Job Role: Junior Linux Kernel Engineer
Company: Canonical
Job Location: Home-based (Worldwide / Any Timezone)
Job Type: Full Time
Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Overview
Canonical is hiring Junior Linux Kernel Engineers to work on the Ubuntu Linux kernel. This role is perfect for recent graduates or early-career professionals who want to dive deep into kernel development, driver support, security hardening, and enabling Ubuntu on the latest silicon, cloud, and embedded platforms like Raspberry Pi and RISC-V.
This is a genuine remote kernel engineering role at Canonical (Ubuntu). Excellent opportunity for candidates who love low-level systems, C (and Rust), and open-source development. You should be self-motivated for fully remote work and okay with traveling twice a year for team sprints.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain Ubuntu Linux kernels across various platforms and architectures
- Work on optimized solutions for silicon and cloud partner platforms
- Enable Ubuntu on embedded systems, Raspberry Pi, and RISC-V
- Security hardening, exploit mitigation, and third-party driver integration
- Diagnose and resolve kernel issues reported by customers and community
- Submit, review, and apply kernel patches with upstream maintainers
- Improve tooling and automation for kernel delivery and testing
- Collaborate with globally distributed team and hardware partners
Eligibility Criteria for Junior Linux Kernel Engineer
Must-Have Requirements
- Recent university graduate or early career professional
- Strong programming experience in C (Rust is a big plus)
- Understanding of operating system kernel fundamentals
- Familiarity with version control (ideally Git)
- Excellent English communication skills (written & verbal)
- Self-motivated and able to thrive in a fully remote environment
- Willingness to travel twice a year for in-person team events (up to 2 weeks)
Nice-to-Have / Preferred Skills
- Experience or strong interest in Rust
- Python and Bash scripting
- Prior experience with Ubuntu/Debian packaging or kernel patching/debugging
- Knowledge of device drivers, BSPs, and low-level system engineering
Canonical Selection Process
- Online Application
- Technical Assessment / Coding Test
- Technical Interview(s) focusing on C, Kernel concepts & Problem Solving
- Team Fit / Culture Interview
Get Job Alerts from Meganaukri
Receive verified IT job openings, fresher vacancies, internships,
and off-campus hiring updates through our official channels.
Only genuine and verified job updates are shared.
How to Apply for Junior Linux Kernel Engineer
Official Apply Link:
Apply Online – Canonical Careers
Documents Required: Updated resume highlighting C/Rust projects, kernel/OS coursework, or any relevant open-source contributions
FAQs for Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Role
Who can apply?
Recent graduates and early-career professionals with strong C programming and OS fundamentals.
Is this suitable for freshers?
Yes, Canonical actively hires fresh talent into the Kernel Team every year.
Work Mode?
Fully Remote (Home-based) with 2 in-person team sprints per year
Core Focus?
Linux Kernel Development, Driver Support, Security, and Ubuntu Platform Engineering.
About Canonical
Canonical is the publisher of Ubuntu, the world’s most widely used Linux operating system. The company is a pioneer in open source and provides platforms for cloud, AI, IoT, and enterprise innovation. With a fully distributed global team, Canonical is changing the world of software.
Last Updated June 2026 | Job verified and active
“`