Kernel Developer - Patch Backporting and Builds (worldwide remote, work anywher

TuxCare offers a comprehensive portfolio of security solutions for Linux and open-source software designed for enterprise organizations. With TuxCare, companies can automate live vulnerability patching, minimize downtime, ensure security and compliance, and rely on a team with deep expertise in Linux security. The solutions cover the most popular Linux distributions, end-of-life systems, programming languages, and more.
Learn more at: https://tuxcare.com/

Product Description

KernelCare provides automated live patching for Linux kernels without requiring reboots. Our Extended Lifecycle Support products keep end-of-life Linux distributions secure by backporting important security and bug fixes to older software versions used by enterprise customers.

Role and Team

We are looking for a Kernel Developer to join the KernelCare team. The team investigates upstream Linux kernel changes, backports fixes to supported enterprise kernels, builds distribution packages, and validates that patches are safe and reproducible.

The role is centered on practical patching and building work. You will also use automation and agentic development tools to accelerate investigation while retaining engineering ownership of every result.

Responsibilities

• Investigate upstream security and bug fixes and identify their dependencies.
• Backport Linux kernel patches to older RPM- and Debian-based distributions.
• Resolve conflicts caused by differences between upstream and target kernel versions.
• Build and rebuild kernel source and binary packages in reproducible environments.
• Validate patched kernels through focused tests, build checks, and regression analysis.
• Improve patch preparation, build, and validation workflows with Python, Go, or Shell.
• Use agentic development tools responsibly and verify generated code, analysis, and documentation.
• Document technical decisions and participate in code review with the kernel team.

Requirements

Must Have

• Strong C programming and Linux debugging skills.
• Practical Linux kernel development, patching, or backporting experience.
• Confident use of Git, GNU build tools, and standard Linux development utilities.
• Experience building Linux kernels or distribution packages.
• Automation experience with Python, Go, Shell, or a similar language.
• Some experience with agentic or AI-assisted development and a clear approach to validating generated output.
• English at an intermediate level or higher, both written and spoken.
• Strong ownership, careful technical judgment, and readiness to explain trade-offs.

Nice to Have

• Experience with RPM/SRPM or Debian kernel packaging.
• Security patching, CVE analysis, or extended lifecycle maintenance experience.
• Familiarity with Docker, QEMU, Jenkins, or other CI systems.
• Experience designing kernel tests or investigating core dumps and regressions.

Benefits

What's in it for you?

• A focus on professional development.
• Interesting and challenging projects.
• Fully remote work with flexible working hours, that allows you to schedule your day and work from any location worldwide.
• Paid 24 days of vacation per year, 10 days of national holidays, and unlimited sick leaves.
• Compensation for private medical insurance.
• Co-working and gym/sports reimbursement.
• Budget for education.
• The opportunity to receive a reward for the most innovative idea that the company can patent.

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