Lead Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer at Canonical

Confirmed open

Lead kernel engineering for Ubuntu partner platforms, security hardening and delivery quality in a globally remote role.

Canonical

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Location: Remote
Advertised region: Home based - Worldwide
Work arrangement: remote
Technologies: Python, Linux

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Role overview

The Canonical kernel team develops Ubuntu Linux for silicon and cloud platforms. This lead position sets technical direction for other engineers and coordinates work on vulnerabilities, performance, third-party components and delivery schedules.

Responsibilities

Lead a team of junior and mid-career engineers on a defined area of Ubuntu kernel development.
Work with silicon and cloud partners to optimise kernel behaviour on their platforms.
Drive vulnerability mitigation, hardening, performance and correctness improvements.
Improve packaging and large-scale delivery of kernel components while coordinating plans with other kernel leaders.

Qualifications

Expert C programming and substantial experience with a Unix-like operating-system kernel and distribution; Linux experience is preferred.
Ability to lead technical delivery, communicate in English and work to fixed schedules from a remote setting.
Python and Bash scripting, Git and experience with software packaging; Ubuntu, Debian or Snap knowledge is valued.
Additional useful expertise includes real-time systems, kernel debugging, drivers, board-support packages or Rust.

Technology in this role

Python: Python and Bash scripting, Git and experience with software .
Linux: The Canonical kernel team develops Ubuntu Linux for silicon and cloud .
C: Expert C programming and substantial experience with a Unix-like operating-system kernel and .
Rust: Additional useful expertise includes real-time systems, kernel debugging, drivers, board-support packages or .
Bash: Python and Bash scripting, Git and experience with software .
Git: Python and Bash scripting, Git and experience with software .
RTOS: • Strong background in RTOS and real-time performance .

Role-specific candidate guide

Preparation notes based on the employer’s stated responsibilities and qualifications.

Understanding the scope. This Lead Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu position at Canonical is best assessed through the work described in the employer’s posting, rather than the title alone. The available role overview says: “The Canonical kernel team develops Ubuntu Linux for silicon and cloud platforms. This lead position sets technical direction for other engineers and coordinates work on vulnerabilities, performance, third-party…” Read that statement together with the responsibilities below to understand the likely balance between delivery, coordination and technical decision-making. The role belongs to the embedded and systems software area, but that label is only a guide to the work; the employer’s own requirements remain decisive. Before applying, check the original listing for reporting lines, product or team assignment, employment terms and any details that may have changed since this copy was checked. Where this page says a fact is not specified, treat it as an open question rather than an implied promise.

What the responsibilities signal. The posting specifically names “Lead a team of junior and mid-career engineers on a defined area of Ubuntu kernel development.”; “Work with silicon and cloud partners to optimise kernel behaviour on their platforms.”; “Drive vulnerability mitigation, hardening, performance and correctness improvements.”. For each duty, identify a project where you performed comparable work and be ready to describe the context, your own contribution, constraints, decisions, and measurable result. Explain how you moved from the initial need to implementation, review, release or operational follow-through, where those stages apply. If the work involved other teams or users, distinguish your decisions from the group’s contribution. Avoid presenting a technology keyword as proof by itself: connect it to the problem you solved, the scale or complexity involved, and what changed after your work. The source may contain additional duties; review it directly before preparing your application.

How to read the requirements. The listed qualifications include “Expert C programming and substantial experience with a Unix-like operating-system kernel and distribution; Linux experience is preferred.”; “Ability to lead technical delivery, communicate in English and work to fixed schedules from a remote setting.”; “Python and Bash scripting, Git and experience with software packaging; Ubuntu, Debian or Snap knowledge is valued.”. Mark each requirement as demonstrated, adjacent experience or a genuine gap, then use a concise example for the first two categories. A strong example explains what you personally owned, how you made trade-offs, how you validated the result and what you learned. If the posting specifies years of experience, language ability, certifications, location or eligibility, address those facts plainly in your CV or application rather than relying on the employer to infer them. Do not claim a qualification from exposure alone. For a requirement you do not meet, describe relevant transferable experience accurately and ask the recruiter whether it is mandatory.

Technology and working evidence. The technology terms associated with this listing.

Benefits

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
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 publishes Ubuntu and develops open-source software for cloud, connected devices and enterprise infrastructure. Its teams work across countries.

Employer website

How to apply

Review the original posting and apply through the employer’s careers page.

View source and apply

Source checked: 2026-11-08

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