Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement based in Netherlands.
This role focuses on enabling and optimizing Ubuntu Linux across a wide range of modern System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms used by leading silicon vendors. You will work at the intersection of hardware and software, ensuring that Linux kernel support is fully integrated, performant, and stable on next-generation silicon. The role involves close collaboration with global engineering teams and external hardware partners to deliver optimized kernel variants tailored to specific platforms. You will diagnose and resolve complex low-level issues, contribute directly to kernel development, and improve tooling and automation for build and deployment workflows. This is a highly technical, hands-on engineering position suited to individuals passionate about operating systems and hardware-level performance. You will play a key role in shaping how Ubuntu runs across cutting-edge devices and architectures worldwide.
Accountabilities:
- Collaborate with globally distributed engineering teams and silicon vendors to integrate and optimize SoC support within the Ubuntu Linux kernel across multiple hardware platforms.
- Diagnose, debug, and resolve complex kernel-level issues reported by partners, customers, the community, and internal testing pipelines.
- Develop, submit, review, and maintain Linux kernel patches while working closely with upstream maintainers and internal teams.
- Build and deliver silicon-optimized kernel variants, ensuring performance, stability, and reliability across supported platforms.
- Improve automation, tooling, and CI/CD systems used for kernel build, test, and release processes.
- Identify performance bottlenecks and implement optimizations to maximize hardware efficiency across supported silicon architectures.
- Maintain strong collaboration with hardware vendors to ensure seamless platform enablement and integration.
- Strong programming expertise in C with solid understanding of low-level system software and hardware interaction.
- Deep knowledge of operating system fundamentals, including Linux kernel architecture, device drivers, and BSPs.
- Proven experience working with hardware-level development environments, including RTOS or bare-metal systems (Linux kernel experience is a strong advantage).
- Proficiency with Git and experience contributing to or maintaining complex codebases.
- Ability to debug and troubleshoot system-level issues across hardware and software boundaries.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively in a distributed, global engineering environment.
- Self-driven mindset with ability to work independently in a fully remote setup.
- Fully remote global work environment with flexibility to work from anywhere
- Annual performance-based compensation review and bonus opportunities
- Learning and development budget of approximately USD 2,000 per year
- Paid annual leave plus maternity and paternity leave policies
- Opportunities for international travel to company events and technical sprints
- Recognition programs and career growth within a cutting-edge open-source environment
- Exposure to advanced silicon platforms and industry-leading hardware ecosystems