Linux Kernel Engineer

Canonical

Remote

Full Time

Posted April 1, 2026

Not Specified

Remote

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Job Description

This position involves working as a software engineer on the Linux kernel team at Canonical, focusing on developing, maintaining, and optimizing Ubuntu Linux kernels across various hardware platforms and environments, with an emphasis on security, performance, and stability in a remote, globally distributed team.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with a globally distributed team to develop and improve the Linux kernel for Ubuntu across various hardware and use cases
Diagnose and resolve issues in the Linux kernel
Submit, review, and apply kernel patches
Work closely with silicon, cloud, or hardware manufacturers to enable hardware and virtualization features
Improve tooling and automation for kernel delivery and testing
Ensure production readiness, security, reliability, and performance of Ubuntu Linux kernels

Requirements

An exceptional academic track record from both high school and university, or a compelling narrative about an alternative path demonstrating strong academic or technical background.
Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM, or equivalent experience and skills.
Drive and a track record of going above-and-beyond expectations in professional or academic settings.
Well-organized, self-starting, and able to deliver to fixed schedules.
Professional manner when interacting with colleagues, partners, and community members.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and oral.
Significant programming experience in C.
Solid background with git version control system.
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, Board Support Packages (BSPs), and other low-level system engineering concepts.
Experience with Linux Debian or Ubuntu preferred.
Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability.
Ability and willingness to travel twice a year, for company events up to two weeks each.
Ability to diagnose and resolve issues in the kernel.
Ability to collaborate regularly and proactively with a globally distributed team.
Ability to work from home in a worldwide location with no requirement to work from an office.
Willingness to take personal responsibility for a flavor of the Ubuntu Linux kernel.
Ability to improve tooling and automation for delivery and testing of Ubuntu Linux kernels.
Ability to submit, review, and apply kernel patches.