Kernel Maintenance Engineer

Title: Kernel Maintenance Engineer

Ubuntu Linux

Location: Home based – Worldwide

Ubuntu is the most widely used Linux distribution in the world, and a strong factor in its broad adoption is the security and reliability the Ubuntu Linux kernels provide for their users. Canonical, the company behind the Ubuntu Linux distribution, has an enduring commitment to not only high quality standards for a distribution upon release, but also to provide ongoing security and maintenance updates for its users for up to 10 years for the Long Term Support (LTS) releases.

The Canonical Linux Kernel Team is looking for individuals with a strong sense of determination to provide ongoing support and security updates for the Ubuntu Linux kernels. These tasks can range anywhere from diagnosing and resolving kernel issues reported by end users to assessing the latest CVE security exploit notifications for impact and integrating a resolution. Overall, you will be personally responsible for the continual delivery of updates for many of the variations of version, flavor, and architecture of Linux kernel Ubuntu provides.

What your day will look like

• Collaborate regularly and proactively with a globally distributed team
• Respond quickly to assess and mitigate security exploits in the Ubuntu Linux kernel
• Hone your kernel debugging techniques by diagnosing and resolving issues in the kernel reported by customers and the community
• Master the art of Debian and Snap packaging for Linux kernels
• Take personal pride in being directly responsible for the integration, packaging, and rigorous testing to deliver updates to millions of consumers worldwide
• Contribute to the improvement of tooling and automation for the delivery and test of Ubuntu Linux kernels
• Discover new means to ensure even greater Ubuntu reliability by adding and improving kernel test coverage and delivery process improvements
• Utilizing a strong understand of git workflows, submit, review, and apply kernel patches, working with both internal and external upstream maintainers

What we are looking for in you

• Well-organized, self-starting and able to deliver to fixed schedules
• Strong commitment to quality processes and documentation standards
• Demonstrated ability to present oneself in a professional manner when interacting with colleagues, business partners, and the open source community
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and oral
• Earned a bachelor’s (or equivalent university level) degree, preferably in a technology field
• Significant programming experience in C
• Solid background with git
• Demonstrated experience with operating system kernel patching and debugging

Additional skills that you might also bring

• Significant Python and Bash scripting ability
• Broad knowledge of the Linux kernel and kernel subsystems
• Knowledge/experience with Linux kernel upstream processes and release cycle
• Prior experience with Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging
• Strong grasp of device drivers, BSP’s, and other low level system engineering
• Contributed to or even maintained an open source project in the past or present
• Understanding of CVE classification

What we offer you

Your base pay will depend on various factors including your geographical location, level of experience, knowledge and skills. In addition to the benefits above, certain roles are also eligible for additional benefits and rewards including annual bonuses and sales incentives based on revenue or utilisation. Our compensation philosophy is to ensure equity right across our global workforce.

In addition to a competitive base pay, we provide all team members with additional benefits, which reflect our values and ideals. Please note that additional benefits may apply depending on the work location and, for more information on these, you can ask in the later stages of the recruitment process.

• Fully remote working environment – we’ve been working remotely since 2004!
• Personal learning and development budget of 2,000USD per annum
• Annual compensation review
• Recognition rewards
• Annual holiday leave
• Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues at sprints’
• Priority Pass for travel and travel upgrades for long haul company events

About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm that is 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. Work at Canonical is a step into the future, and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game. Canonical provides a unique window into the world of 21st-century digital business.

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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