Ubuntu Linux, already the most popular Linux distribution in the world, is looking to increase its adoption further by expanding the number of System On Chip (SoC) platforms supported natively and further optimizing to ensure the highest performant experience for all users. There is a strong demand from silicon manufacturers such as NVIDIA, Xilinx, MediaTek, and Qualcomm to provide Ubuntu Linux to their customers, and the company is looking to broaden its silicon enablement squads to meet this challenge.
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The Kernel Team, responsible for the build, maintenance, and distribution of the Linux kernel for Ubuntu, seeks individuals with a strong flair for software development at the hardware level and a passion for ensuring optimal performance from silicon. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong aptitude for software engineering at the hardware level. While direct experience with the Linux kernel would be a significant advantage, it is not a hard requirement for candidates with prior backgrounds in other RTOS or bare-metal environments, as long as direct hardware experience can be demonstrated.
There are several work-from-home roles available worldwide, and we are looking for experience levels ranging from early career candidates with a couple of years under their belt to senior industry veterans.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate regularly and proactively with a globally distributed team.
- Work closely with silicon vendor partners to integrate their platform support into the Ubuntu Linux kernel for their product ranges.
- Diagnose and resolve issues in the kernel reported by partners, customers, the community at large, or discovered during rigorous testing.
- Take responsibility for delivering distinct silicon-optimized variants of the Ubuntu Linux kernel.
- Improve tooling and automation for the delivery and testing of Ubuntu Linux kernels.
- Submit, review, and apply kernel patches in collaboration with internal and external upstream maintainers.
- Identify new methods for maximizing performance on partner silicon.
Requirements:
- Well-organised and motivated self-starter able to thrive in a remote work environment.
- Professional manner with colleagues, business partners, and the open-source community.
- Effective communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
- Significant programming ability in C.
- Strong grasp of device drivers, BSPs, and other aspects of hardware-level system engineering.
- Solid background with Git.
- Understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals.
- Willingness to travel twice a year for company events lasting up to two weeks.
Desirable Skills:
- Python and Bash scripting ability.
- Prior experience with major SoC families.
- Familiarity with Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging.
- Demonstrated experience with Linux kernel patching and debugging.
- Solid understanding of performance optimization for silicon platforms.
Compensation and Benefits:
We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually to recognize outstanding performance and offer a performance-driven annual bonus. Additional benefits include:
- Home-based work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person.
- Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
- Annual compensation review.
- Recognition rewards.
- Annual holiday leave.
- Maternity and paternity leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Opportunities to travel to new locations to meet colleagues.
- Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long-haul company events.
About the company:
The company is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the company that publishes Ubuntu, one of the most important open-source projects and the platform for AI, IoT, and the cloud, we continuously strive to change the world. We recruit globally and maintain high standards for all individuals joining the company. The company has been a remote-first organization since its inception in 2004. Working here is a step into the future, challenging you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and promotes a workplace free from discrimination. We value diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds to create a better work environment and superior products.
