About this role.
Canonical, the publisher of Ubuntu, is seeking an Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer specializing in BIOS and firmware. The role involves owning the boot process, UEFI, ACPI, and platform firmware components within the Linux kernel. You'll collaborate with a global team, maintain the Firmware Test Suite (FWTS), and improve tooling for PC platform verification. The ideal candidate has deep C programming skills, ACPI/AML expertise, and familiarity with UEFI and the x86 bootstrap process. This is a remote-first position with twice-yearly international travel for company events.
Role DNA
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Job Complexity
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3/5Autonomy Level
4/5Communication Load
4/5Salary analysis
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Core skills
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Cover letter sample
Dear Hiring Team,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - BIOS/Firmware position at Canonical. With a deep background in Linux kernel development and hands-on experience with UEFI, ACPI, and platform bring-up, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to Ubuntu's stability and performance on x86 platforms.
In my previous role, I worked extensively on ACPI table parsing and AML debugging, and I have contributed patches to the Linux kernel and coreboot. I am comfortable collaborating within distributed teams and have a proven record of communicating effectively with upstream maintainers and hardware vendors.
I am particularly drawn to the chance to maintain the Firmware Test Suite and improve automation for platform verification. My programming proficiency in C, along with Python scripting skills, aligns well with the technical requirements you are looking for.
I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience can contribute to the success of the Ubuntu kernel team. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample interview questions
I have extensive experience with ACPI tables and AML code. I've debugged issues by using the acpidump tool to capture the tables, disassembling AML with iasl, and tracing kernel acpi_* functions. For example, I once resolved a boot hang caused by a malformed _PRW method in a laptop DSDT by writing a minimal patch to the kernel's ACPI subsystem to work around the bug.
I would start by reproducing the issue on a known-good kernel and comparing with the latest mainline. I'd enable UEFI debug logging and use early printk to trace the boot. I'd then bisect the kernel if the bug is a regression. Once narrowed down, I'd write a patch, test it locally, and submit it to the linux-efi mailing list for review, while also working with the vendor for firmware-specific workarounds.
I have used FWTS to validate firmware on multiple platforms. I contributed a few tests for ACPI table validation, adding checks for incorrect reserved fields in FADT. I understand the framework's architecture and how to write C-based tests that integrate cleanly with the suite.
I subscribe to kernel mailing lists like linux-acpi and linux-efi, follow the UEFI Forum specifications updates, and regularly test latest mainline kernels on my hardware. I also participate in community calls and review patches from other contributors to stay current with new developments.
I rely on asynchronous communication tools like IRC, mailing lists, and Launchpad, but I also schedule overlap hours for real-time discussions when needed. I document my work clearly, update relevant bugs with progress, and provide early feedback to vendor partners to avoid blocking. I'm comfortable traveling for the twice-yearly sprints and have done so in past remote roles.
With a proven track record now spanning decades, Ubuntu is now the go-to Linux distribution for x86/amd64 environments. To stay at the forefront of consumer choice, Canonical – the company behind Ubuntu Linux – is expanding its investment into PC platform stability, reliability, and performance. The Canonical Kernel Team – those responsible for the build, maintenance, and distribution of the Linux kernel for Ubuntu – is looking for an individual to take ownership of aspects pertaining to the boot process, BIOS, UEFI, ACPI, and other platform firmware components as they pertain to the Ubuntu Linux kernel.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of ACPI, ideally from the Linux kernel perspective, as well as enough familiarity with BIOS/UEFI to resolve issues as they are reported from PC platform vendors or the community at large. Prior work experience with a major PC platform firmware vendor or active participation in the Coreboot project would be a significant advantage.
The role entails
- Collaborate regularly and proactively with a globally distributed team
- Work closely with our PC platform enablement team and vendors to resolve issues involving BIOS, UEFI, ACPI, or other problems involving boot and configuration of the Linux kernel
- Become a primary contributor and maintainer to the Firmware Test Suite (FWTS)
- Improve tooling and automation for comprehensive verification of Ubuntu Linux on x86 platforms
- Submit, review, and apply kernel patches, working with both internal and external upstream maintainers
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
- Demonstrated software development background involving UEFI and/or ACPI, with in-depth understanding of AML.
- Solid background with git
- Familiarity with the x86 bootstrap process
- Understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals, with a focus on ACPI and UEFI interaction
- Ability to travel internationally 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 coreboot project
- Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging
- Experience with Linux kernel patching and debugging
- Familiarity with Devicetree, SystemReady, u-boot, or other non-x86 platform bootstrap or configuration mechanisms
What we offer colleagues
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 recognize outstanding performance. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus or commission. 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.
- 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
- Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform
- 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 of software. 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. Most colleagues at Canonical have worked from home since our 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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