Linux Kernel Engineer

Summary

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source, seeking an exceptional software engineer to work on both stable and cutting edge Linux kernels for Ubuntu and its wider ecosystem. The role involves collaborating with a globally distributed team, diagnosing kernel issues, and improving tooling and automation for Ubuntu Linux kernels.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate regularly and proactively with a globally distributed team
• Work closely with silicon, cloud, or hardware manufacturers
• Diagnose and resolve issues in the kernel
• Take personal responsibility for a flavour of the Ubuntu Linux kernel
• Improve tooling and automation for delivery and test of Ubuntu Linux kernels
• Submit, review, and apply kernel patches

Skills

• An exceptional academic track record from both high school and university
• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM, or a compelling narrative about your alternative path
• Drive and a track record of going above-and-beyond expectations
• Well-organised, self-starting and able to deliver to fixed schedules
• Professional manner interacting with colleagues, partners, and community
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and oral
• Significant programming experience in C
• Solid background with git
• 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, BSP's, and other low level system engineering
• Professional written and spoken English
• Experience with Linux (Debian or Ubuntu preferred)
• Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability
• Passion, thoughtfulness, and self-motivation
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Result-oriented, with a personal drive to meet commitments
• Ability to travel twice a year, for company events up to two weeks each
• Python and Bash scripting
• Prior experience with Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging
• Performance engineering and security experience

Qualifications

Must Haves

• An exceptional academic track record from both high school and university
• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM, or a compelling narrative about your alternative path
• Drive and a track record of going above-and-beyond expectations
• Well-organised, self-starting and able to deliver to fixed schedules
• Professional manner interacting with colleagues, partners, and community
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and oral
• Significant programming experience in C
• Solid background with git
• 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, BSP's, and other low level system engineering
• Professional written and spoken English
• Experience with Linux (Debian or Ubuntu preferred)
• Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability
• Passion, thoughtfulness, and self-motivation
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Result-oriented, with a personal drive to meet commitments
• Ability to travel twice a year, for company events up to two weeks each

Nice to Haves

• Python and Bash scripting
• Prior experience with Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging
• Performance engineering and security experience

Benefits

• 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
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
• Priority Pass, and travel upgrades for long haul company events