Kernel Developer - KernelCare ELS Team (Remote, LATAM)

About the role

TuxCare, part of Cloudlinux, offers security solutions for Linux and open-source software, including KernelCare, which provides automated live patching of Linux kernels without reboots. Its Extended Lifecycle Support products backport security and bug fixes to end-of-life distributions. The KernelCare ELS team investigates upstream kernel changes, backports fixes, builds distribution packages and validates that patches are safe and reproducible. This role is centred on practical patching and building work, using automation and agentic development tools while keeping full engineering ownership.

Key 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 take part in code review with the kernel team.

Required profile

• Practical Linux kernel development, patching or backporting experience.
• Experience building Linux kernels or distribution packages.
• Some experience with agentic or AI-assisted development and a clear approach to validating generated output.
• Intermediate English, written and spoken.
• Strong ownership, careful technical judgment and willingness to explain trade-offs.

Required skills

• Strong C programming and Linux debugging skills.
• Confident use of Git, GNU build tools and standard Linux development utilities.
• Automation experience with Python, Go, Shell or a similar language.
• Nice to have: RPM/SRPM or Debian kernel packaging, Docker, QEMU, Jenkins or other CI systems, and experience designing kernel tests or investigating core dumps and regressions.

What we offer

• Fully remote work with flexible hours, from anywhere in the world.
• Paid 24 days of vacation per year, 10 days of national holidays and unlimited sick leave.
• Private medical insurance compensation, co-working and gym/sports reimbursement, and a budget for education.
• A reward for the most innovative idea that the company can patent.