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Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement

Canonical Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Posted: 24 Apr 2025

Financial

  • Estimate: $90k - $130k*
  • Zero income tax location

Accessibility

  • Hybrid
  • Apply from abroad
  • Visa Provided

Requirements

  • Experience: Unspecified
  • English: Professional

Position

About the Job:
Ubuntu Linux, the leading Linux distribution globally, aims to enhance its adoption by supporting more System On Chip (SoC) platforms and optimizing performance for users. Canonical is seeking to expand its silicon enablement teams to meet the demand from silicon manufacturers, including NVIDIA, Xilinx, MediaTek, and Qualcomm.

The Canonical Kernel Team, responsible for the build, maintenance, and distribution of the Linux kernel for Ubuntu, is looking for candidates who possess a strong software development background at the hardware level. While direct experience with the Linux kernel is beneficial, candidates with experience in other Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or bare-metal environments are also encouraged to apply, provided they can demonstrate relevant hardware experience.

Responsibilities:

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

Requirements:

  • Ability to thrive in a remote work environment and communicate effectively in English (written and verbal).
  • Significant programming skills in C and a solid grasp of device drivers, Board Support Packages (BSPs), and hardware-level system engineering.
  • Background in git and understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals.
  • Willingness to travel twice a year for company events lasting up to two weeks.

Preferred Skills:

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

Benefits:

  • Competitive compensation based on geographical location and experience, with an annual performance-driven bonus.
  • Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
  • Annual compensation reviews and recognition rewards.
  • Annual holiday leave, maternity and paternity leave.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Opportunities for travel to meet colleagues and engage in company events.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All applications will be given fair consideration.

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.