About Canonical

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux, is a global leader in open source software and operating systems for enterprise and technology markets. Ubuntu powers breakthrough initiatives in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include the world's top public cloud providers, silicon giants like NVIDIA, Intel, and AMD, and industry leaders across multiple sectors. As pioneers of distributed collaboration, Canonical employs over 1200 colleagues across 75+ countries with minimal office-based roles. Teams connect in person 2-4 times yearly in exciting global locations to align on strategy and execution. Founder-led and profitable, Canonical continues to grow while championing open source innovation.

Role Overview

Canonical seeks a skilled Go (Golang) Software Engineer for Developer Tooling and Containers to shape a new open-source developer experience tool. This role reimagines traditional Linux workflows for immutable distro environments and remote cloud resources. You'll integrate deeply with Ubuntu desktop, modern IDEs, and SDKs from leading publishers like NVIDIA, Intel, and AMD. The mission: liberate developers from tedious environment setups in domains like Robotics, MLOps, and IoT, making Ubuntu the premier platform for software engineers. Based remotely in APAC time zones, this position demands passion for crafting exceptional tools, Linux fundamentals, and container expertise, especially for senior levels.

Key Responsibilities

Design and Development

Design intuitive user experiences for groundbreaking tool capabilities. Write high-quality Go code to implement features that preserve Linux's appeal while enhancing immutable and cloud workflows. Obsess over correctness, robustness, and security across diverse use cases like AI/ML pipelines and IoT deployments.

Strategic Implementation

Go beyond basics by ensuring solutions address well-defined problems. Strategize implementations prioritizing performance, quality, and security. Collaborate seamlessly with Canonical teams and external partners to deliver production-ready developer tooling.

Integration and Innovation

Deeply integrate with Ubuntu ecosystem, professional IDEs, and hardware SDKs. Contribute to open-source projects that empower developers worldwide, from robotics engineers to MLOps specialists.

Qualifications & Requirements

Essential Skills

Professional experience in Go, Python, C, or C++ software development. Mastery of Linux system-level fundamentals, including cgroups, namespaces, and kernel semantics underpinning containers. Curiosity, thoughtfulness, accountability, and intellectual honesty in decision-making.

Additional Requirements

Exceptional academic record from high school and university, or a compelling technical career narrative. Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. Confidence in feedback exchange, professional English proficiency, and presentation skills. Willingness to travel internationally twice yearly for up to two weeks.

Nice-to-Have Expertise

Experience with LXC/LXD, AI/ML frameworks, CUDA/OpenVINO, or package manager internals accelerates impact in this role.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers globally competitive compensation tailored to location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews and more frequent adjustments for early-career talent. Enjoy fully remote work from anywhere in APAC, fostering work-life balance in a remote-first culture. Participate in inspiring offsites worldwide, building bonds with diverse global teams. Contribute to high-impact open-source projects that shape enterprise tech landscapes. Access personal and professional development resources in a supportive, innovative environment.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is merit-based in a flat, collaborative structure. Junior to senior roles abound on this growing team, with opportunities to lead initiatives in developer tooling. Hone expertise in containers, kernel tech, and emerging domains like AI and IoT. Regular feedback, peer reviews, and clear code practices ensure continuous improvement. As a profitable, expanding company, Canonical invests in talent through training, conferences, and global exposure, positioning you for leadership in open source innovation.

Why Join Canonical

Join a founder-led powerhouse driving Ubuntu's dominance in cloud, AI, and edge computing. Work remotely with top talent across 75+ countries, blending autonomy with purposeful collaboration. Impact millions of developers by streamlining workflows and enabling breakthroughs in Robotics, MLOps, and beyond. Embrace Canonical's remote-first ethos, open-source ethos, and commitment to intellectual rigor. This is your chance to craft tools that redefine software engineering on the world's leading Linux platform.

Role FAQs

What time zones qualify for this APAC role?

Any location in APAC time zones (UTC+8 to UTC+12) for optimal team collaboration.

Is container/kernel experience mandatory?

Essential for senior roles; strong Linux fundamentals required for all levels.

What makes this developer tool unique?

It bridges traditional Linux with immutable environments, IDEs, and cloud resources, targeting AI, IoT, and Robotics pain points.

How does Canonical support remote workers?

Comprehensive remote setup, global team syncs, and biannual in-person events ensure connection and alignment.

What's the interview process like?

Technical assessments, code reviews, and behavioral interviews emphasizing Go/Linux skills and cultural fit.