[All remote jobs](https://jobicy.com/jobs.md)[![Canonical logo](https://jobicy.com/data/server-nyc0409/galaxy/mercury/2025/06/b4d068a9-221-1.png)](https://jobicy.com/company/canonical-ltd.md)[Canonical](https://jobicy.com/company/canonical-ltd.md) # Kernel Build Automation Engineer – Ubuntu Linux Review the role, location requirements, compensation details, and application process before deciding whether this opportunity fits your next career move. [Apply for this job](#job-application)[View company](https://jobicy.com/company/canonical-ltd.md)ShareRemote from[EMEA](https://jobicy.com/job-region/emea.md)SalaryUndisclosedDepartment[Software Engineering](https://jobicy.com/categories/engineering.md)EmploymentFull TimeExperienceSeniorPublished3 Nov 2026Apply before3 Dec 2026Listing views40Application actions1Application toolkit ## Make your next move. Prepare your resume, explore your fit, and draft a cover letter for this opportunity. AI Summary ## The role, at a glance. Canonical is seeking a senior software engineer to lead the design and delivery of an automated Linux kernel configuration and build-control system for Ubuntu. The role centers on deep build-system expertise, including kbuild, kconfig, make, kernel patching, and advanced Git workflows. The engineer will work across teams, resolve build roadblocks, and advocate for improvements that may be accepted upstream. Strong Python skills, Linux distribution build experience with tools such as Yocto or Buildroot, and clear English communication are essential. This is a remote, EMEA-based position with substantial technical ownership and leadership expectations. ## Role DNA A quick view of the complexity, pace, ownership and collaboration implied by the job description. ### Job Complexity 5/5EasyHard ### Pace & Pressure 4/5RelaxedFast-paced ### Autonomy Level 5/5GuidedFull ownership ### Communication Load 4/5IndependentCollaborative AI insightThis is a senior specialist role involving Linux kernel build automation, low-level build tooling, upstream collaboration, and end-to-end technical leadership. Success requires broad systems experience as well as the ability to make independent architectural decisions. ## Salary analysis Estimated compensation compared with the broader US market for similar roles. Estimated job median (per year)Market rate$150,000US market range (per year)$125k–$190k0$209.00k AI insightThe yearly pay period is inferred from the job context; it was not explicitly stated by the employer. No employer base-salary amount is disclosed. The annual USD figures are estimated market compensation for a senior Linux build automation engineer; the yearly cadence is inferred from the full-time senior engineering context. ## Core skills Skills and capabilities most closely associated with this opportunity. [Python](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Python.md)[C programming](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=C%20programming.md)[Linux kernel configuration](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Linux%20kernel%20configuration.md)[Kernel patching](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Kernel%20patching.md)[kbuild](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=kbuild.md)[Kconfig](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Kconfig.md)[GNU Make](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=GNU%20Make.md)[Git](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Git.md)[Yocto Project](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Yocto%20Project.md)[Buildroot](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Buildroot.md)[CI/CD automation](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=CICD%20automation.md)[CLI development](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=CLI%20development.md)[REST APIs](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=REST%20APIs.md)[Debian packaging](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Debian%20packaging.md)[Snap packaging](https://jobicy.com/jobs?search_keywords=Snap%20packaging.md) Sample interview questionsHow would you design an automated system for generating and validating tailored Ubuntu kernel configurations?I would define a declarative configuration model, validate dependencies through Kconfig tooling, and generate reproducible configuration artifacts. The system would run builds and tests in isolated environments, retain logs and provenance, and provide clear failure reporting so engineers can trace each generated kernel back to its inputs. Describe a difficult Linux kernel patching or rebase problem you have handled. I would first identify the upstream and downstream dependency chain, reproduce the conflict against the target tree, and separate mechanical conflicts from behavioral changes. After resolving the patch, I would build the affected configurations, run targeted tests, document the rationale, and prepare the change in a format suitable for review or upstream submission. What are the key challenges of working with kbuild, Kconfig, and Make in a large automated build system? Key challenges include configuration dependencies, implicit build rules, architecture-specific behavior, environment leakage, and preserving reproducibility across toolchain versions. I address these through hermetic build environments, explicit inputs, configuration validation, deterministic artifact naming, and CI coverage for representative target combinations. How would you decide whether a build automation capability should be implemented in Python, shell, or a compiled language? I would use Python for orchestration, metadata handling, API interaction, and maintainable workflow logic; shell only for small, well-contained command wrappers; and a compiled language when performance, distribution constraints, or low-level integration clearly require it. The decision should prioritize reliability, testability, operational simplicity, and the maintainability of the team. How do you build alignment when proposing a technically significant change to multiple engineering teams or an upstream project? I start with a concise problem statement, measurable impact, and a small design proposal that explains alternatives and trade-offs. I seek early feedback from affected maintainers, validate assumptions with a prototype or data, incorporate concerns transparently, and break adoption into reviewable steps that reduce risk for contributors. Opportunity details ## About this role. Ubuntu Linux is one of the most widely used Linux distributions in the world today and one of the top contributing factors to its popularity is its wide availability and ease of installation. Canonical, the publisher of Ubuntu Linux, is seeking a senior software engineer to lead an initiative to take the configuration and build of the Ubuntu Linux kernel to a new level of simplicity and automation to make it even easier to distribute to clients tailored to their specific system needs. We are looking for an industry veteran who has ‘been there, done that’ across a broad range of the software stack and is able to draw on that experience to guide this new effort. You will be expected to take charge of the implementation from concept through delivery and strong leadership skills are a must along with a tenacious commitment to detail and strict adherence to project schedules. While this role does not require previous Linux kernel internals development experience (although that would be highly regarded), a more in-depth grasp of the build system beyond typing ‘make’ on the command line is essential. Advanced git usage and kernel patching experience will also be critical to the role. Location: Home-based in the Europe, Middle East, or Africa regions. ### What the role entails * Lead the design and implementation of an advanced automated Linux build control system * Work closely with other engineering teams to deploy seamlessly into the Canonical ecosystem * Have no fear in delving into the depths of kbuild, kconfig, and make to determine the optimal solution to issues faced * Be eager to propose innovative solutions to kernel build roadblocks and drive acceptance to upstream ### What we are looking for in you * Significant programming ability in Python, with strong C skills also highly regarded * Demonstrated experience in patching and configuration of the Linux kernel. A strong working knowledge of kconfig and git will be required. * Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and oral * Solid background with popular open-source projects for creating custom Linux-based distributions such as Yocto or buildroot * Strong grasp of git ### Nice-to-have skills * Javascript or Golang programming ability * Experience in writing CLI tools, including interactions with REST APIs * Solid background in CI/CD and process automation * Prior experience developing with software packaging formats, with direct Ubuntu/Debian/Snap experience being highly regarded ### 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.](https://canonical.com/careers/diversity/identity) #LI-remote Show more [Apply now >](https://jobicy.com/jobs/158610-kernel-build-automation-engineer-ubuntu-linux.md) > Annual salary information is not provided for this position. 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This job listing has been manually reviewed by the Jobicy Trust & Safety Team for compliance with our posting guidelines, including verification of the company's legitimacy, accuracy of job details, clarity of remote work policy, and absence of misleading or fraudulent content. Next step ## Apply now. Follow the employer’s application method and review Jobicy’s safety guidance before sharing personal information. Keep exploring ## Related remote jobs. * ![Canonical logo](https://jobicy.com/data/server-nyc0409/galaxy/mercury/2025/06/b4d068a9-221-1.png) Canonical Nov 3 New ### [NetSuite Administrator](https://jobicy.com/jobs/158643-netsuite-administrator.md) Canonical is a leading provider of open-source software and operating systems for global enterprise and technology markets. 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