About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world's most popular open source operating system. As a leading provider of open source software to global enterprise and technology markets, Canonical powers breakthrough initiatives in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Ubuntu is trusted by the world's leading public cloud and silicon providers, as well as industry leaders across automotive, medical devices, industrial systems, robotics, telco, and consumer electronics.

Founded on principles of open source collaboration, Canonical is a pioneer in global distributed work with over 1000 colleagues across 70+ countries. The company maintains a remote-first culture with very few office-based roles, emphasizing two to four annual in-person team meetings in exciting global locations to align on strategy and execution. Founder-led and profitable, Canonical continues to grow, delivering cutting-edge solutions like Ubuntu Core—the state-of-the-art in secure, resilient Linux for IoT and embedded devices.

Role Overview

The Embedded Linux Field Engineer for Devices/IoT role at Canonical is a unique opportunity for accomplished Linux experts to drive adoption in mission-critical industries. This position focuses on expanding Canonical's reach in automotive, medical devices, industrial systems, robotics, telco, and consumer electronics. As a 'Linux plumber' passionate about the OS internals, you'll engage with customers, deliver solutions using Ubuntu Core, and shape product roadmaps.

Ubuntu Core brings enterprise-grade security, real-time capabilities, and minimal footprint to the smallest Linux environments. With recent additions like real-time Linux and ongoing certifications, Canonical is reinventing Linux for optimal reliability, security, developer productivity, and efficiency in embedded systems.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Engagement and Presales

Engage directly with customers during presales to gather detailed requirements and articulate how Canonical's technology, including Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core, solves their challenges in devices and IoT.

Solution Development

Design and elaborate tailored Embedded Linux solutions for prospective clients, leveraging your deep knowledge of low-level boot processes, firmware, and OS distribution packaging.

Project Delivery

Contribute to the hands-on delivery of select Embedded Linux projects, ensuring seamless integration and deployment for high-stakes applications.

Market Advocacy

Convey critical market requirements to Canonical stakeholders, occasionally participating in the development or refinement of generic solutions to unlock new opportunities.

Trusted Partnership

Serve as both a customer advocate and a trusted advisor to Canonical, prioritizing partner success while navigating the diverse pace of client engagements with ambitious tech entrepreneurs.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks competitive, business-focused technologists who excel as team players. Key qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related technical field
• Extensive hands-on Linux experience, with Debian or Ubuntu preferred
• Proven distribution and packaging expertise (deb, rpm, etc.)
• Solid embedded Linux background (Yocto, Buildroot, and similar tools)
• Fluency in at least one of Golang, Python, C, C++, or Rust
• Strong professional written and spoken English, plus local language proficiency
• Experience with low-level Linux boot, BIOS, EFI, Secure Boot, firmware, and embedded software methodologies

Ideal candidates thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy system debugging, software design, and bringing customer visions to life on Ubuntu platforms.

Benefits & Perks

Joining Canonical means embracing a premium remote-first lifestyle:

• 100% home-based, worldwide location flexibility
• Competitive compensation in the global tech sector
• Collaboration with a distributed team of experts across 70+ countries
• Annual in-person summits in inspiring global destinations
• Work on pioneering open source projects impacting billions of devices
• Professional growth in a founder-led, profitable company

Career Growth

Field Engineers at Canonical have one of the most dynamic roles, interacting with cutting-edge technologies and diverse clients. This position offers pathways to senior engineering, solutions architecture, product management, or leadership in Canonical's IoT and Devices division. With the company's rapid expansion in embedded Linux, high performers gain visibility and influence over strategic initiatives, certifications, and new offerings like real-time Ubuntu.

Why Join Canonical

Canonical stands out for its commitment to open source excellence and innovation. By joining, you contribute to Ubuntu's dominance in IoT and embedded systems, working alongside global talent on secure, resilient solutions for the future. The remote-first model fosters work-life balance, while the mission-driven culture rewards impact. If you're a dedicated Linux expert ready for high-impact client work and open source leadership, Canonical offers unparalleled opportunities.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, it's home-based worldwide, with occasional in-person team events 2-4 times per year.

What industries will I work with?

Automotive, medical devices, industrial systems, robotics, telco, and consumer electronics.

Do I need embedded experience?

Yes, solid experience with Yocto, Buildroot, and related embedded Linux tools is essential.

What programming languages are required?

Fluency in at least one of Golang, Python, C, C++, or Rust.

How does Canonical support professional development?

Through global collaboration, skill-building projects, and career progression in a growing open source leader.