Kernel Developer - KernelCare ELS Team (Remote, LATAM)

About the role

TuxCare 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 keep end-of-life Linux distributions secure by backporting security and bug fixes. The KernelCare ELS 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 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 and document technical decisions, taking part in code reviews with the kernel team.

Required profile

• 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.
• 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

• C programming and Linux debugging
• Linux kernel development, patching and backporting
• Git and GNU build tools
• Automation with Python, Go or Shell
• Nice to have: RPM/SRPM or Debian kernel packaging, Docker, QEMU, Jenkins or other CI systems, and experience with security patching or CVE analysis

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
• Compensation for private medical insurance
• Co-working and gym/sports reimbursement
• Budget for education
• A reward for the most innovative idea that the company can patent