At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to develop and maintain cutting-edge Linux kernel and multimedia technologies.
- Company: Dynamic tech company focused on open-source innovation in Bristol.
- Benefits: Flexible schedule, remote work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage with the open-source community and enhance your technical leadership skills.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the Linux kernel and collaborate with industry experts.
- Qualifications: Strong Linux kernel development experience and proficiency in C programming.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Linux Kernel Engineer to join our team. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled developer based in the Bristol area to work on cutting‑edge kernel and multimedia technologies at the upstream level.
Role
- Upstream Linux kernel development – Contributing patches, bug fixes, and new features to the Linux kernel
- Kernel maintenance – Supporting and improving existing kernel subsystems
- Camera and multimedia stack – Working with libcamera, V4L2, and related video capture frameworks
- Collaboration – Working with the open‑source community, maintainers, and other skilled engineers
- Technical leadership – Providing guidance on kernel‑level architectural decisions
Requirements
- Strong experience in Linux kernel development – Proven track record of kernel contributions and deep understanding of kernel internals
- Upstream development expertise – Experience contributing to the mainline Linux kernel or other major open‑source projects
- C programming – Deep proficiency in C
- Version control and collaboration – Proficiency with Git and experience working in distributed, open‑source environments
- Communication skills – Ability to clearly communicate technical decisions and participate in technical discussions with peers and maintainers
Nice to Have
- libcamera development – Experience with the libcamera project or other camera subsystem technologies
- C++ experience – Familiarity with object‑oriented design and development
- Video4Linux (V4L2) expertise – Knowledge of the V4L2 framework and camera drivers
- Open‑source communities – Active participation in Linux kernel mailing lists or other open‑source communities
- Board bring‑up – Experience bringing up new hardware platforms or SoCs
- Device drivers – Experience developing or maintaining kernel device drivers
- Bootloader – Experience adapting and configuring bootloaders and firmware
What We Offer
- Flexible schedule – Work hours are set by you, to provide the best work/life balance
- Upstream impact – Your work directly contributes to the Linux kernel and open‑source ecosystem
- Professional growth – Opportunities to deepen your kernel expertise and industry influence
- Collaborative environment – Work alongside experienced kernel engineers and industry experts
- Remote options – While we desire someone able to access the Bristol office, hybrid remote work from home is possible
Additional Information
- Travel – We have an annual company gathering, and travel for relevant conferences is possible where desired and applicable
- UK Residency – You must have a right to live and work in the UK and reside within commutable distance of Bristol to apply for this role
Application
Please include references to your work in the Linux kernel or open‑source community participation as part of your application.
Senior Linux Kernel Engineer employer: Ideas on Board Oy
Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration, offering Senior Linux Kernel Engineers the chance to work on groundbreaking technologies in a flexible and supportive environment. With a strong emphasis on professional growth and upstream impact, you'll have the opportunity to deepen your expertise while contributing to the open-source community. Located in Bristol, our hybrid work options and commitment to work/life balance make us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Linux Kernel Engineer
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Ideas on Board Oy or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Ideas on Board Oy.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Ideas on Board Oy.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Ideas on Board Oy that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Linux Kernel Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Ideas on Board Oy.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Ideas on Board Oy and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ideas on Board Oy
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Ideas on Board Oy uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
