Ubuntu Linux, already the most popular Linux distribution in the world, is looking to increase its adoption even further by expanding the number of System On Chip (SoC) platforms supported natively and further optimising to ensure the highest performant 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 looking to broaden its silicon enablement squads to meet this challenge. The Canonical Kernel Team - those responsible for the build, maintenance, and distribution of the Linux kernel for Ubuntu - are looking for individuals with a strong flair for software development at the hardware level and a passion for ensuring the most optimal performance the silicon can provide.
The successful candidate will be able to prove a strong aptitude for software engineering at the hardware level. While direct experience with the Linux kernel would be a substantial advantage, it is not a hard requirement for candidates with prior background in other RTOS’ or bare-metal environments as long as direct hardware experience can be demonstrated.
There are a number of work-from-home based roles available worldwide and we are looking for experience levels from early career candidates with a couple of years under their belt up through senior industry veterans.
What your day will look like- Collaborate regularly and proactively with a globally distributed team
- Work closely with our 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, the community at large, and discovered by your own rigorous testing
- Take responsibility for the delivery of distinct silicon-optimised variants of the Ubuntu Linux kernel to the world
- Improve tooling and automation for the delivery and test of Ubuntu Linux kernels
- Submit, review, and apply kernel patches, working with both internal and external upstream maintainers
- Identify new means of maximising performance on partner silicon
- Well-organised and motivated self-starter able to thrive in a remote work environment
- Professional manner with colleagues, business partners, and the open-source community
- Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbal
- Significant programming ability in C
- Strong grasp of device drivers, BSP’s, and other aspects of hardware-level system engineering
- Solid background with git
- Understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals
- Ability to travel twice a year for company events of up to two weeks length
- Python and Bash scripting ability
- Prior background with the major SoC families
- Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging
- Demonstrated experience with Linux kernel patching and debugging
- Solid understanding of performance optimisation for silicon platforms
We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually 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.
- Home-based 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
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 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 C
- Strong grasp of device drivers and system engineering
- Solid background with git
- Understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals
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.
