About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world's most popular open source operating system powering enterprise innovation worldwide. As a leading provider of open source software, Canonical serves global enterprises in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering, and IoT sectors. Our customers include top public cloud providers, silicon manufacturers, and industry leaders across multiple domains. With over 1200 colleagues in 75+ countries, Canonical pioneers global distributed collaboration with a predominantly remote-first culture. Teams connect in person 2-4 times yearly in inspiring global locations to align on strategy and execution. Founder-led and profitable, Canonical is poised for growth as a pre-IPO international software powerhouse.

Role Overview

The IoT Data Engineer role at Canonical places you at the forefront of the IoT revolution. You'll enhance Canonical's cutting-edge telemetry and connectivity solutions within the Snappy ecosystem, integrating reliable, secure data streaming for next-generation IoT devices. This remote position in APAC offers the chance to architect global SaaS services emphasizing data governance, ownership, and confidentiality on the trusted Ubuntu platform. Work with Python and Golang to build high-performance APIs, scalable pipelines, and compliant systems that set industry standards for IoT development, management, and security.

Key Responsibilities

Architect Scalable Systems

Design high-performance service APIs and data pipelines ensuring seamless integration across Canonical's products. Leverage Golang and Python to handle high-throughput, low-latency IoT data processing at scale.

Drive Security and Compliance

Develop robust governance, auditing, and management systems. Implement IAM models, encryption, access control, and compliance with GDPR, HIPAA frameworks, alongside decentralized data ownership for interoperability.

Build Hybrid Deployments

Partner with infrastructure teams to create cloud-based SaaS solutions and containerized on-prem options for enterprise clients, optimizing for operational excellence.

Lead Feature Development

Take projects from specification to production, providing technical oversight, code reviews, and establishing best practices. Engage in high-level discussions with engineers, product teams, and stakeholders.

Foster Global Collaboration

Work remotely with a distributed team, occasionally traveling 2-4 weeks yearly for events to deepen collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks engineers with expertise in scalable backend services, messaging pipelines, and REST APIs using Golang or Python. Deep knowledge of cybersecurity in IoT—secure connectivity, data streaming, governance—is essential. Proficiency in IAM, encryption, GDPR/HIPAA compliance, data streaming tech like MQTT, Kafka, RabbitMQ, observability with OpenTelemetry, and protocols such as OPC-UA, ModBus is required. Experience designing high-throughput systems and familiarity with Ubuntu as a platform are key. A Bachelor’s in Computer Science, STEM, or related field, plus cross-functional collaboration skills, mentoring ability, and openness to learning in fast-evolving IoT landscapes complete the profile. Willingness for up to 4 annual trips is needed.

Benefits & Perks

Joining Canonical means embracing a remote-first lifestyle with flexibility and autonomy. Enjoy collaboration with elite global talent, meaningful work on Ubuntu and open source projects impacting millions. Benefits include occasional travel to vibrant locations, a supportive culture of innovation, and contribution to a profitable, growing company. Experience engineering excellence, continuous learning, and work-life balance in a diverse, inclusive environment.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by impact and expertise. IoT Data Engineers mentor juniors, lead initiatives, and shape technical direction. Opportunities abound to innovate in IoT, cloud, AI, and beyond, with visibility to leadership. The distributed model fosters skill-building through global projects, while in-person summits accelerate networking and growth. Canonical invests in your development, offering paths to senior roles, architecture leadership, and influence on open source standards.

Why Join Canonical

Canonical stands out for its remote-first ethos, Ubuntu's ubiquity, and commitment to open source. Build rewarding careers tackling real-world challenges with breakthrough tech. Profitability ensures stability, while pre-IPO status promises upside. Join a founder-led team redefining IoT with secure, scalable solutions on Ubuntu—innovate confidently in a collaborative, high-impact culture.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, home-based in APAC with occasional global travel (2-4 weeks/year).

What tech stack is used?

Primarily Python, Golang, data streaming tools (Kafka, MQTT), observability (OpenTelemetry), and Ubuntu.

Do I need IoT experience?

Strong backend, data engineering, and security skills with IoT interest suffice; specific protocol knowledge is advantageous.

How does Canonical support remote work?

World-class distributed collaboration tools, regular team syncs, and in-person events ensure connection and alignment.

What makes Canonical's IoT unique?

Integration of Snappy with Ubuntu delivers secure, easy-to-deploy telemetry for enterprise IoT at scale.