We are seeking an experienced software engineer passionate about Linux systems, hardware architectures, Ubuntu, and the open-source community to join the Ubuntu Foundations Engineering team. The primary responsibility will be to maintain and enhance the Ubuntu bootloader stack to provide fast, reliable, and secure Ubuntu systems on all devices and in the cloud.
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The boot process is one of the most critical aspects of any operating system where stability, reliability, and security are paramount. Its efficiency and quality contribute to Ubuntu's success from Desktop, Server to the Cloud. We're expanding our Foundations team to focus our efforts on this essential function and are looking for individuals passionate about lower-level technologies, from hardware to firmware and Linux itself, involved in an operating system startup. Applicants should be comfortable working with Secure Boot, Measured Boot, Full Disk Encryption, and other technologies used during the modern operating system boot process.
This is highly technical work, and we are looking for a colleague with a careful and systematic approach to their software. This role is critical to system security and reliability.
As a Linux System Engineer, you will work on the architecture, design, and development of core components involved in the boot and startup of the Ubuntu Distribution, often interacting with the upstream community for projects like Grub, shim, and u-boot. You will be discussing design with other team members, mentoring less senior engineers, and participating in code reviews and design reviews to ensure architecture decisions improve the overall performance and experience of Ubuntu.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate proactively with a distributed team
- Define and shape the boot architecture of Ubuntu
- Write high-quality code to create new features and contribute upstream
- Contribute to feature and bug fixes in projects such as Grub, shim, u-boot, and associated tools
- Debug issues and produce high-quality fixes
- Review code produced by other engineers
- Discuss ideas and collaborate on finding good solutions
Valued Skills, Approach, and Experience:
- Development experience with early boot software like TF-A, OP-TEE, U-Boot, shim, GRUB, or the Linux kernel
- Experience on non-x86 platforms such as ARM, RISC-V
- Motivated, curious, flexible, articulate, and accountable
- A long-time Linux user with broad interests in the future of Linux
- Experience or interest in learning how to package software for Debian and Ubuntu
- Bachelor's or equivalent in Computer Science, STEM, or similar degree
What Canonical Offers:
- Personal learning and development budget
- Annual compensation review
- Recognition rewards
- Annual leave
- Priority Pass for travel
Canonical is a growing international software company that works with the open-source community to deliver Ubuntu, the world's best free software platform. We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination and offer fair consideration to applicants from all backgrounds.
