About Canonical

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux, is a global leader in open source software and operating systems. Serving enterprise and technology markets worldwide, Canonical powers breakthrough initiatives in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Ubuntu is the foundation for leading public cloud providers, silicon manufacturers, and industry pioneers across sectors. With over 1100 colleagues in 75+ countries, Canonical champions a distributed collaboration model, blending remote-first culture with periodic in-person team gatherings in exciting global locations. As a founder-led, profitable, and rapidly growing company, Canonical offers unparalleled opportunities to contribute to the future of open source.

Role Overview

The Linux Desktop Support Engineer role at Canonical's London office is perfect for passionate Linux professionals eager to launch or advance their career in technical support. This office-based position in London, United Kingdom, involves delivering exceptional technical support to employees and customers using Ubuntu and Canonical's open source portfolio. You'll handle everything from problem qualification to full resolution, managing cases independently or escalating to senior engineers as needed. Beyond customer support, you'll provide AV assistance for office conferences, technical onboarding for new hires, and infrastructure support for events. This role demands strong Linux expertise, customer focus, and a commitment to service excellence in a dynamic, innovative environment.

Day-to-Day Impact

Expect a varied workday prioritizing customer issues, troubleshooting complex Linux desktop and server problems, and collaborating with global teams. You'll balance reactive support with proactive learning about new Ubuntu releases and technologies, ensuring you're always at the forefront of open source advancements.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll drive technical excellence and customer satisfaction through hands-on support. Core duties include:

• Investigating reported issues by researching, troubleshooting, and escalating when necessary.
• Resolving complex problems across Canonical's product portfolio, including Ubuntu desktop and server stacks.
• Owning support cases end-to-end, meeting Service Level Agreements (SLAs) while exceeding customer expectations.
• Engaging directly with customers via phone, ticketing systems, and remote sessions for efficient resolutions.
• Participating in a regular weekend rotation to ensure 24/7 coverage.
• Contributing and maintaining knowledge base articles to share insights and lessons learned.
• Understanding Ubuntu's development process to set accurate timelines for fixes and manage expectations.
• Providing office-based technical support, including employee onboarding, event infrastructure, and AV setup.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks driven individuals with a blend of technical prowess and soft skills. Ideal candidates demonstrate:

• Professional written and spoken English with excellent presentation abilities.
• Exceptional academic record from high school and university.
• Undergraduate degree in a technical field or a compelling alternative career narrative.
• Proven history of surpassing expectations to deliver outstanding results.
• Hands-on experience with Linux troubleshooting, including log collection, stack traces, and configuration tuning.
• Knowledge of Linux integration with environments like authentication/directory services and network file systems.
• Ability to navigate complex systems effectively and prioritize under pressure.

Prior experience in customer-facing technical roles is a plus, but passion for Linux, Ubuntu, and open source is essential.

Benefits & Perks

Joining Canonical means accessing premium benefits tailored for tech professionals:

• Work from a brand-new, state-of-the-art office in London, England.
• Competitive salary estimated at £80,000–£120,000 annually, reflecting London tech market rates.
• Global collaboration with team meetups 2–4 times yearly in inspiring locations.
• Ongoing training sessions, certifications, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
• Participation in company events, hackathons, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Health, wellness, and professional growth support in a profitable, stable company.

Career Growth

Canonical invests heavily in employee development. Starting as a Linux Desktop Support Engineer, you'll gain deep expertise in Ubuntu support, opening doors to senior engineering, product management, or leadership roles. Regular training, mentorship from industry experts, and involvement in Ubuntu's development process accelerate your trajectory. With Canonical's remote-first culture and global footprint, career paths span cloud, AI, IoT, and beyond, all while contributing to open source innovation.

Why Join Canonical

Canonical stands out for its unique position at the intersection of open source leadership and enterprise impact. Work on Ubuntu, the world's most widely deployed Linux distribution, alongside top talent shaping public cloud, AI, and IoT landscapes. Enjoy a founder-led culture emphasizing autonomy, collaboration, and innovation. Unlike traditional tech firms, Canonical's distributed model fosters work-life balance with office perks in London. If you thrive on solving real-world Linux challenges and delighting customers, this is your gateway to a rewarding career in open source.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role fully remote? No, it's office-based in Canonical's London office.

Q: What's the weekend rotation like? A regular rotation to provide comprehensive support coverage.

Q: Do I need prior Canonical experience? No, but Linux troubleshooting passion and skills are key.

Q: How does Canonical support career progression? Through training, global exposure, and clear paths to senior roles.

Q: What's the company culture like? Remote-first with in-person alignments, focused on open source excellence and employee growth.