Kernel Developer

Position:
Kernel Developer - KernelCare ELS Team

Company:
CloudLinux / TuxCare (DevJBS Inc.)

Location:
Fully Remote (Worldwide) – Focus on LATAM time zones (Americas)

Employment type:
Full-time, B2B / Independent Contractor (or W2 for US-based candidates)

Short Summary:
CloudLinux is a leader in security solutions for the Linux ecosystem, providing automated live patching for Linux kernels. The KernelCare ELS team focuses on backporting security fixes and critical bug patches to older kernel versions, ensuring legacy systems remain secure and stable.

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 using Python, Go, and Shell scripting.
- AI Integration: Leverage AI-assisted development tools to accelerate tasks, while verifying every generated output.
- Documentation & Collaboration: Document technical decisions, participate in code reviews, and communicate clearly with team members across time zones.

Requirement:
- 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, 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, with a disciplined approach to code verification.
- English: Intermediate or higher (B1+), both written and spoken.
- Strong ownership mindset, balanced technical judgment, and ability to articulate trade-offs.

Benefits:
- 100% remote work with flexible hours.
- 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.