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Junior Kernel Engineer Ubuntu Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jobgether

Our partner is looking for a Lead Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu based in Netherlands. This is a ... Set technical direction and lead the delivery of a team of junior and mid-career engineers working ...

Jobgether

Our partner is looking for a Engineering Manager - Ubuntu Linux Kernel based in Netherlands. Step ... Proven experience as a Senior Software Engineer, Tech Lead, Team Lead, or similar technical ...

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Junior Kernel Engineer Ubuntu information

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How much do junior kernel engineer ubuntu jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior kernel engineer ubuntu in the United States is $71,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a junior kernel engineer do at Ubuntu?

A Junior Kernel Engineer at Ubuntu works on maintaining and improving the Linux kernel, which is the core part of the Ubuntu operating system. Their tasks often include debugging kernel issues, developing new features, collaborating with senior engineers, and contributing to kernel updates and security patches. They may also review code, test kernel builds, and interact with the open-source community to ensure compatibility and performance. This role is ideal for those with a strong understanding of C programming, Linux internals, and a passion for open-source development.

What are the main responsibilities and typical challenges faced by a junior kernel engineer working on Ubuntu?

As a Junior Kernel Engineer on the Ubuntu team, you'll primarily assist in maintaining, debugging, and improving the Linux kernel to ensure compatibility and performance for Ubuntu releases. Daily tasks often include patch review, hardware compatibility testing, and collaborating with senior engineers to resolve kernel bugs. Common challenges involve understanding the complexities of kernel code, keeping up with upstream kernel changes, and ensuring stability across diverse hardware platforms. You’ll also participate in code reviews and work closely with both the wider Ubuntu community and other Canonical engineering teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior kernel engineer Ubuntu, and why are they important?

To succeed as a Junior Kernel Engineer Ubuntu, you need a solid understanding of Linux operating systems, C programming, and computer architecture, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with Git, kernel debugging tools, and build systems like Make, as well as experience with Ubuntu or Debian package management, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies enable efficient troubleshooting, robust code contributions, and smooth collaboration within the open-source community and engineering teams.

What is the difference between Junior Kernel Engineer Ubuntu vs Junior Linux Kernel Developer?

AspectJunior Kernel Engineer UbuntuJunior Linux Kernel Developer
Required CredentialsComputer Science degree, Linux certifications (e.g., Linux Foundation Certified Engineer)Similar credentials, often Linux certifications and programming skills
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in Linux-based environments, focusing on Ubuntu OSLinux kernel development, often in open-source projects
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, open-source projects, hardware firms using UbuntuOpen-source communities, Linux distributions, hardware vendors
Common Search & ComparisonOften searched for by those working with Ubuntu-specific kernel tasksMore focused on kernel development across Linux distributions

Both roles involve Linux kernel work, but Junior Kernel Engineer Ubuntu emphasizes Ubuntu-specific kernel tasks, while Junior Linux Kernel Developer focuses on broader Linux kernel development across distributions.

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Junior Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Kernel Engineer Ubuntu job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Lead Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu

On-site

Jobgether
See more jobs at Jobgetherexternal

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Lead Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu based in Netherlands.

This is a senior technical leadership opportunity focused on shaping the architecture, development, and delivery of a large-scale Linux kernel platform.
You will lead critical initiatives spanning performance, security, reliability, packaging, and hardware enablement.
The role combines deep kernel engineering expertise with the ability to guide engineers and coordinate complex initiatives across teams.
You will work closely with silicon and cloud partners to deliver optimized solutions for demanding platforms and workloads.
Your technical leadership will help strengthen kernel quality, address vulnerabilities, and improve performance and correctness.
The position is ideal for an experienced systems engineer who enjoys solving low-level problems while influencing technical direction.
You will operate in a globally distributed environment with strong emphasis on open-source engineering, autonomy, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Accountabilities:
  • Set technical direction and lead the delivery of a team of junior and mid-career engineers working on key areas of the Linux kernel and distribution.
  • Lead architecture, implementation, and ongoing delivery initiatives across kernel performance, correctness, security, packaging, and large-scale distribution.
  • Drive technical engagements with silicon and cloud partners to develop and deliver optimal solutions for their platforms.
  • Lead efforts to mitigate common vulnerabilities and exposures while driving proactive kernel hardening and security improvements.
  • Architect and implement enhancements that improve Linux kernel performance, reliability, scalability, and correctness.
  • Develop and improve approaches for packaging and distributing complex third-party components to provide a reliable experience for end users.
  • Investigate and develop new methods for delivering Linux systems at scale while maintaining demanding quality standards and delivery schedules.
  • Collaborate closely with senior technical leaders, management, external teams, and engineering stakeholders to coordinate initiatives and ensure successful delivery.
  • Coach and guide engineers through technical challenges, knowledge sharing, and professional development, providing leadership without formal people-management responsibilities.
  • Represent technical initiatives and coordinate adoption across internal teams, external partners, and broader engineering organizations.

Requirements:

  • Demonstrated expertise in operating system kernel development, Linux systems, or low-level systems engineering, with a technical background comparable to 15+ years of industry experience.
  • Expert-level knowledge of the C programming language.
  • Extensive experience working with a Unix-like operating system kernel and distribution; direct Linux experience is highly valuable but equivalent kernel expertise may also be relevant.
  • Strong experience with Python and Bash scripting.
  • Deep understanding of Git and its capabilities for complex software development and collaboration workflows.
  • Experience developing with software packaging formats, with Ubuntu, Debian, or Snap experience highly regarded.
  • Strong leadership capabilities, including the ability to influence engineers, coordinate technical initiatives, and drive projects through to completion.
  • Experience working with customer, partner, or other external technical engagements.
  • Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
  • Highly organized, motivated, and capable of working independently in a distributed environment.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, initiative, accountability, curiosity, and a results-oriented mindset.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts and clearly connect technology decisions to business and customer outcomes.
  • Strong background in RTOS and real-time performance analysis is an advantage.
  • Experience with kernel patching and debugging is desirable.
  • Expertise in device drivers, Board Support Packages (BSPs), and other low-level systems engineering is a plus.
  • Experience with Rust, particularly in relation to Linux kernel development, is advantageous.
  • Willingness and ability to travel internationally at least twice a year for team events lasting up to two weeks.

Benefits:

  • Globally distributed work environment with opportunities to collaborate across international engineering teams.
  • Twice-yearly in-person team sprints and opportunities to meet colleagues in different locations.
  • Compensation determined according to geographic location, experience, and performance.
  • Annual compensation review, with additional reviews where appropriate to recognize exceptional performance.
  • Performance-driven annual bonus or commission.
  • Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
  • Recognition rewards.
  • Annual holiday leave.
  • Maternity and paternity leave.
  • Team Member Assistance Program and Wellness Platform.
  • Opportunities to travel internationally and meet colleagues across the organization.
  • Priority Pass access and long-haul travel upgrades for qualifying company events.
How Jobgether works:
We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.
We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!
 Why Apply Through Jobgether? 
 
Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.
 
 
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We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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