Linux Kernel Engineer : Canonical

Job Description

This is a general track for applications to any team at Canonical that works with the Linux kernel, across all seniority levels. Apply here if you are an exceptional software engineer who wants to work on both stable and cutting edge Linux kernels for Ubuntu and its wider ecosystem.

We hire candidates of all experience levels from recent university graduates through seasoned industry experts. We select those who are enthusiastic to work in multiple areas including security mitigation, feature development, patching and test.  You must have outstanding academic results, a background in software engineering, be motivated to work in a distributed team and willing to travel globally twice a year for company engineering events.

Location: Working from home, worldwide.   

We have kernel teams and openings in every time zone and with the notable exception of Taipei, Taiwan, have no offices and therefore no pressure to work from an office.

What your day will look like

Collaborate regularly and proactively with a globally distributed team 

Work closely with silicon, cloud, or hardware manufacturers

Diagnose and resolve issues in the kernel

Take personal responsibility for a flavour of the Ubuntu Linux kernel

Improve tooling and automation for delivery and test of Ubuntu Linux kernels

Submit, review, and apply kernel patches

What we are looking for in you

An exceptional academic track record from both high school and university

Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM, or a compelling narrative about your alternative path

Drive and a track record of going above-and-beyond expectationsWell-organised, self-starting and able to deliver to fixed schedules

Professional manner interacting with colleagues, partners, and community

Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and oral

Significant programming experience in C

Solid background with git

Broad knowledge of the Linux kernel and kernel subsystems

Demonstrated experience with kernel patching and debugging

Understanding of Linux kernel upstream processes and release cycle

Strong grasp of device drivers, BSP’s, and other low level system engineering

Professional written and spoken English 

Experience with Linux (Debian or Ubuntu preferred) 

Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability

 Passion, thoughtfulness, and self-motivation

 Excellent communication and presentation skills 

Result-oriented, with a personal drive to meet commitments 

Ability to travel twice a year, for company events up to two weeks each

Additional skills that you might also bring

Python and Bash scripting

Prior experience with Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging

Performance engineering and security experience

What we offer you

We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually (and more often for graduates and associates) to ensure we recognise outstanding performance. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus. We provide all team members with additional benefits, which reflect our values and ideals. We balance our programs to meet local needs and ensure fairness globally.

Distributed 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

Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues

Priority Pass, and travel upgrades for long haul company events