Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu

Kernel Team projects include but are not limited to

Ubuntu Linux kernel plan, execution, benchmarking and stress testing
Optimized kernels for key silicon and cloud partners
Confidential computing and next-generation security primitives
Developer platforms such as Raspberry Pi and RISC-V
Enabling Ubuntu on a wide range of embedded systems
Kernel Livepatch, which delivers critical kernel fixes without rebooting
FIPS compliance
Real-Time and Low Latency kernel variants and patch-sets
Virtualization or abstraction engines
Container technology
Security with AppArmor, SECCOMP, namespaces and more
Networking - in particular performance and security
Storage - we are particularly interested in Ceph and DRBD
We hire candidates of all experience levels from recent university graduates through seasoned industry experts.

We select those who are enthusiastic to work in multiple areas including security mitigation, feature development, patching and test.

You must have outstanding academic results, a background in software engineering, be motivated to work in a distributed team and willing to travel globally twice a year for company engineering events.
Location: Working from home, worldwide.

We have kernel teams and openings in every time zone and – with the notable exception of Taipei, Taiwan – have no offices and therefore no pressure to work from an office.
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 issues in the kernel reported by customers, the community, and discovered by your own rigorous testing
Take personal responsibility for the delivery of a flavour of the Ubuntu Linux kernel
Improve tooling and automation for delivery and test of Ubuntu Linux kernels
Submit, review, and apply kernel patches, working with both internal and external upstream maintainers
What we are looking for in you
Significant programming experience in C, with Python, Golang, or other like languages is also highly regarded
Experience with operating system kernel internals and concepts, Linux would be highly regarded but not essential
Solid background with git
Experience with Linux (Debian or Ubuntu preferred)
Professional written and spoken English with excellent presentation skills
Ability to travel twice a year, for company events up to two weeks each
Nice-to-have skills
Strong grasp of device drivers, BSP's, and other low level system engineering
Prior experience developing with software packaging formats, with direct Ubuntu/Debian/Snap experience being highly regarded
Understanding of Linux kernel upstream processes and release cycle
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
We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide.

We revisit compensation annually (and more often for graduates and associates) to ensure we recognize outstanding performance.

In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus or commission.

We provide all team members with additional benefits which reflect our values and ideals.

We balance our programs to meet local needs and ensure fairness globally.
Distributed 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
Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform
Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long-haul company events
About Canonical
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 of software.

We recruit on a global basis and set a very high standard for people joining the company.

We expect excellence; in order to succeed, we need to be the best at what we do.

Most colleagues at Canonical have worked from home since our inception in 2004.

Working here is a step into the future and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.
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.