Lead Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu

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 India.

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.