Ubuntu Linux, already the most popular Linux distribution in the world, is looking to expand its adoption further by increasing the number of System On Chip (SoC) platforms supported natively and optimizing to ensure the highest performance for all users. There is strong demand from silicon manufacturers such as NVIDIA, Xilinx, MediaTek, and Qualcomm to provide Ubuntu Linux to their customers, and Canonical is broadening its silicon enablement squads to meet this challenge.
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The Canonical Kernel Team is seeking individuals with a strong flair for software development at the hardware level and a passion for ensuring optimal performance from silicon. While direct experience with the Linux kernel would be an advantage, candidates with backgrounds in other Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or bare-metal environments will also be considered, provided they can demonstrate direct hardware experience.
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, and the community at large, along with issues discovered through 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, working with both internal and external upstream maintainers.
- Identify new means of maximizing performance on partner silicon.
Qualifications:
- Well-organized and motivated self-starter who thrives in a remote work environment.
- Professional demeanor with colleagues, business partners, and the open-source community.
- Effective communication skills in English (both written and verbal).
- Significant programming proficiency in C.
- Strong understanding of device drivers, Board Support Packages (BSPs), and hardware-level system engineering.
- Solid background with git and operating system kernel fundamentals.
- Ability to travel twice a year for company events of up to two weeks in length.
Preferred Skills:
- Knowledge of Python and Bash scripting.
- Prior experience with major SoC families.
- Familiarity with Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging.
- Proven experience with Linux kernel patching and debugging.
- Solid understanding of performance optimization for silicon platforms.
Work Conditions:
- Home-based work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints.
- Opportunity for personal learning and development with a budget of USD 2,000 per year.
- Annual compensation review and performance-driven bonuses.
- Additional benefits include annual holiday leave, maternity and paternity leave, and Employee Assistance Programme.
- Opportunity to travel to new locations for company events.
Canonical is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applications from candidates of all identities and backgrounds are welcome.
