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- Tasks: Join our team to enhance Ubuntu's bootloader stack for secure and reliable systems.
- Company: Canonical is a leading software company focused on open-source solutions and the Ubuntu platform.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work, a personal development budget, annual leave, and travel perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team shaping the future of Linux with impactful technology.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s in Computer Science or STEM; experience with Linux boot software preferred.
- Other info: Work from home with occasional global travel for events.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced software engineer passionate about Linux systems, hardware architectures, Ubuntu, and the open source community, to join the Ubuntu Foundations Engineering team to maintain and enhance Ubuntu bootloader stack to provide fast, reliable and secure Ubuntu systems on all devices and in the cloud. The boot process is one of the most critical aspects of any operating system where stability, reliability and security are paramount. Its efficiency and quality contribute to Ubuntu’s success from Desktop, Server to the Cloud.
We are expanding our Foundations team to focus our efforts on this essential function and are looking for people passionate about lower level technologies from the hardware, to the firmware, and Linux itself, involved in an operating system startup. Applicants should be comfortable working with Secure Boot, Measured Boot, Full Disk Encryption and other technologies used during modern operating systems boot process. This is highly technical work, and we are looking for a colleague with a very careful and systematic approach to their software. This work is critical to system security and reliability.
The Ubuntu Foundations Team delivers and maintains the core of the Ubuntu system, the base for the entire Ubuntu family of products and services. Ubuntu strives to deliver the latest and best free software components, in an easy to use and highly reliable form. We build on the technical excellence of Debian and bring additional focus and shape to the solutions we offer industry.
As a Linux System Engineer, you will work on the architecture, design and development of core components involved in the boot and startup of the Ubuntu Distribution, often interacting with the upstream community for projects like Grub, shim and u-boot. You will be discussing design with other team members and mentor less senior engineers and participate in code reviews and design reviews. You will also be working with other teams to ensure architecture decisions improve the overall performance and experience of Ubuntu.
What you’ll do:
- Collaborate proactively with a distributed team
- Work with highly technical team to define and shape the boot architecture of Ubuntu
- Work with teams focused on Ubuntu for server, desktop, IoT and clouds
- Write high quality code to create new features and contribute upstream
- Contribute to feature and bug fixes in projects including Grub, shim, u-boot and associated tools.
- Debug issues and produce high quality fixes
- Review code produced by other engineers
- Discuss ideas and collaborate on finding good solutions
- Work from home with global travel 2 to 4 weeks a year for internal and external events
Valued skills, approach and experience:
- Development experience with early boot software like TF-A, OP-TEE, U-Boot, shim, GRUB, or the Linux kernel.
- Experience on non x86 platforms such as ARM, RISC-V
- A love of technology and working with brilliant people
- Motivated, curious, flexible, articulate, and accountable
- A long-time Linux user with broad interests in the future of Linux
- Experience or interest in learning how to package software for Debian and Ubuntu
- You have a Bachelor’s or equivalent in Computer Science, STEM or similar degree
- Enterprising, thoughtful, and self-motivated
What Canonical offers:
- Personal learning and development budget
- Annual compensation review
- Recognition rewards
- Annual leave
- Priority Pass for travel
Canonical is a growing international software company that works with the open-source community to deliver Ubuntu, the world’s best free software platform. Our services help businesses worldwide reduce costs, improve efficiency and enhance security with Ubuntu.
Senior Engineer - Linux Boot Stack employer: Canonical
Contact Detail:
Canonical Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Engineer - Linux Boot Stack
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in Linux boot processes, especially focusing on technologies like Secure Boot and Full Disk Encryption. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the open-source community by contributing to projects related to Grub, shim, or u-boot. This hands-on experience can significantly boost your profile and show your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current employees or alumni from Canonical through platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and the specific skills that are highly valued in the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences with lower-level technologies and how they relate to the boot process. Be ready to share specific examples of challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Engineer - Linux Boot Stack
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience with Linux systems, boot processes, and any specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Secure Boot or GRUB. Use keywords from the job listing to ensure your application stands out.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for Linux and open source. Discuss your experience with bootloader stacks and how it aligns with Canonical's mission. Be sure to mention any collaborative projects or mentoring experiences you've had.
Showcase Technical Skills: In your application, provide examples of your technical skills related to early boot software and non x86 platforms. Include specific projects or contributions to open source that demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving abilities.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role focused on system security and reliability.
How to prepare for a job interview at Canonical
✨Show Your Passion for Linux
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for Linux systems and the open-source community. Share any personal projects or contributions you've made to Linux or related technologies, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to boot processes, secure boot, and other lower-level technologies. Brush up on your knowledge of tools like GRUB, U-Boot, and the Linux kernel, and be ready to discuss your experience with them in detail.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you approach debugging and problem-solving. Provide examples of past challenges you've faced in software development, particularly those related to system security and reliability, and explain how you resolved them.
✨Highlight Collaboration Experience
Since the role involves working with a distributed team, share your experiences collaborating with others, especially in technical settings. Discuss how you communicate ideas, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to code reviews to show your teamwork skills.
