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Lead Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu

Canonical Dubai, United Arab Emirates Posted: 28 Mar 2025

Financial

  • Estimate: $120k - $150k*
  • Zero income tax location

Accessibility

  • Fully Remote
  • Apply from abroad
  • Visa Provided

Requirements

  • Experience: Senior
  • English: Professional

Position

About the Job: Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems, primarily through our platform, Ubuntu. Our software is extensively used in enterprise initiatives across various sectors such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. We serve prominent public cloud and silicon providers and industry leaders globally.

The Canonical Kernel Team seeks exceptionally talented individuals with significant experience in operating systems kernel development or low-level system engineering. The main responsibilities of this role include:

  • Leading engagements with key Silicon and Cloud partners to optimize their platform solutions.
  • Mitigating vulnerabilities and exposures for Ubuntu Linux while enhancing kernel security.
  • Architecting performance and correctness improvements for the Ubuntu Linux kernel.
  • Streamlining packaging and distribution of third-party components for end user experience.
  • Developing new methods to deliver Ubuntu Linux at scale while meeting quality standards and delivery timelines.

While this position is not formal managerial, strong leadership skills are necessary to guide junior and mid-career engineers and synchronize efforts with external teams.

Requirements:

  • Well-organized, motivated self-starter capable of thriving in a remote environment.
  • Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
  • Expert understanding of the C programming language.
  • Experience with *nix-based operating systems, preferably in kernel and distribution.
  • Proficient in Python and Bash scripting.
  • Familiarity with git version control system.
  • Experience with software packaging formats, ideally with Ubuntu/Debian/Snap.
  • Availability to travel internationally at least twice a year for company events lasting up to two weeks.

Nice-to-Have Skills:

  • Background in RTOS and real-time performance analysis.
  • Experience with kernel patching and debugging.
  • Understanding of device drivers and low-level system engineering.
  • Experience with Rust, particularly in relation to the Linux kernel.

Work Conditions:

  • Remote, with opportunities to work from home.
  • Team sprints held twice per year in various international locations.
  • Annual compensation review and performance-based bonuses.
  • Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
  • Additional benefits including annual holiday leave, maternity/paternity leave, and wellness programs.

Canonical values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workspace. We provide fair consideration to applicants regardless of their identity.

Apply now

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About Canonical

We deliver open source to the world faster, more securely and more cost effectively than any other company. We're also the publishers of Ubuntu, the world’s most popular enterprise Linux from cloud to edge, together with a passionate global community of 200,000+ contributors.