About the Job:
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 optimizing to ensure the highest performance 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 Canonical is expanding its silicon enablement teams to meet this challenge.
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The Canonical Kernel Team is responsible for the build, maintenance, and distribution of the Linux kernel for Ubuntu and seeks individuals with a strong flair for software development at the hardware level. Candidates should have an aptitude for software engineering at the hardware level. Direct experience with the Linux kernel is advantageous but not a hard requirement if there is prior experience in other RTOS or bare-metal environments, demonstrated through direct hardware experience.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with a globally distributed team and silicon vendor partners to integrate platform support into the Ubuntu Linux kernel.
- Diagnose and resolve kernel issues reported by partners, customers, and the community.
- Deliver silicon-optimized variants of the Ubuntu Linux kernel.
- Improve tooling and automation for kernel delivery and testing.
- Submit, review, and apply kernel patches, coordinating with internal and external upstream maintainers.
- Identify new means of maximizing performance on partner silicon.
Requirements:
- Well-organized and motivated self-starter for a remote work environment.
- Professional communication skills in English (both written and verbal).
- Significant programming ability in C.
- Strong understanding of device drivers, BSPs, and hardware-level system engineering.
- Background with git and understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals.
- Ability to travel twice a year for up to two weeks for company events.
Preferred Skills:
- Proficiency in Python and Bash scripting.
- Experience with major SoC families.
- Familiarity with Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging.
- Demonstrated experience with Linux kernel patching and debugging.
- Understanding of performance optimization for silicon platforms.
Benefits:
- Geographical and performance-based compensation reviewed annually.
- Performance-driven annual bonus.
- Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
- Home-based work environment with twice-yearly in-person team events.
- Annual holiday leave, maternity/paternity leave, and Employee Assistance Programme.
- Opportunities to travel for company events and local recognition rewards.
Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. Working here is a step into the future, encouraging innovative thinking, skill development, and dynamic collaboration. Canonical is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce.
