Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement - remote job

Canonical is hiring a Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement. The role sits in IT and programming and is fully remote. The company places no restriction on where the candidate lives, so you can apply from anywhere.

The employer did not publish a figure; that is settled at interview. The advert sets no condition on working hours.

This vacancy passed an automated check: the list excludes any advert requiring a foreign work permit, visa sponsorship, a particular citizenship, or residence in a specific country.

Canonical, the company behind the globally recognized Ubuntu Linux distribution, aims to enhance its support for System On Chip (SoC) platforms and optimize performance to cater to a growing demand from silicon manufacturers such as NVIDIA, Xilinx, MediaTek, and Qualcomm. To address this need, Canonical seeks to expand its silicon enablement teams. Specifically, the Canonical Kernel Team, responsible for maintaining and distributing the Linux kernel for Ubuntu, is in search of individuals who excel in software development at the hardware level and are passionate about achieving the best performance from silicon.

For this role, we are looking for candidates who can demonstrate a strong aptitude for software engineering at the hardware level. While previous experience with the Linux kernel is highly beneficial, it is not a strict prerequisite for candidates with a background in other real-time operating systems (RTOS) or bare-metal environments, provided they have relevant hardware experience.

We offer a variety of remote roles across the globe, suitable for candidates from early-career levels to seasoned professionals. Here’s a glimpse of what a day might look like:

- Engage actively with a globally dispersed team - Collaborate closely with silicon vendor partners to integrate their platforms into the Ubuntu Linux kernel - Investigate and resolve kernel-related issues reported by partners, customers, and the community - Be responsible for delivering silicon-optimized versions of the Ubuntu Linux kernel - Enhance tooling and automation for the delivery and testing of Ubuntu Linux kernels - Submit, review, and apply kernel patches, working with both internal and external maintainers - Identify and implement strategies to maximize performance on partner silicon

We are looking for candidates who:

- Are organized and self-motivated, capable of thriving in a remote work environment - Exhibit professionalism in interactions with colleagues, partners, and the open-source community - Possess strong English communication skills, both verbal and written - Have significant programming skills in C - Exhibit a deep understanding of device drivers, boot support packages (BSPs), and other aspects of hardware-level system engineering - Have a solid grasp of Git - Understand operating system kernel fundamentals - Are willing to travel twice a year for up to two weeks for company events

Additional skills that would be advantageous include:

- Proficiency in Python and Bash scripting - Experience with major SoC families - Background in Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging - History of Linux kernel patching and debugging - Knowledge of performance optimization for silicon platforms

Canonical offers:

- A remote work environment with in-person team sprints twice a year - A yearly learning and development budget of USD 2,000 - Annual compensation reviews - Recognition and rewards programs - Generous holiday leave - Maternity and paternity leave - An Employee Assistance Programme - Opportunities to travel to meet colleagues in new locations - Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long-haul company events

Canonical is a global, remote-first company that values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to creating a workplace free from discrimination and believe in giving all applicants a fair chance.

Join us at Canonical, where we are dedicated to driving the global shift to open source and making a difference in the world.