Kernel Developer - KernelCare ELS Team

Location: Fully Remote (Worldwide) - Focus on LATAM time zones (Americas) Employment Type: Full-time, B2B / Independent Contractor (or W2 for US-based candidates) Company: CloudLinux / TuxCare (DevJBS Inc.) About CloudLinux / TuxCare CloudLinux is the company behind the CloudLinux OS and a suite of security solutions for the Linux ecosystem. Our TuxCare division is a global leader in automated live patching for Linux kernels, enabling enterprises to apply critical security updates without rebooting or downtime. We also provide extended support for end-of-life Linux distributions, helping organizations maintain compliance and security beyond standard EOL dates. With a team of 250+ professionals and over 4,500 clients—including Dell, GoDaddy, IBM, and Zoom—we are committed to delivering robust, enterprise-grade infrastructure solutions. Our fully remote, global team operates across the US, Europe, Latin America, and beyond. Role Context: KernelCare ELS The KernelCare Extended Lifecycle Support (ELS) team is dedicated to backporting security fixes and critical bug patches from upstream Linux kernels to older, enterprise-used kernel versions. Our mission is to keep legacy systems secure and stable, even when the original vendor no longer provides support. This is a hands-on, engineering-heavy role. You will not just study patches—you will actively backport, build, validate, and deliver kernel updates to production-grade environments. You'll work closely with upstream Linux, RPM and Debian packaging systems, and modern automation tooling, including AI-assisted development workflows. Key Responsibilities Research & Analysis: Investigate upstream security (CVE) and bug fixes; analyze patch dependencies and impact on legacy kernelsBackporting: Manually backport Linux kernel patches to older kernel versions used in RPM-based and Debian-based distributionsConflict Resolution: Resolve merge conflicts between upstream changes and target kernel codebasesKernel Packaging: Build and rebuild kernel source and binary packages using reproducible build environments for RPM and Debian ecosystemsValidation & Testing: Validate patched kernels through build tests, runtime tests, and regression analysis to ensure stabilityTooling & Automation: Enhance internal workflows (patch preparation, build automation, validation pipelines) using Python, Go, and Shell scriptingAI Integration: Leverage agentic/AI-assisted development tools to accelerate tasks, while rigorously verifying every generated outputDocumentation & Collaboration: Document technical decisions, participate in code reviews, and communicate clearly with team members across time zones Requirements Must-Have Strong C proficiency and hands-on Linux debugging skillsProven commercial experience in Linux kernel development—specifically patching, backporting, or debuggingSolid experience with Git, GNU build tools (make, autotools), and standard Linux developer utilitiesExperience building Linux kernels or distribution packages from sourceScripting and automation skills: Python, Go, or ShellPractical exposure to AI-assisted development tools (e.g., Copilot, Codeium, or similar), with a disciplined approach to code verificationEnglish: Intermediate or higher (B1+), both written and spoken—you'll be working in an international team and communicating in English dailyStrong ownership mindset, balanced technical judgment, and ability to articulate trade-offs Nice-to-Have Experience with RPM/SRPM or Debian kernel packagingFamiliarity with security patching, CVE analysis, and extended lifecycle maintenanceWorking knowledge of Docker, QEMU, Jenkins, or other CI systemsExperience designing kernel validation tests, analyzing core dumps, and investigating regressions Candidate Profile (Cultural Fit) Hands-on practitioner: You love working directly with kernel code, not just theorizingMethodical and detail-oriented: Kernel patching requires precision, reproducibility, and thorough validationOwnership-driven: You take responsibility for outcomes, document your work, and proactively communicate risksAI-curious but cautious: You embrace AI tools to accelerate development but never skip verificationRemote-first compatible: You thrive in async environments with minimal supervision and clear communication Benefits 100% remote work with flexible hours — work from anywhere in the world (focus on LATAM-friendly time zones)24 paid vacation days + 10 national holidays + unlimited sick leavePrivate medical insurance compensationCoworking space and sports/fitness reimbursementProfessional development budget — conferences, courses, certificationsReward program for patentable ideasA collaborative, non-corporate environment with a strong engineering culture