Upstream First: Contribute directly to Mesa and the Linux DRM subsystem, writing Vulkan driver code that lands in mainline and ships to users worldwide
Real-World Impact: Work on graphics drivers for hardware used across Linux desktops, embedded devices and consumer products that people depend on every day
Solve Hard Problems: Debug GPU behaviour that has no documentation, reverse engineer hardware quirks and fix rendering issues that manifest as a corrupted frame with no obvious cause. The GPU did something unexpected and it is your job to find out why
Community Collaboration: Work with Mesa and kernel maintainers, participate in code review across the open source graphics community and represent Collabora at conferences like XDC and FOSDEM
Client Partnership: Translate hardware vendor and client requirements into upstream-compatible solutions while advocating for approaches that benefit the broader ecosystem. Help clients understand why investing in open source driver quality serves their long-term goals
Navigate Constraints: Balance upstream correctness with real-world pressures: hardware bring-up timelines, vendor NDAs, performance targets and client deadlines, while keeping code quality high enough to pass maintainer review
Be a Technical Advisor: Explain complex driver and GPU architecture decisions to product teams, provide honest assessments of what is and isn't possible and build trust through transparent communication Required
Vulkan - solid understanding of the core spec; command buffers, render passes, synchronisation, memory management and pipelines. Familiarity with Vulkan validation layers and debugging workflow
Basic understanding of GPU hardware concepts - queues, tilers vs IMR, memory hierarchies
Linux kernel basics - comfortable reading and navigating kernel code
Basic understanding of how userspace drivers interact with kernel
C and C++ - comfortable with pointer arithmetic, memory management, kernel-style coding
Git - mailing list patch workflow (not just GitHub PRs)
Comfortable reading specs and documentation independently
Not afraid of large unfamiliar codebases
Open source contribution mindset - code review, public communication, upstream first
Existing Mesa or kernel patch history
Experience with a specific GPU family (ARM/AMD/Intel)
Python for tooling/scripting
Rust programming skills
Understanding of KMS fundamentals or Wayland clients We respect your time and provide a clear, structured process:
Application Review (within 1 week) - we look at your code and contributions
Initial Chat (30 min) - casual conversation about your experience and our work
Technical Interview (2 - 3h)
Technical Deep-Dive - discuss kernel architecture, past debugging challenges and how you approach problem-solving (no whiteboard coding)
Code Review Session - review real patches together, discuss trade-offs
Client Scenario Discussion - talk through a realistic customer situation: balancing technical debt, timeline pressure and upstream goals (we want to see your thought process, not a "right answer")
Head of Open Source Software Consulting team Discussion (60 min) - meet the Head of Open Source Software Consulting team, ask about day-to-day work and how Collabora works, discuss compensation and benefits.
Offer (within 1 week of final interview) Total timeline: 3-4 weeks from application to offer We provide feedback at every stage, and you'll always know where you stand. What Happens Next
Initial response within 1 week
Even if we don't move forward, we'll tell you why We're committed to building a diverse team and inclusive environment. We encourage applications from people underrepresented in tech. We evaluate candidates based on skills and contributions, not pedigree. If you're unsure whether you qualify, apply anyway —imposter syndrome is real and you might be exactly who we're looking for. We recognise that the combination of deep kernel expertise and consulting skills is rare. If you're strong in one area and interested in developing the other, we want to hear from you.
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