GPU Consultant Engineer

About This RoleBuild open source graphics drivers that run on real hardware. You will work directly in the Vulkan driver stack, contributing upstream to Mesa and the Linux DRM subsystem, and solving problems that affect how GPUs are used across the Linux ecosystem.This isn't just maintenance work. You will be debugging real hardware behaviour, reading GPU specs and kernel internals and writing code that ends up in distributions used by millions of people. The work is technically deep and the feedback loop is direct.The role combines low-level systems programming with open source collaboration. You will work alongside experienced graphics engineers, develop genuine expertise in how modern GPUs work from the kernel up, and grow into a contributor that the broader open source graphics community knows by name.Location: Fully remoteTravel: Optional conference attendanceWhat You'll Actually DoUpstream First: Contribute directly to Mesa and the Linux DRM subsystem, writing Vulkan driver code that lands in mainline and ships to users worldwideReal-World Impact: Work on graphics drivers for hardware used across Linux desktops, embedded devices and consumer products that people depend on every daySolve 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 whyCommunity 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 FOSDEMClient 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 goalsNavigate 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 reviewBe 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 communicationWhat we’re looking forRequiredVulkan - solid understanding of the core spec; command buffers, render passes, synchronisation, memory management and pipelines. Familiarity with Vulkan validation layers and debugging workflowBasic understanding of GPU hardware concepts - queues, tilers vs IMR, memory hierarchiesLinux kernel basics - comfortable reading and navigating kernel codeDRM fundamentals - GEM/buffer management, dma-buf/prime buffer sharing, fence and sync objects, GPU job submission pathsMesa architecture awareness - Gallium, driver structureBasic understanding of how userspace drivers interact with kernelC and C++ - comfortable with pointer arithmetic, memory management, kernel-style codingNice to haveGit - mailing list patch workflow (not just GitHub PRs)Comfortable reading specs and documentation independentlyNot afraid of large unfamiliar codebasesOpen source contribution mindset - code review, public communication, upstream firstExisting Mesa or kernel patch historyExperience with a specific GPU family (ARM/AMD/Intel)Python for tooling/scriptingRust programming skillsUnderstanding of KMS fundamentals or Wayland clientsWhat We OfferCompensation & BenefitsWe offer a competitive benefits package tailored to each country in which we have employees, plus a core global benefit offering accessible to all Collaborans. Our core benefits include:Competitive salary based on experience and locationOffice setup budgetSabbatical/Retention of Services - after five years continuous serviceCo-working policy - support for working outside homeWellness assessments - biannual wellbeing assessments with a trained mental health specialistConference attendance -we cover expenses and encourage speaking opportunitiesOpen source time - contribute to projects you care aboutWork EnvironmentFully remote - work where you’re most productiveGlobal team - engineers across Europe, Americas and AsiaNo on-call rotations - this isn't support workSustainable pace - we're here for the long termFlexible hours - manage your own scheduleGrowth & ImpactUpstream contributions - your work shapes Linux, not just client productsTechnical leadership track - path to principal engineer, subsystem expertise or technical architecture rolesConsulting track - develop deeper client relationships, lead customer engagements or shape service offeringsMentorship opportunities - both receiving and providing guidanceConference speaking - we support presentation submissions and provide coachingRecognition - your contributions are public, building your professional reputationCulture & ValuesUpstream first - we believe the best solutions benefit everyoneTranspa