Junior Linux Kernel Engineer

About Canonical: Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is very widely used in breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include the world's leading public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders in many sectors. The company is a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries and very few office-based roles. Teams meet two to four times yearly in person, in interesting locations around the world, to align on strategy and execution. The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing. About the Role: Every year Canonical selects new junior professionals into the Canonical Kernel Team to work on the Linux kernel for Ubuntu. If you've enjoyed operating systems in your coursework or current role, are confident in your ability to write high-quality C and possibly Rust, and are ready to see how it all works, this is a great place to pursue your next career stage. The Canonical Kernel Team builds and maintains all supported Ubuntu Linux kernels for a variety of platforms and architectures — from small embedded devices to standard desktop/server systems to large-scale cloud environments. In your first year, you will tackle serious initiatives, including but not limited to: Optimized solutions for key Silicon and Cloud partner platforms Developer platforms such as Raspberry Pi and RISC-V Enabling Ubuntu on a wide range of embedded systems Security hardening and exploit mitigation Third-party driver integration and distribution, such as graphics Expanded driver support for bleeding-edge PC platforms The Role Entails: Collaborate regularly and proactively with a globally distributed team Learn from senior mentors to demystify the inner workings of the Linux kernel and how it is distributed Work closely with external silicon, cloud, or hardware manufacturer delivery teams on bleeding-edge platforms Diagnose and resolve issues in the kernel reported by customers, the community, and discovered by rigorous testing Take personal responsibility for the delivery of various flavors of the Ubuntu Linux kernel Improve tooling and automation for delivery and test of Ubuntu Linux kernels Submit, review, and apply kernel patches, working with both internal and external upstream maintainers What We Offer: Distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000/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 Performance-driven annual bonus or commission, in addition to base pay

What We Are Looking For: Well-organized 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 Programming experience in C and/or Rust Familiarity with version control practices, ideally with git Understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals Ability to travel twice a year for company events of up to two weeks length Nice-to-Have Skills: Interest and experience in Rust Python and Bash scripting ability Prior experience with Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging Demonstrated experience with kernel patching and debugging Strong grasp of device drivers, BSPs, and other low-level system engineering