About the Job:
This is a general track for applications to any team at Canonical that works with the Linux kernel, across all seniority levels. We are seeking exceptional software engineers who are interested in working on both stable and cutting-edge Linux kernels for Ubuntu and its wider ecosystem. Canonical has a large and rapidly growing kernel team that supports Ubuntu and open source across a wide range of hardware and use cases.
We collaborate with major kernel contributors, including silicon companies, to ensure their work reaches the widest possible audience with a lasting enterprise security commitment. The Canonical Linux Kernel Organization has teams in various time zones, offering opportunities for technical leadership, engineering management, and directorships. The team is responsible for all supported Ubuntu Linux kernels, across all platforms and architectures, from small embedded devices to large-scale cloud environments.
Our focus areas include hardware and virtualization enablement, security, reliability, and performance. We prioritize production readiness and performance for the latest patchsets over subsystem maintenance or evolution.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with a globally distributed team.
- Work closely with silicon, cloud, or hardware manufacturers.
- Diagnose and resolve issues in the kernel.
- Take personal responsibility for a specific flavor of the Ubuntu Linux kernel.
- Improve tooling and automation for delivery and test of Ubuntu Linux kernels.
- Submit, review, and apply kernel patches.
Requirements:
- An exceptional academic track record from high school and university.
- An undergraduate degree in Computer Science or a STEM field, or a compelling narrative about your alternative path.
- Outstanding programming experience in C.
- A solid background with git and broad knowledge of the Linux kernel and subsystems.
- Experience with kernel patching and debugging, as well as a strong understanding of Linux kernel upstream processes and release cycles.
- Familiarity with device drivers and low-level system engineering.
- Professional proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Willingness to travel globally twice a year for company engineering events.
Additional Skills:
- Experience with Python and Bash scripting.
- Prior experience with Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging.
- Performance engineering and security experience.
Benefits:
- Competitive compensation reflective of geographic location, experience, and performance.
- Performance-driven annual bonus.
- Distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person.
- Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
- Annual compensation review and various recognition rewards.
- Comprehensive leave policies, including maternity and paternity leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Opportunity to travel for company events.
Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of open-source and is the publisher of Ubuntu. We strive to recruit individuals who uphold a high standard of excellence and foster a workplace free from discrimination, valuing diverse experiences and perspectives.
