KernelCare ELS Engineer

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 kernels.
• Backporting: Manually backport Linux kernel patches to older kernel versions used in RPM-based and Debian-based distributions.
• Conflict Resolution: Resolve merge conflicts between upstream changes and target kernel codebases.
• Kernel Packaging: Build and rebuild kernel source and binary packages using reproducible build environments for RPM and Debian ecosystems.
• Validation & Testing: Validate patched kernels through build tests, runtime tests, and regression analysis to ensure stability.
• Tooling & Automation: Enhance internal workflows (patch preparation, build automation, validation pipelines) using Python, Go, and Shell scripting.
• AI Integration: Leverage agentic/AI-assisted development tools to accelerate tasks, while rigorously verifying every generated output.
• Documentation & 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 skills.
• Proven commercial experience in Linux kernel development—specifically patching, backporting, or debugging.
• Solid experience with Git, GNU build tools (make, autotools), and standard Linux developer utilities.
• Experience building Linux kernels or distribution packages from source.
• Scripting and automation skills: Python, Go, or Shell.
• Practical exposure to AI-assisted development tools (e.g., Copilot, Codeium, or similar), with a disciplined approach to code verification.
• English: Intermediate or higher (B1+), both written and spoken—you’ll be working in an international team and communicating in English daily.
• Strong ownership mindset, balanced technical judgment, and ability to articulate trade-offs.

Nice-to-Have

• Experience with RPM/SRPM or Debian kernel packaging.
• Familiarity with security patching, CVE analysis, and extended lifecycle maintenance.
• Working knowledge of Docker, QEMU, Jenkins, or other CI systems.
• Experience 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 theorizing.
• Methodical and detail-oriented: Kernel patching requires precision, reproducibility, and thorough validation.
• Ownership-driven: You take responsibility for outcomes, document your work, and proactively communicate risks.
• AI-curious but cautious: You embrace AI tools to accelerate development but never skip verification.
• Remote-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 leave.
• Private medical insurance compensation.
• Coworking space and sports/fitness reimbursement.
• Professional development budget — conferences, courses, certifications.
• Reward program for patentable ideas.
• A collaborative, non-corporate environment with a strong engineering culture.