About Canonical

Canonical is the leading provider of open source software and operating systems, powering global enterprise and technology markets with Ubuntu. As the company behind Ubuntu Linux, Canonical drives innovation in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering, and IoT. Our customers include top public cloud providers, silicon manufacturers, and industry leaders across sectors. With over 1200 colleagues in 75+ countries, Canonical pioneers global distributed collaboration. Most roles are home-based, with teams meeting 2-4 times yearly in inspiring worldwide locations for strategy and execution alignment. Founder-led, profitable, and rapidly growing, Canonical offers a dynamic environment for kernel engineers shaping the future of Linux.

Role Overview

The Junior Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu role at Canonical invites recent graduates and early-career professionals to join the elite Canonical Kernel Team. This position focuses on building and maintaining Ubuntu's Linux kernels for diverse platforms, from embedded devices and Raspberry Pi to desktop, server, and massive cloud environments. Dive into optimized solutions for key silicon and cloud partners, developer platforms like RISC-V, security hardening, third-party driver integration, and bleeding-edge PC support. Work remotely worldwide in a timezone-aligned team, tackling serious initiatives from day one while learning from senior mentors. Ideal for those passionate about operating systems, high-quality C and Rust coding, and contributing to the world's most widely used Linux kernel.

Key Responsibilities

As a Junior Linux Kernel Engineer, you'll collaborate proactively with a global team to ship reliable Ubuntu kernels. Responsibilities include learning the Linux kernel's inner workings and distribution, partnering with external silicon, cloud, and hardware teams on cutting-edge platforms, diagnosing and fixing issues from customers, community, and your testing. Take ownership of delivering kernel flavors, enhance tooling and automation for delivery and testing, and handle patch submission, review, and application with internal and upstream maintainers. Expect hands-on work in security updates, patching, testing, and enabling Ubuntu on embedded systems.

Core Daily Tasks

• Proactive global team collaboration
• Mentor-guided kernel demystification
• Bleeding-edge platform enablement
• Issue diagnosis and resolution
• Kernel flavor delivery ownership
• Tooling and automation improvements
• Patch management with maintainers

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks well-organized, motivated self-starters thriving in remote environments. Essential qualifications include programming experience in C and/or Rust, familiarity with git version control, and a solid understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals. Strong English communication skills, both written and verbal, are required for professional interactions with colleagues, partners, and the open-source community. Willingness to travel globally twice yearly for up to two weeks per event is mandatory. These full-time roles target prospective or recent university graduates enthusiastic about kernel-level software development.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Rust interest and experience
• Python and Bash scripting
• Ubuntu/Debian/Snap packaging
• Kernel patching and debugging experience
• Device drivers, BSPs, low-level systems knowledge

Benefits & Perks

Canonical shapes compensation based on location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews (more frequent for graduates). Beyond competitive base pay, enjoy performance-driven bonuses. All team members receive benefits reflecting Canonical's values: fully distributed work with biannual in-person sprints, global fairness in programs tailored to local needs. Join a remote-first culture emphasizing work-life balance, professional growth, and open-source impact.

Career Growth

Start your kernel engineering career at Canonical with mentorship accelerating your skills in Linux kernel development, security, drivers, and cloud optimization. First-year initiatives build expertise across platforms, paving the way for senior roles. Annual reviews and performance bonuses reward excellence. Global exposure, upstream contributions, and collaboration with industry leaders foster rapid advancement in open source. Canonical's growth ensures long-term opportunities in Ubuntu's ecosystem.

Why Join Canonical

Work on the world's most widely used Linux kernel at Canonical, contributing to Ubuntu's dominance in cloud, AI, IoT, and enterprise. Experience a remote-first, founder-led company with proven profitability and innovation. Global team in every timezone means flexible, high-impact work without relocation. Influence breakthrough technologies alongside top talent, with travel to exciting sprints. Canonical's commitment to open source, distributed excellence, and employee success makes it the premier destination for junior kernel engineers.

Role FAQs

Is this role remote?

Yes, fully home-based worldwide, with teams in every timezone and twice-yearly in-person events.

What experience level is required?

Recent graduates or early-career with C/Rust, kernel fundamentals, and enthusiasm for Linux.

Do I need prior kernel experience?

Kernel fundamentals understanding is key; nice-to-haves include patching/debugging.

How is compensation structured?

Competitive base with performance bonuses, annually reviewed based on location and results.

What travel is involved?

Twice yearly for 1-2 weeks at company engineering events worldwide.