From the listing
About the role
The Canonical Kernel Team is seeking technology experts and industry veterans with a proven track record in operating systems kernel development or low level system engineering to lead the architecture, implementation, and ongoing delivery of aspects of the Ubuntu Linux kernel.
While not a formal managerial role, the successful candidate will lead engineers within the team and work with external teams to coordinate adoption and delivery.
What you'll do
- Drive engagements for key Silicon and Cloud partners to provide optimal solutions for their platforms.
- Lead the mitigation of common vulnerabilities and exposures for Ubuntu Linux and drive active hardening in the kernel.
- Architect enhancements to performance and correctness to make Ubuntu Linux the most reliable and highest performing Linux kernel available today.
- Streamline the packaging and distribution of troublesome third-party components for optimal experience by end users.
- Develop new means to deliver Ubuntu Linux at scale to strict quality standards and delivery schedules.
- Set the technical direction and lead the delivery of a team of junior and mid-career engineers for a key aspect of Ubuntu Linux.
- Work closely with management within and outside the team to track and coordinate initiatives to delivery.
- Collaborate daily with other senior technical leadership on the Kernel Team to ensure Ubuntu stays at the pinnacle of Linux distributions.
What they're looking for
- Deep technical background in operating system kernels and distributions, with strong people skills, leadership, and initiative to drive ideas and delivery teams to completion.
- Demonstrated technical equivalent of 15+ years of industry experience as a comparative guideline, rather than a specific years-of-experience requirement.
- Well-organised and motivated self-starter able to thrive in a remote work environment.
- Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
- Expert understanding of the C programming language.
- Demonstrated expertise working in a *nix-based operating system kernel and distribution.
- Python and Bash scripting ability.
- Powerful grasp of the capabilities and nuances of the git version control system.
- Prior experience developing with software packaging formats.
- Ability to travel internationally at least twice a year for company events of up to two weeks length.
Nice to have
- Direct Linux experience would be ideal, but is not required.
- Direct Ubuntu/Debian/Snap experience is highly regarded.
- Strong background in RTOS and real-time performance analysis.
- Demonstrated experience with kernel patching and debugging.
- Strong grasp of device drivers, BSP’s, and other low level system engineering.
- Prior experience with Rust, ideally as it pertains to the Linux kernel.
Benefits, as listed
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.