Linux Kernel Engineer

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.

Canonical has a large and rapidly growing kernel team that underpins Ubuntu and open source more widely across a very wide range of hardware and use cases. We partner with the biggest kernel contributors - the silicon companies - to ensure that their work reaches the widest possible audience as quickly as possible, with a 10 year enterprise security commitment.

The Canonical Linux Kernel Organization has teams in every time zone. We have opportunities for technical leadership, engineering management, and engineering directorships. The team is responsible for all supported Ubuntu Linux kernels, on all platforms and architectures from small embedded devices to standard desktop/server systems to large scale cloud environments, mainframes and supercomputers.

We care most about hardware and virtualization enablement, security, reliability and performance. There are a number of areas where we lead upstream, but for the most part we are interested in ensuring production readiness and performance for the latest patchsets, rather than subsystem maintenance or evolution.

Kernel Team projects include but are not limited to:


Ubuntu Linux kernel plan, execution, benchmarking and stress testingOptimised kernels for key silicon and cloud partnersConfidential computing and next-generation security primitivesDeveloper platforms such as Raspberry Pi and RISC-VEnabling Ubuntu on a wide range of embedded systemsKernel Livepatch, which delivers critical kernel fixes without rebootingFIPS complianceReal-Time and Low Latency kernel variants and patchsetsVirtualisation or abstraction enginesContainer technologySecurity with AppArmor, SECCOMP, namespaces and moreNetworking - in particular performance and securityStorage - we are particularly interested in Ceph and DRBDWe 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 teamWork closely with silicon, cloud, or hardware manufacturersDiagnose and resolve issues in the kernelTake personal responsibility for a flavour of the Ubuntu Linux kernelImprove tooling and automation for delivery and test of Ubuntu Linux kernelsSubmit, review, and apply kernel patchesWhat we are looking for in you:


An exceptional academic track record from both high school and universityUndergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM, or a compelling narrative about your alternative pathDrive and a track record of going above-and-beyond expectationsWell-organised, self-starting and able to deliver to fixed schedulesProfessional manner interacting with colleagues, partners, and communityAbility to communicate effectively in English, both written and oralSignificant programming experience in CSolid background with gitBroad knowledge of the Linux kernel and kernel subsystemsDemonstrated experience with kernel patching and debuggingUnderstanding of Linux kernel upstream processes and release cycleStrong grasp of device drivers, BSP's, and other low level system engineeringProfessional written and spoken EnglishExperience with Linux (Debian or Ubuntu preferred)Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountabilityPassion, thoughtfulness, and self-motivationExcellent communication and presentation skillsResult-oriented, with a personal drive to meet commitmentsAbility to travel twice a year, for company events up to two weeks eachAdditional Skills That You Might Also Bring: Python and Bash scriptingPrior experience with Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packagingPerformance engineering and security experienceWhat 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 personPersonal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per yearAnnual compensation reviewRecognition rewardsAnnual holiday leaveMaternity and paternity leaveEmployee Assistance ProgrammeOpportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleaguesPriority Pass, and travel upgrades for long haul company eventsAbout Canonical:

Canonical 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 are changing the world on a daily basis. We recruit on a global basis and set a very high standard for people joining the company. We expect excellence - in order to succeed, we need to be the best at what we do. Canonical has been a remote-first company since its inception in 2004. Working here is a step into the future, and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.

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