About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world's leading open source operating system powering public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. As a pioneer in global distributed collaboration, Canonical employs over 1200 colleagues across 75+ countries with very few office-based roles. Teams align on strategy during in-person sprints two to four times yearly in exciting global locations. Founder-led and profitable, Canonical sets the standard for open source excellence, serving top public cloud providers, silicon manufacturers, and industry leaders worldwide.

Role Overview

Canonical seeks a Linux Devices Software Engineer for the snapd team, focusing on mission-critical Golang code for software delivery, containers, security sandboxing, telemetry, and device management. Snaps represent next-generation software packaging for Linux, optimized for safety, security, and robustness across desktops, servers, and IoT devices. This remote role in the Americas demands obsession with quality, performance, and the software publishing experience. Passion for open source, collaboration, peer reviews, rigorous testing, and maintainable code is essential. Linux expertise as a developer platform is required, with Golang experience highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate and Innovate

Work proactively with a distributed global team, discussing ideas and co-creating solutions for snapd's core challenges.

Develop High-Quality Code

Write robust Golang code for new features, ensuring snaps deliver seamless cross-Linux compatibility for publishers targeting the entire ecosystem.

Debug and Fix System Issues

Tackle Linux system-level problems, from cgroups and namespaces to AppArmor confinement, delivering fixes that enhance reliability.

Conduct Code Reviews

Review peers' contributions to uphold Canonical's high standards for quality, security, and performance.

Ensure Robustness

Design for resilience against real-world disruptions like power outages, prioritizing snapd's role at the heart of Ubuntu's operating system.

Global Engagement

Work from home with up to two weeks of travel twice yearly for team sprints, fostering connections in new locations.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical hires top talent passionate about technology and open source. Ideal candidates love working with brilliant minds, exhibiting curiosity, flexibility, articulation, and accountability. Key requirements include:

• Bachelor’s or equivalent in Computer Science, STEM, or related field
• Professional experience in Go, Python, C, or C++ software development
• Deep knowledge of Linux fundamentals like cgroups, namespaces, and AppArmor
• Commitment to testing, code reviews, and maintainable code
• Strong soft skills, self-motivation, and thoughtful collaboration

Prior Golang experience and interest in software delivery for IoT, desktops, and servers are advantageous.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers competitive, performance-based compensation tailored to location, experience, and impact, with annual reviews and bonuses. Beyond base pay, enjoy:

• USD 2,000 annual personal learning budget
• Distributed remote work with global team sprints
• Recognition rewards and wellness programs
• Generous maternity/paternity leave and holiday allowance
• Team Member Assistance Program
• Priority Pass, travel upgrades for company events

These perks reflect Canonical's values of fairness, growth, and work-life balance across regions.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by excellence. Annual reviews ensure outstanding performance is rewarded, with frequent adjustments for high performers. The USD 2,000 learning budget supports certifications, courses, and conferences. Working on Ubuntu and snapd exposes you to cutting-edge open source projects, collaborating with world-class engineers. Remote-first since 2004, Canonical challenges you to innovate, learn new skills, and elevate your expertise in cloud, AI, IoT, and beyond.

Why Join Canonical

Join a profitable, growing leader shaping open source's future. Contribute to Ubuntu, the platform for AI, cloud, and IoT, reaching millions. Thrive in a diverse, discrimination-free environment valuing global perspectives. Experience a step into the future: think differently, work smarter, and raise your game with 1200+ remote colleagues pioneering distributed excellence. Canonical's high standards demand the best—delivering breakthroughs for enterprise and tech giants.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, home-based in the Americas, with optional twice-yearly travel for team sprints up to two weeks each.

What tech stack is used?

Primarily Golang for snapd, with Linux system programming involving Python, C, or C++. Focus on containers, security, and device management.

Do I need Golang experience?

It's highly desirable but not mandatory; experience with Go, Python, C, or C++ and Linux fundamentals is required.

How is compensation structured?

Competitive base pay based on experience and location, plus performance bonus, annual reviews, and comprehensive benefits.

What makes snapd unique?

Snaps enable secure, universal Linux app delivery, confinement-optimized for IoT, desktops, and servers across distributions.