About Canonical

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux, is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to global enterprise and technology markets. Ubuntu powers breakthrough initiatives in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include top public cloud and silicon providers like Intel, Nvidia, Google, Dell, HP, as well as industry leaders across sectors. As a pioneer in global distributed collaboration, Canonical employs over 1000 colleagues in 70+ countries with very few office-based roles. Teams align on strategy during two to four in-person meetings yearly in exciting global locations. Founder-led, profitable, and growing, Canonical champions open source innovation and remote-first culture.

Role Overview

The Alliances Field Engineer role at Canonical supports our biggest partners—OEMs, GSIs like Accenture and Tata, ISVs, channel partners, and public cloud alliances—in embracing Ubuntu and our open source platform. You'll apply expert insights to real-world problems, driving enterprise adoption of Ubuntu, OpenStack, Kubernetes, AI/MLOps, and related technologies. From kernel to desktop, cloud to edge, our field engineers master the open source stack while addressing business challenges like reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This home-based, worldwide position demands speaking your partners' language across industries, defining joint go-to-market programs technically, and ensuring the best outcomes for partners and customers.

Key Responsibilities

Your day involves deep dives into Ubuntu, Linux, networking, and services in real-world environments. Architect cloud infrastructure solutions including Kubernetes, Kubeflow, OpenStack, Ceph, and Spark—on-premises or across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud. Integrate popular open source tools like PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Kafka, Cassandra, and NGINX. Help partners architect joint solutions leveraging Canonical technologies in data centers and public clouds. Design and publish reference architectures, conduct technical validations, and lead onboarding sessions or workshops to promote our products. With up to 30% global travel, you'll pitch, demonstrate, and tailor solutions to partner needs.

Daily Impact

• Understand and troubleshoot Ubuntu in production environments
• Build scalable cloud-native architectures
• Collaborate on partner go-to-market strategies
• Deliver technical workshops and validations

Qualifications & Requirements

We seek engineers with extensive Linux (Ubuntu preferred), Kubernetes, Ceph, and software automation experience. Proven track record designing/implementing public or private cloud solutions is essential, alongside Python/bash proficiency and troubleshooting expertise. Fluent English, stellar communication/presentation skills, high motivation, multitasking, and reliable follow-through are non-negotiable. Customer-facing passion—pitching, demoing, understanding environments—is key. Interest in Canonical innovations like LXD, Juju, Snaps, plus a degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or equivalent technical experience. Global travel up to 30% required.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical shapes compensation based on location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews (more frequent for graduates/associates). Enjoy a performance-driven annual bonus atop base pay. Our distributed work environment features twice-yearly team sprints in person—Canonical has thrived remotely since 2004. Global benefits balance local needs for fairness, reflecting our values of openness, collaboration, and excellence. Home-based worldwide, minimal office time, and learning opportunities in cutting-edge open source tech.

Career Growth

Field engineers at Canonical tackle 'the hardest job'—answering any solution query thoughtfully, prioritizing partner success. Grow by mastering the open source stack, influencing enterprise adoption, and collaborating with global giants. Advance through technical depth, business acumen, and leadership in alliances. Regular feedback, performance recognition, and exposure to AI, cloud-native, edge computing fuel rapid career progression in a growing, profitable company.

Why Join Canonical

Join a remote-first leader in open source, shaping Ubuntu's role in cloud, AI, and IoT. Work with Intel, Nvidia, Google on transformative tech. Enjoy global flexibility, in-person sprints in inspiring locales, and a culture prioritizing impact over location. Canonical's commitment to open source means your work reaches millions, driving innovation without bureaucracy. If you thrive on complex technical challenges, partner engagement, and emerging tech like Kubernetes and cloud-native ops, this is your role.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role fully remote? Yes, home-based worldwide with up to 30% travel for meetings and sprints.

Q: What technologies will I work with? Ubuntu, Kubernetes, OpenStack, Ceph, Python/bash, AWS/Azure/GCP, and Canonical tools like Juju, LXD, Snaps.

Q: What's the team structure? Part of the global field engineering team, distributed across 70+ countries, with periodic in-person alignment.

Q: How is compensation determined? Based on experience, location, performance; includes base, bonus, and annual reviews.

Q: Do I need prior Canonical experience? No—passion for open source, cloud, and customer success matters most.