Ubuntu Linux is one of the most widely used Linux distributions in the world today and one of the top contributing factors to its popularity is its wide availability and ease of installation. Canonical, the publisher of Ubuntu Linux, is seeking a senior software engineer to lead an initiative to take the configuration and build of the Ubuntu Linux kernel to a new level of simplicity and automation to make it even easier to distribute to clients tailored to their specific system needs.
We are looking for an industry veteran who has ‘been there, done that’ across a broad range of the software stack and is able to draw on that experience to guide this new effort. You will be expected to take charge of the implementation from concept through delivery and strong leadership skills are a must along with a tenacious commitment to detail and strict adherence to project schedules.
While this role does not require previous Linux kernel internals development experience (although that would be highly regarded), a more in-depth grasp of the build system beyond typing ‘make’ on the command line is essential. Advanced git usage and kernel patching experience will also be critical to the role.
Location: Home-based in the Europe, Middle East, or Africa regions.
What the role entails- Lead the design and implementation of an advanced automated Linux build control system
- Work closely with other engineering teams to deploy seamlessly into the Canonical ecosystem
- Have no fear in delving into the depths of kbuild, kconfig, and make to determine the optimal solution to issues faced
- Be eager to propose innovative solutions to kernel build roadblocks and drive acceptance to upstream
- Significant programming ability in Python, with strong C skills also highly regarded
- Demonstrated experience in patching and configuration of the Linux kernel. A strong working knowledge of kconfig and git will be required.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and oral
- Solid background with popular open-source projects for creating custom Linux-based distributions such as Yocto or buildroot
- Strong grasp of git
- Javascript or Golang programming ability
- Experience in writing CLI tools, including interactions with REST APIs
- Solid background in CI/CD and process automation
- Prior experience developing with software packaging formats, with direct Ubuntu/Debian/Snap experience being highly regarded
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 recognize outstanding performance. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus or commission. 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
- Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform
- Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
- Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long-haul company events
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 of software. 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. Most colleagues at Canonical have worked from home since our 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 employerWe 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.
#LI-remote
Skills Required
- Significant programming ability in Python
- Strong C skills
- Experience in patching and configuration of the Linux kernel
- Strong working knowledge of kconfig and git
- Ability to communicate effectively in English
- Solid background with popular open-source projects for creating custom distributions
Canonical Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Canonical and has not been reviewed or approved by Canonical.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Performance-based bonuses/commissions and annual compensation reviews are part of the package. Feedback suggests variable-pay roles like sales and some senior positions can realize competitive total compensation.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Total time off is portrayed as generous, combining annual leave with local holidays and company-wide shutdowns. Feedback suggests this breadth is attractive for those who value extended breaks.
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Healthcare Strength — Core medical, dental, and vision coverage is available and consistently highlighted in role materials. Feedback suggests coverage quality is solid for a remote-first tech employer.
Canonical Insights
What We Do
We deliver open source to the world faster, more securely and more cost effectively than any other company. We develop Ubuntu, the world’s most popular enterprise Linux from cloud to edge, together with a passionate global community of 200,000 contributors. Ubuntu means 'humanity to others'. We chose it because it embodies the generosity at the heart of open source, the new normal for platforms and innovation. Together with a community of 200,000, we publish an operating system that runs from the tiny connected devices up to the world's biggest mainframes, the platform that everybody uses on the public cloud, and the workstation experience of the world's most productive developers. Secure and reliable, elegant and intuitive, and open for innovation - Ubuntu is the future of open source, which is why its the fastest growing Linux in the world despite already being the most widely deployed.
