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Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement

Unlock employer Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Posted: 14 Aug 2025

Financial

  • Estimate: $80k - $120k*
  • Zero income tax location

Accessibility

  • Fully Remote
  • Visa Provided

Requirements

  • Experience: Unspecified
  • English: Professional

Position

About the Job:
Ubuntu Linux, the most popular Linux distribution globally, is aiming to enhance its adoption by expanding supported System On Chip (SoC) platforms and optimizing performance for users. There is significant demand from silicon manufacturers, such as NVIDIA, Xilinx, MediaTek, and Qualcomm, to offer Ubuntu Linux to their customers. Canonical is expanding its silicon enablement teams to meet this demand.

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The Canonical Kernel Team is seeking individuals with a strong software development background at the hardware level. While direct experience with the Linux kernel is advantageous, it is not mandatory for applicants with experience in other real-time operating systems (RTOS) or bare-metal environments, provided they can demonstrate hardware experience.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate proactively with a globally distributed team.
  • Work closely with silicon vendor partners to integrate their platform support into the Ubuntu Linux kernel.
  • Diagnose and resolve kernel issues reported by partners and customers.
  • Deliver distinct silicon-optimised variants of the Ubuntu Linux kernel.
  • Improve tooling and automation for kernel delivery and testing.
  • Submit, review, and apply kernel patches in collaboration with maintainers.

Requirements:

  • Strong self-starter capable of thriving in a remote work environment.
  • Professional communication skills in English (written and verbal).
  • Significant programming skills in C.
  • Understanding of device drivers, BSPs, and hardware-level system engineering.
  • Solid background in using git.
  • Familiarity with operating system kernel fundamentals.
  • Ability to travel twice a year for company events (up to two weeks).

Additional Skills (Preferred):

  • Experience with Python and Bash scripting.
  • Background with major SoC families.
  • Knowledge of Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging.
  • Experience in Linux kernel patching and debugging.
  • Understanding of performance optimization for silicon platforms.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive compensation shaped by geographical location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews.
  • Performance-driven annual bonus.
  • Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
  • Annual holiday leave, maternity and paternity leave, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Opportunities for travel to new locations to meet colleagues and participate in company events.

About Canonical:
Canonical is a leading tech firm at the forefront of the global shift to open source. As the publisher of Ubuntu, Canonical is integral to significant open-source projects and platforms for AI, IoT, and the cloud. With a remote-first approach since 2004, Canonical is committed to fostering a diverse workplace and offers fair consideration to all applicants.

Language Requirements:

  • Proficiency in English (both written and verbal) is required.
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