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Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu Jobs in Chicago, IL

Astronics

Senior Software Engineer, Firmware

Waukegan, IL

$113K - $150K/yr

Interact with Linux kernel and integrate new device drivers. * Improve and maintain existing ... Strong familiarity with different microprocessor firmware or Linux operating systems (Ubuntu, Yocto ...

Astronics

Senior Software Engineer, Firmware

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$113K - $150K/yr

Interact with Linux kernel and integrate new device drivers. Improve and maintain existing software ... Ubuntu, Yocto Poky, Debian, Alma for example), including BSP creation/support, and can configure ...

Astronics

Senior Software Engineer, Firmware

Waukegan, IL

$113K - $150K/yr

Interact with Linux kernel and integrate new device drivers. Improve and maintain existing software ... Ubuntu, Yocto Poky, Debian, Alma for example), including BSP creation/support, and can configure ...

Alpha Nexus Group

Lead Linux Engineer

Chicago, IL

System Administration (primary function) Manage the server (Linux) and user (Windows) computer environment Troubleshoot and resolve hardware and user software issues Provision, install, and setup new ...

Alphanexusgroup

Lead Linux Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $185/hr

Manage the server (Linux) and user (Windows) computer environment * Troubleshoot and resolve hardware and user software issues * Provision, install, and setup new computer infrastructure as required

Alpha Nexus Group

Lead Linux Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

System Administration (primary function) Manage the server (Linux) and user (Windows) computer environment Troubleshoot and resolve hardware and user software issues Provision, install, and setup new ...

Canonical

Software Engineer - OpenStack

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

We are hiring a Software Engineer for our OpenStack Engineering team. This is an exciting ... Ubuntu Linux - kernel or userspace, Kubernetes, OpenStack, Ceph, AI/ML, QEMU/KVM, LXC/LXD, Python ...

SG Cap Trading

Linux Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL

Proficiency with Linux command line environments (Ubuntu/Debian, CentOS/RHEL) Strong Python ... lead technical projects Competitive market-based pay with results based rewards Solid benefit ...

SG Cap Trading

Linux Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Proficiency with Linux command line environments (Ubuntu/Debian, CentOS/RHEL) Strong Python ... lead technical projects Competitive market-based pay with results based rewards Solid benefit ...

SG Cap Trading, LLC

Linux Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Required : • Proficiency with Linux command line environments (Ubuntu/Debian, CentOS/RHEL) • Strong Python programming skills for automation. • Experience with Bash scripting and configuration ...

SG Cap Trading, LLC

Linux Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Required : • Proficiency with Linux command line environments (Ubuntu/Debian, CentOS/RHEL) • Strong Python programming skills for automation • Experience with Bash scripting and configuration ...

Simplex Trading

Infrastructure Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Thorough understanding of Linux (kernel, modules, filesystems) with special emphasis on the network stack, especially multicast, and OpenOnload * Experience working with Linux and standard tools ...

247Hire

Sr Software Engineer Low Latency

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Description This role engineers secure, scalable and reliable technology solutions, with minimal ... Advanced knowledge of Linux kernel/OS internals Preferred Skills * Usage of EF_VI, JNI, On-load ...

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All JobsLead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu JobsLead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu Jobs in Chicago, IL

Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.8K

$127.5K

$185.9K

How much do lead linux kernel engineer ubuntu jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead linux kernel engineer ubuntu in Chicago, IL is $127,516.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,600.00 and $139,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lead Linux kernel engineer do on Ubuntu projects?

A Lead Linux Kernel Engineer on Ubuntu projects is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the Linux kernel that forms the core of the Ubuntu operating system. This role involves collaborating with other engineers to implement new features, optimize performance, and ensure system stability and security. The engineer also reviews code, debugs kernel issues, and works closely with the open-source community to contribute patches and updates upstream. They play a critical role in ensuring Ubuntu's kernel remains cutting-edge and reliable for users and enterprise customers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead Linux kernel engineer for Ubuntu?

To thrive as a Lead Linux Kernel Engineer for Ubuntu, you need deep expertise in Linux kernel development, C programming, operating systems concepts, and typically a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with tools like Git, kernel debugging utilities (e.g., kgdb, perf), and experience with continuous integration systems and patch management are essential. Strong problem-solving, technical leadership, and effective communication skills help you mentor team members and collaborate across open-source communities. These abilities are crucial for driving high-quality kernel advancements while ensuring system stability, performance, and successful team execution.

What are some common challenges lead Linux kernel engineers face when working with Ubuntu distributions?

Lead Linux Kernel Engineers working with Ubuntu often encounter challenges related to integrating upstream kernel changes with Ubuntu-specific patches and ensuring compatibility across a wide range of hardware. Managing timely security updates while maintaining system stability is also a frequent responsibility. Additionally, collaborating with both the open-source community and internal teams to troubleshoot, test, and deploy kernel updates can be complex due to diverse user requirements and enterprise needs. Strong communication skills and proactive problem-solving are essential to address these challenges effectively.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,516 per year, or $61.3 per hour.

Software Engineer - Ubuntu Server Certification

Chicago, IL • Remote

Canonical
See more jobs at Canonicalexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Canonical is hiring a software engineer to join the Server Certification team. The Certification team develops Python based testing tools used to test Ubuntu Server on the latest enterprise hardware ensuring Ubuntu users have the best experience with their hardware. We work at the interface of hardware and software, so the ideal candidate is a Python developer with a problem solving mindset, familiar with hardware.

Server Certification team represents Canonical to our datacenter hardware partners. We work together with silicon companies, OEMs, ODMs and teams within Canonical to ensure a smooth, secure out of the box Ubuntu experience, with success in this role leading to a great Ubuntu experience being offered on more and more devices. We focus on the interaction between server hardware and Ubuntu Linux, so the ideal candidate has software development experience and a good understanding of configuring and troubleshooting server hardware running Linux. 

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to have a meaningful impact on the adoption of Linux on enterprise server hardware across multiple industries. Canonical offers a fun, fast-paced team environment and a career full of learning and development opportunities. This team is centered in North and South American time zones.

What you'll do
  • Contribute to Canonical's open source testing tools such as Checkbox and Testflinger.
  • Troubleshoot issues related to hardware compatibility, functionality, and performance.
  • Technically support Canonical's hardware partners in their hardware certification efforts.
  • Educate the partner about Canonical's tools, processes, and product roadmaps.
  • Support Canonical's internal teams on customer deployments of Canonical's suite of Datacenter and Cloud products that utilize the partner's hardware.
  • Work from home with global travel 2 to 4 times per year for internal and external events.
Who you are
  • You have a good knowledge of Python and shell scripting.
  • You have knowledge of server-class hardware.
  • You know your way around Ubuntu, virtualization, and cloud computing concepts.
  • You are confident in a customer-facing role.
Desired skills and experience
  • Experience with test automation tools for validating hardware compatibility.
  • Knowledge of CI/CD concepts.
  • Comfortable with some virtualization or container technologies such as QEMU, KVM, LXC / LXD, Docker.

We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and background will lead to a better environment for our employees and a better platform for our users and customers. This is something we value deeply and we encourage everyone to come be a part of the world of Ubuntu.

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