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Junior Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu

Unlock employer Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Posted: 31 May 2025

Financial

  • Estimate: $40k - $60k*
  • Zero income tax location

Accessibility

  • Fully Remote
  • Apply from abroad
  • Visa Provided

Requirements

  • Experience: Junior
  • English: Professional

Position

Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is widely used in breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. We are a global team working to ship the world's most widely used Linux kernel, applying and growing software engineering skills.

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Each year, we select new junior professionals for the Canonical Kernel Team to work on the Linux kernel for Ubuntu. If you have a strong background in operating systems and are proficient in writing high-quality C and possibly Rust, you may find this opportunity ideal for advancing your career.

In the first year, you will tackle significant initiatives including optimized solutions for silicon and cloud platforms, enabling Ubuntu on embedded systems, security hardening, and third-party driver integration.

Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate proactively with a globally distributed team.
  • Learn from senior mentors about the Linux kernel and its distribution.
  • Work closely with external teams on new platforms.
  • Diagnose and resolve kernel issues reported by customers and the community.
  • Take responsibility for delivering various flavors of the Ubuntu Linux kernel.
  • Improve tooling and automation for delivery and testing.
  • Submit, review, and apply kernel patches.

Requirements:

  • Recent university graduate or early career professional.
  • Proficient in English (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 globally twice a year for company events (up to two weeks).

Nice-to-Have Skills:

  • Interest and experience in Rust.
  • Python and Bash scripting abilities.
  • Experience with Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging.
  • Familiarity with kernel patching and debugging.
  • Strong understanding of device drivers and low-level system engineering.

Benefits:

  • Geographical location, experience, and performance will shape compensation.
  • Annual compensation review and performance-driven bonuses.
  • Distributed work environment with in-person team sprints twice a year.
  • Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
  • Maternity and paternity leave.
  • Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform.
  • Opportunity to travel to new locations.

About Canonical:
Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source, known for publishing Ubuntu. We recruit globally and set high standards for excellence. Our remote work culture has been established since 2004, allowing us to attract diverse talent and innovate effectively. We are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate diversity within our workplace.

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