Lead Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu
CanonicalRemote
Full Time
Posted September 18, 2025
Not Specified
Remote
Apply Now
Application opens on company website
Job Description
A senior technical leadership role focused on the architecture, development, and delivery of the Ubuntu Linux kernel, involving collaboration with internal teams and external partners to enhance performance, security, and reliability of the operating system.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the architecture, implementation, and delivery of Ubuntu Linux kernel enhancements
- Drive engagement with Silicon and Cloud partners to optimize platform solutions
- Mitigate vulnerabilities and harden the Ubuntu Linux kernel
- Improve kernel performance and correctness for reliability and efficiency
- Streamline packaging and distribution of third-party components
- Develop scalable delivery methods for Ubuntu Linux meeting quality standards
- Set technical direction and lead a team of engineers on kernel projects
- Collaborate with management and external teams to coordinate initiatives
- Ensure Ubuntu Linux remains a leading distribution through technical leadership
Requirements
- Proven track record in operating systems kernel development or low level system engineering with a demonstrated technical equivalent of 15 years of industry experience.
- Strong technical expertise in operating system kernels and distributions, with experience in architecture, implementation, and ongoing delivery of Linux kernels.
- Experience driving engagements for key Silicon and Cloud partners to provide optimal platform solutions.
- Experience leading the mitigation of common vulnerabilities and exposures for Ubuntu Linux and driving active kernel hardening.
- Ability to architect enhancements to improve performance and correctness of the Linux kernel to make Ubuntu Linux the most reliable and highest performing Linux kernel available today.
- Experience streamlining the packaging and distribution of third-party components for optimal end-user experience.
- Experience developing new means to deliver Ubuntu Linux at scale, meeting strict quality standards and delivery schedules.
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to lead engineers within the team and coordinate with external teams, with a natural ability to take initiative and drive ideas to completion.
- Ability to set the technical direction and lead the delivery of a team of junior and mid-career engineers for a key aspect of Ubuntu Linux.
- Excellent organizational and motivation skills, with the ability to thrive in a remote work environment.
- Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
- Expert understanding of the C programming language.
- Demonstrated expertise working in a Unix-based operating system kernel and distribution, with Linux experience preferred but not required.
- Proficiency in Python and Bash scripting.
- Strong grasp of the capabilities and nuances of the git version control system.
- Prior experience developing with software packaging formats, with direct Ubuntu, Debian, or Snap experience highly regarded.
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally at least twice a year for company events of up to two weeks in length.
Benefits & Perks
Compensation is based on geographical location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews and recognition rewards
Performance-driven annual bonus or commission
Distributed work environment with home-based roles and twice-yearly in-person team sprints
Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
Annual compensation review
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
Ready to Apply?
Join Canonical and make an impact in renewable energy
Stay Updated on Sustainability Jobs
Get the latest renewable energy jobs and career tips delivered to your inbox.
Job Alerts
Get notified about new sustainability jobs
More jobs at Canonical
Usability Engineer - User Science
Canonical
Remote
Full Time
6d
Senior Design Researcher - User Science
Canonical
Remote
Full Time
6d
Ubuntu Engineering Manager
Canonical
Remote
Full Time
Jan 8
More jobs in Remote
Account Executive APJ
Planet
NEW
Remote
Full Time
13h
Account Executive NATO
Planet
NEW
Remote
Full Time
13h
Account Executive NATO
Planet
NEW
Remote
Full Time
13h