From the listing
About the role
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.
The role will make it easier to distribute Ubuntu Linux to clients tailored to their specific system needs. Location: Home-based in the Europe, Middle East, or Africa regions.
What you'll do
- Take charge of the implementation from concept through delivery, with a tenacious commitment to detail and strict adherence to project schedules.
- 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.
- Delve into the depths of kbuild, kconfig, and make to determine the optimal solution to issues faced.
- Propose innovative solutions to kernel build roadblocks and drive acceptance to upstream.
What they're looking for
- Industry veteran with experience across a broad range of the software stack.
- Strong leadership skills.
- An in-depth grasp of the build system beyond typing ‘make’ on the command line.
- Significant programming ability in Python.
- Demonstrated experience in patching and configuration of the Linux kernel.
- Strong working knowledge of kconfig and advanced git usage.
- 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.
Nice to have
- Previous Linux kernel internals development experience.
- Strong C 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.
From the company page
Benefits
The hot takeJeff's read on Canonical
Canonical is a bit tricky for me to review for a few reasons:
Their Glassdoor reviews have dropped down to 3.1 (March 25, 2026), right at my threshold. I'd want to see this start trending in the correct direction in order to consider them for inclusion again.
I like they they have yearly sprints in cool locations like Cape Town, Madrid, and London.
I like that hire-from-anywhere/work-from-anywhere roles are clearly labeled on the job listings as "worldwide."
I'd like to read more about how they feel about their employees traveling as a digital nomad, or being location-independent in general.
I'd like to see more details about the perks they do or don't offer employees, though I suspect they vary by hiring region.
Please get back to me, because I would like to include you again, but need a few more details to do so.