Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer – Silicon Enablement

Remote from: 🌐 Anywhere
Annual salary: Undisclosed
Salary information is not provided for this position. Check our Salary Directory to estimate the average compensation for similar roles.
Department: Software Engineering
Employment type: Full Time,
Job posted: 21 Jul 2026
Apply before: 21 Aug 2026
Experience level: Senior
Views / Applies: 179 / 12

About company

About Canonical Ltd.

Trusted open source for enterprises

Computer Software
2004

Actively Hiring

AI Summary

This role involves expanding Ubuntu Linux support for System on Chip (SoC) platforms by collaborating with silicon vendors like NVIDIA, Xilinx, MediaTek, and Qualcomm. As a Kernel Engineer, you will integrate platform support, diagnose and resolve kernel issues, and optimize performance for hardware partners. The position is remote worldwide, targeting candidates with strong C programming and hardware-level engineering skills, from early career to senior levels. Canonical offers a home-based work environment with bi-annual team sprints, a personal learning budget, and annual compensation reviews. The successful candidate will be a self-starter who thrives in a distributed team and has a passion for low-level software development.

Role DNA

Job Complexity

Easy Hard

Pace & Pressure

Relaxed Fast-paced

Autonomy Level

Guided Full Ownership

Communication Load

Independent Highly Collaborative

AI Insight This role requires deep expertise in Linux kernel internals, device drivers, and hardware interaction, making it highly complex and challenging.

Salary Analysis

AI Insight The offered salary is not specified, but based on market data for similar senior kernel engineering roles in the US, a competitive range would be $100,000 to $200,000 annually, with a median around $150,000. This estimation aligns with the technical depth and global demand for silicon enablement expertise.

Core Skills Required

Linux Kernel C Programming Device Drivers SoC Git Ubuntu Python Bash Debugging Open Source

Cover Letter Sample

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement position at Canonical. With extensive experience in C programming, device drivers, and OS kernel fundamentals, I am confident in my ability to contribute to optimizing Ubuntu for various SoC platforms.

My background includes hands-on work with hardware-level software engineering, including BSPs and git-based development, which aligns directly with the requirements of this role. I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to collaborate with leading silicon vendors and to take ownership of delivering optimized kernel variants.

As a self-starter who excels in remote environments, I am prepared to engage proactively with the global team and partners to diagnose and resolve kernel issues while improving automation and tooling. I also bring scripting skills in Python and Bash, which would aid in streamlining testing and delivery processes.

I am excited about the chance to work at the forefront of open source technology and to help Canonical expand Ubuntu's hardware enablement. Thank you for considering my application.

Sample Interview Questions

Describe your experience with Linux kernel development. What specific subsystems or areas have you worked on?

I have contributed to the Linux kernel for over 5 years, focusing on device drivers for ARM-based SoCs, specifically in the graphics and networking subsystems. I have experience with patch submission, review processes, and maintaining out-of-tree modules for hardware enablement.

How do you approach debugging a kernel crash or hang on a new hardware platform?

I start by reproducing the issue with a minimal test case, then use tools like ftrace, kgdb, and kernel crash dumps (kdump) to identify the root cause. I also enable dynamic debugging and review the hardware documentation to verify register configurations and timing.

Explain the process of enabling support for a new SoC in the Ubuntu kernel. What steps are involved?

This involves integrating the SoC's vendor BSP, configuring the kernel to enable necessary drivers and device trees, and validating functionality across multiple releases. I also work with the vendor to test performance and stability, and submit patches upstream when appropriate.

How do you manage competing priorities from multiple silicon vendors while maintaining kernel quality?

I prioritize based on the impact on users and the strategic goals of Canonical. I use agile methodologies to track tasks, communicate regularly with vendors via forums and meetings, and leverage automated CI/CD to catch regressions early.

Can you describe a time you had to collaborate with a remote team to solve a complex kernel issue?

In a previous role, our team faced a memory corruption bug triggered by a specific DMA operation. I coordinated with the vendor's hardware engineers and my colleagues across time zones, using shared bug trackers and video calls to isolate the issue. We eventually traced it to a missing cache coherence barrier, fixed it, and revalidated the kernel.

Ubuntu Linux, already the most popular Linux distribution in the world, is looking to increase its adoption even further by expanding the number of System On Chip (SoC) platforms supported natively and further optimising to ensure the highest performant experience for all users. There is a strong demand from silicon manufacturers such as NVIDIA, Xilinx, MediaTek, and Qualcomm to provide Ubuntu Linux to their customers and Canonical is looking to broaden its silicon enablement squads to meet this challenge. The Canonical Kernel Team – those responsible for the build, maintenance, and distribution of the Linux kernel for Ubuntu – are looking for individuals with a strong flair for software development at the hardware level and a passion for ensuring the most optimal performance the silicon can provide.

The successful candidate will be able to prove a strong aptitude for software engineering at the hardware level. While direct experience with the Linux kernel would be a substantial advantage, it is not a hard requirement for candidates with prior background in other RTOS’ or bare-metal environments as long as direct hardware experience can be demonstrated.

There are a number of work-from-home based roles available worldwide and we are looking for experience levels from early career candidates with a couple of years under their belt up through senior industry veterans.

What your day will look like

Collaborate regularly and proactively with a globally distributed team
Work closely with our silicon vendor partners to integrate their platform support into the Ubuntu Linux kernel for their product ranges
Diagnose and resolve issues in the kernel reported by partners, customers, the community at large, and discovered by your own rigorous testing
Take responsibility for the delivery of distinct silicon-optimised variants of the Ubuntu Linux kernel to the world
Improve tooling and automation for the delivery and test of Ubuntu Linux kernels
Submit, review, and apply kernel patches, working with both internal and external upstream maintainers
Identify new means of maximising performance on partner silicon

What we are looking for in you

Well-organised and motivated self-starter able to thrive in a remote work environment
Professional manner with colleagues, business partners, and the open-source community
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbal
Significant programming ability in C
Strong grasp of device drivers, BSP’s, and other aspects of hardware-level system engineering
Solid background with git
Understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals
Ability to travel twice a year for company events of up to two weeks length

Additional skills that you might also bring

Python and Bash scripting ability
Prior background with the major SoC families
Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging
Demonstrated experience with Linux kernel patching and debugging
Solid understanding of performance optimisation for silicon platforms

What we offer you

We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually 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

About Canonical

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.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer

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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