About the Job:
Every year, we select new junior professionals into the Canonical kernel team to work on the Linux kernel for Ubuntu. If you've enjoyed operating systems in your coursework or current role, are confident in your ability to write high-quality C and possibly Rust, and are ready to dive into the intricacies of it all, this is a great opportunity to advance your career. Canonical's Kernel Team builds and maintains all supported Ubuntu Linux kernels across a variety of platforms and architectures, from small embedded devices to standard desktop/server systems to large-scale cloud environments.
In your first year, you will tackle serious initiatives, which may include:
- Optimized solutions for key Silicon and Cloud partner platforms
- Developer platforms such as Raspberry Pi and RISC-V
- Enabling Ubuntu on a wide range of embedded systems
- Security hardening and exploit mitigation
- Third-party driver integration and distribution
- Expanded driver support for bleeding-edge PC platforms
We are looking for candidates who are recent university graduates or early-career professionals enthusiastic about developing kernel-level software in areas such as security updates, patching, and testing. The successful candidate will have a background in software engineering, be motivated to work in a distributed team, and be willing to travel globally twice a year for company engineering events.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with a globally distributed team and learn from senior mentors
- Work with external delivery teams on cutting-edge platforms
- Diagnose and resolve kernel issues reported by customers or discovered through testing
- Take responsibility for delivering various flavors of the Ubuntu Linux kernel
- Improve tooling and automation for delivery and testing of Ubuntu Linux kernels
- Submit, review, and apply kernel patches
Requirements:
- Well-organized and motivated self-starter
- Professional manner with colleagues and the open-source community
- Effective communication skills in English (both written and verbal)
- Programming experience in C and/or Rust
- Familiarity with version control practices (ideally git)
- Understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals
- Ability to travel twice a year for company events lasting up to two weeks
Additional Skills:
- Interest and experience in Rust
- Python and Bash scripting ability
- Prior experience with Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging
- Experience with kernel patching and debugging
- Strong grasp of device drivers and low-level system engineering
What We Offer:
- Competitive compensation with an annual review
- Performance-driven annual bonus
- Home-based work environment with in-person events twice a year
- Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
- Recognition rewards
- Annual holiday leave
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Opportunities to travel
Canonical is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering a diverse work environment. We encourage applicants of all identities to apply.
