# Kernel Developer - KernelCare ELS Team

> Alex Staff Agency · Argentina (Remote) · Full-time · Posted 2026-08-06

**Salary:** Up to USD 120,000

**Workplace:** remote

## Description

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

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

**Company:** CloudLinux / TuxCare (DevJBS Inc.)

### **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.

## Apply

[Apply at Alex Staff Agency](https://apply.workable.com/alex-staff-agency-careers/j/54C0725599/apply)

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