The company is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems, particularly known for the Ubuntu platform. Ubuntu serves various sectors including public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. The company operates with a global distributed team of over 1200 colleagues in more than 75 countries, with very few office-based roles. As a pioneer of global collaboration, the company meets in person two to four times a year, in diverse locations worldwide to align on strategy and execution.
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The company is seeking enthusiastic junior professionals to join the Kernel Team to work on the Linux kernel for Ubuntu. If you have a background in operating systems, are confident in your ability to write high-quality code in C (and possibly Rust), and are eager to delve deeper into the inner workings of Linux, this role is an excellent opportunity to advance your career.
The Kernel Team is responsible for building and maintaining all supported Ubuntu Linux kernels across various platforms, from small embedded devices to large-scale cloud environments. During your first year, you will be involved in significant initiatives, including:
- Developing optimized solutions for key Silicon and Cloud partner platforms
- Enabling Ubuntu on a diverse range of embedded systems
- Security hardening and exploit mitigation
- Integrating and distributing third-party drivers
- Expanding driver support for advanced PC platforms
We are looking for candidates who are recent university graduates or early-career professionals interested in developing kernel-level software. You should possess a background in software engineering, be motivated to work in a distributed team, and willing to travel globally twice a year for company events.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate proactively with a diverse, globally distributed team
- Learn from senior mentors about the Linux kernel and its distribution
- Work closely with silicon, cloud, or hardware manufacturer delivery teams
- Diagnose and resolve kernel issues reported by customers or discovered through testing
- Take responsibility for delivering various variations of the Ubuntu Linux kernel
- Improve tooling and automation for delivery and testing
- Submit, review, and apply kernel patches while working with both internal and external maintainers
Requirements
- Excellent self-starter able to thrive remotely
- Professional demeanor with colleagues and the open-source community
- Effective written and verbal communication skills in English
- Programming experience in C and/or Rust
- Familiarity with version control systems, ideally git
- Understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals
- Ability to travel twice a year for company events lasting up to two weeks
Nice-to-Have Skills
- Experience in Rust
- Proficiency in Python and Bash scripting
- Prior experience with Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging
- Experience with kernel patching and debugging
- Strong understanding of device drivers, BSPs, and low-level system engineering
Benefits
- Competitive compensation reviewed annually
- Performance-driven annual bonuses or commissions
- Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
- Annual holiday leave
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform
- Opportunities to travel to meet colleagues globally
The company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage all individuals, regardless of their background or identity, to apply and will consider their applications fairly.
