About Canonical

Canonical, the pioneering company behind Ubuntu Linux, stands at the forefront of the global shift to open source software. Since 2004, Canonical has empowered developers, enterprises, and innovators with Ubuntu, the world's leading Linux distribution for cloud, AI, IoT, and desktop environments. Ubuntu powers everything from personal computers to the largest hyperscale data centers, making it the de facto standard for x86/amd64 platforms. With a remote-first culture spanning decades, Canonical hires top global talent to push the boundaries of software reliability, performance, and accessibility. Our commitment to open source principles drives us to invest heavily in kernel development, ensuring Ubuntu remains the go-to choice for stability and innovation.

Role Overview

As a Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - BIOS/Firmware, you will join Canonical's elite Kernel Team, responsible for building, maintaining, and distributing the Linux kernel for Ubuntu. This role focuses on the critical boot process, including BIOS, UEFI, ACPI, and platform firmware components. You will own the resolution of issues reported by PC vendors and the open-source community, ensuring Ubuntu's seamless performance across diverse x86 hardware. Working remotely from APAC, you will collaborate with a globally distributed team to enhance platform stability, reliability, and performance. This is a full-time position ideal for self-starters passionate about low-level systems programming and open source contributions.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day impact will be profound:

• Proactively collaborate with a worldwide team and PC platform vendors to diagnose and resolve BIOS, UEFI, ACPI, and boot-related kernel issues.
• Become a primary maintainer and contributor to the Firmware Test Suite (FWTS), advancing firmware validation for Ubuntu.
• Develop and improve automation tools for comprehensive x86 platform verification, streamlining Ubuntu's hardware compatibility testing.
• Submit high-quality kernel patches, review contributions, and upstream changes with internal and external maintainers.
• Drive enhancements in Ubuntu's interaction with platform firmware, boosting boot performance and reliability for millions of users.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks exceptional engineers with deep expertise in firmware and kernel interactions. Essential qualifications include:

• Significant programming proficiency in C, with a proven track record in UEFI and/or ACPI development, including in-depth AML knowledge.
• Solid experience with git for version control and collaborative development.
• Familiarity with the x86 bootstrap process and operating system kernel fundamentals, particularly ACPI/UEFI interfaces.
• Well-organized self-starter thriving in remote environments, with professional communication in English.
• Willingness to travel internationally twice a year for up to two weeks for company sprints and events.

Additional advantageous skills: Python/Bash scripting, coreboot project experience, Ubuntu/Debian packaging, Linux kernel debugging, or knowledge of Devicetree, SystemReady, and u-boot.

Nice-to-Have Expertise

Prior work with major PC firmware vendors or active Coreboot contributions will set you apart, accelerating your impact on Ubuntu's ecosystem.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers a premium compensation package tailored to location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews and performance-driven bonuses. Beyond competitive base pay, enjoy:

• Fully distributed remote work with biannual in-person team sprints worldwide.
• USD 2,000 personal learning and development budget annually.
• Comprehensive leave policies including annual holidays, maternity, and paternity leave.
• Team Member Assistance Program and Wellness Platform for holistic support.
• Priority Pass, travel upgrades, and opportunities to visit new locations for company events.
• Recognition rewards celebrating outstanding contributions.

Our global fairness ensures benefits meet local needs while upholding equity.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is merit-based and boundless. Excel in this role to lead kernel sub-teams, influence upstream Linux development, or pivot to engineering management. With structured reviews, learning stipends, and exposure to cutting-edge projects in AI, cloud, and IoT, you will continuously upskill. Many Canonical engineers have grown from individual contributors to principal roles, shaping Ubuntu's future. Our remote-first model provides flexibility to balance ambition with life, fostering long-term success.

Why Join Canonical

Joining Canonical means contributing to Ubuntu, the platform revolutionizing open source computing. Work on high-impact projects that reach billions, from edge devices to supercomputers. Our remote-first culture, established since 2004, eliminates geographical barriers, uniting diverse talent in a high-trust environment. Be part of a company that values excellence, diversity, and innovation—where your firmware expertise directly enhances Ubuntu's dominance in x86 environments. Canonical is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair consideration regardless of identity.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, this is a home-based role in APAC with occasional international travel for company events.

What is the tech stack?

Primarily C for kernel work, git, Python/Bash for scripting, and tools like FWTS for firmware testing.

How does Canonical support open source?

We upstream all improvements, actively contribute to Linux kernel, and maintain projects like Ubuntu for global benefit.

What is the interview process?

Expect technical assessments on ACPI/UEFI, coding challenges, and discussions with the kernel team. Full details at canonical.com/careers.

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