Canonical is hiring a
Kernel Engineer

Summary

The job is for a Linux Kernel Engineer at Canonical, working on both stable and cutting-edge Linux kernels for Ubuntu. The role involves collaborating with a global team, working with silicon manufacturers, diagnosing and resolving kernel issues, improving tooling and automation, submitting and reviewing kernel patches, etc. Required qualifications include exceptional academic results, undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM, 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, accountability, passion, thoughtfulness, self-motivation, excellent communication and presentation skills, result-oriented attitude, ability to travel twice a year for company events, etc. Additional skills that might be beneficial include Python and Bash scripting, prior experience with Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging, performance engineering and security experience.

Requirements

• Exceptional academic results
• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM
• 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, 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

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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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