python and Bash scripting.
• Background with major SoC families.
• Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging.
• Linux kernel patching and debugging experience.
• Performance optimisation for silicon platforms.

• Home‑based work environment with twice‑yearly in‑person team sprints.
• 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 for company events.
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long‑haul corporate events.

• Washington, United States – $136,000‑$264,500
• Seattle, WA – $70,000‑$105,000

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm leading the global transition to open source. One of the most important open source projects, Ubuntu powers AI, IoT, and the cloud. Canonical is a remote‑first company since 2004, hiring globally and setting high standards.

Canonical is an equal‑opportunity employer. We foster a workplace free from discrimination and embrace diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives.

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