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Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement

Remote, Home based - Worldwide·Added today

Still open when we checked on 8 Oct

Canonical

233 open roles

Overview

Job details

  • Fully remote

    Per the ad.

Requirements

  • Have the right to work in Spain

    Canonical doesn't mention sponsorship, but this role may fit the Digital nomad visa.

  • Work in English

    English is required, per the ad.

Skills

Nice to have

Requirements

What we're looking for

While direct experience with the Linux kernel would be an advantage, it is not a hard requirement. Candidates with RTOS or bare-metal experience and demonstrable hardware experience are encouraged to apply.

We welcome applications from engineers at various stages of their careers, from those beginning their journey in hardware-level development to seasoned industry veterans.

  • Proficiency in C programming, particularly for low-level system development
  • A strong grasp of device drivers, BSPs, and other aspects of hardware-level system engineering
  • Deep understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals
  • Professional proficiency with Git for version control and collaborative development
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbal, within a professional context
  • A professional approach to collaborating with business partners and the open-source community
  • Ability to travel twice a year for company events of up to two weeks in length

Nice to have

  • Experience with Python or Bash scripting for automation and tooling
  • Prior experience working with major SoC families (e.g., NVIDIA, Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, MediaTek, Renesas)
  • Familiarity with Ubuntu, Debian, or Snap packaging
  • Demonstrated expertise in Linux kernel patching and debugging
  • A deep understanding of performance optimization techniques for silicon platforms

Pay & benefits

What you'll get

We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually (and more often for graduates and associates) 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

The role

Ubuntu Linux is already the most popular Linux distribution in the world, and its mission is to remain at the forefront of the global software ecosystem. As the industry evolves, we are expanding our support for a wider array of System on Chip (SoC) platforms to ensure that every user receives a high-performance and reliable experience. There is growing and vital demand from major silicon manufacturers such as NVIDIA, AMD, Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Renesas to provide Ubuntu Linux as the foundational platform for their next-generation hardware.

The Canonical Kernel Team is responsible for the build, maintenance, and distribution of the Linux kernel for Ubuntu. We are looking for engineers who share our passion for building high-quality, robust software foundations that others can rely upon. This role sits at a critical junction in the software stack, ensuring that the underlying hardware is seamlessly integrated, optimized and prepared to meet the demands of modern computing.

What you'll do

  • Drive the integration of platform support from our silicon partners into the Ubuntu Linux kernel
  • Lead the identification and resolution of complex kernel issues reported by partners, customers, or discovered through rigorous testing
  • Own the delivery of distinct, silicon-optimized variants of the Ubuntu Linux kernel to the global community
  • Develop and refine the tooling and automation required for the reliable delivery and testing of our kernels
  • Manage the submission and review process for upstream patches, collaborating effectively with both internal and external maintainers
  • Identify new methodologies and strategies for maximizing performance on partner silicon
  • Collaborate proactively within a globally distributed engineering team to ensure cohesive outcomes across the organization

How you'll work

This is a globally remote role.

Hiring process

6 steps5 interviewsa task to doabout 3 months in all
  1. Application

  2. Written interview

    In your own time

    A written submission tailored to the role presenting your academic and professional accomplishments; you choose format and length, and two domain experts grade it.

  3. Psychometric assessment (GIA)

    Online test · 30–45 min

    A cognitive-ability test measuring aptitude, problem solving and speed of learning, required for all applicants.

  4. Technical assessment

    Not every role

    A domain-specific assessment for some roles, graded by domain experts and discussed in later interviews.

  5. Early stage interviews

    With future colleagues and stakeholders · 3 sessions

    Three interviews with future colleagues and stakeholders focused on technical and domain skills.

  6. Talent interview

    With Talent Science team

    Interview with the Talent Science team including a 10-minute Personality Profile Analysis; compensation is first discussed here.

  7. Late stage interviews

    With potential manager, Hiring Lead and senior stakeholders

    Meet your potential manager, the Hiring Lead and senior stakeholders; management and leadership candidates also meet the CEO.

  8. Offer and onboarding · With a Hiring Lead

  • After application review you get a personal dashboard showing your assessment and interview plan.
  • The written interview is submitted anonymously to reduce bias early on.
  • You may apply to a single job once, or to four different jobs, in any 180-day period.

About Canonical

Canonical is the publisher of Ubuntu, the world's most widely used open-source operating system for cloud, IoT, and enterprise environments. Founded in 2004, the company is a global leader in open-source software, providing secure, supported Ubuntu solutions to enterprises, developers, and device manufacturers. With a distributed workforce spanning over 80 countries, Canonical drives innovation in areas like AI, edge computing, and cloud-native technologies, making it a key player in the open-source ecosystem.

Canonical has a strong presence in Spain, with a significant number of open roles across engineering, product, marketing, and sales. The company is known for its fully remote-first culture, allowing employees to work from anywhere, including Spain. For international professionals, Canonical offers a unique opportunity to contribute to world-class open-source projects, collaborate with a global team, and enjoy flexible work arrangements. The company values autonomy, excellence, and a passion for open-source, making it an attractive employer for those seeking a dynamic, remote-friendly environment.

Industry
Cloud/Ubuntu
Founded
2004
Employees
1,000–5,000
Headquarters
London, UK

Good to know if you are moving

  • Canonical is a remote-first company, allowing employees to work from anywhere, including Spain, with no requirement to relocate to a central office.
  • The company offers a diverse, international work environment with colleagues from over 80 countries, providing a global perspective.
  • Canonical is a major contributor to open-source projects, offering opportunities to work on widely-used technologies like Ubuntu, Kubernetes, and OpenStack.
  • Employees often receive a competitive salary and benefits, including home office setup allowances and professional development opportunities.
  • The company values autonomy and self-motivation, making it ideal for professionals who thrive in a flexible, results-driven culture.

In their own words

About the company & team

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.

Additional information

We 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.

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