About Canonical

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux, stands at the forefront of open source software innovation. As a leading provider of enterprise-grade operating systems, Canonical powers breakthrough initiatives in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering, and IoT. Ubuntu, our flagship platform, is trusted by the world's top public cloud providers, silicon manufacturers, and industry leaders across sectors. With over 1200 colleagues spanning 75+ countries, Canonical pioneers global distributed collaboration. The company remains founder-led, profitable, and rapidly growing, emphasizing a remote-first culture where teams align through strategic in-person sprints in exciting global locations two to four times yearly.

Role Overview

The Linux Software Engineer - Ubuntu for Next-Gen Silicon role offers multiple positions across seniority levels, all fully remote from the Americas. Join Canonical's Partner Engineering Team to optimize Ubuntu across the full Linux stack for cutting-edge silicon technologies. This includes new hardware accelerators, AI stacks, confidential computing, networking, virtualization, and containerization. Work closely with worldwide silicon companies to ensure seamless performance on architectures like x86, ARM, RISC-V, PowerPC, and s390x. Ideal for open-source enthusiasts passionate about fostering a thriving software ecosystem for Ubuntu users everywhere.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll drive Ubuntu's adaptation to next-generation hardware, collaborating proactively in a distributed team environment. Key duties include evaluating engineer contributions to uphold high-quality standards, debugging open source and team-maintained code, and shaping Ubuntu's future through innovative ideas. You'll partner with Ubuntu and Debian communities, upstream projects, and commercial customers. Help integrate customer apps, SDKs, build OS images, and optimize applications across Ubuntu Core, Desktop, and Server. Maintain silicon features and optimized packages for servers, HPC, AI systems, IoT devices, PCs, SmartNICs, and automotive systems. Tackle diverse technologies like AI stacks, graphics/audio/multimedia, virtualization/containers, hardware enablement, new architectures/toolchains, package management, and platform security including secure boot, full disk encryption, Ubuntu Core, and confidential computing. Expect global travel for 2-4 weeks annually for internal events.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks candidates with an exceptional academic track record from high school and university, plus an undergraduate degree in a technical subject or a compelling narrative for your alternative path. You love technology and thriving alongside brilliant minds, bringing curiosity, flexibility, articulation, and accountability. Value soft skills like passion, enterprise, thoughtfulness, and self-motivation, while excelling at building partnerships with diverse internal and external groups. Core technical requirements include strong fundamentals in C, C++, and Python, plus experience or keen interest in Linux distribution packaging, open source maintenance/contributions/licenses, and package management/dependency resolution.

Additional Skills That Stand Out

Bring an edge with experience in graphics/audio/multimedia stacks, virtualization/containers (Docker, OCI, Kubernetes), hardware enablement for SmartNICs/NVMe/GPUs/sensors, performance optimization, toolchain development, networking (TCP/IP/DHCP/HTTP/REST), security best practices, or IoT/embedded systems including SoCs, BMCs, bootloaders, firmware, and services.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical shapes compensation based on geography, experience, and performance, with annual reviews (more frequent for graduates/associates) and performance-driven bonuses/commissions. Enjoy a distributed work environment with biannual in-person team sprints, a USD 2,000 personal learning budget yearly, and benefits tailored to local needs for global fairness. Thrive in a remote-first setup with minimal office roles, supported by a values-driven culture that recognizes outstanding contributions.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is dynamic and merit-based. Work with world-class silicon partners and open source communities to influence Ubuntu's evolution. Access extensive learning resources, including your annual development budget, to master emerging technologies. Regular performance reviews ensure recognition and advancement, from junior roles to senior engineering leadership. Contribute to high-impact projects shaping AI, cloud, IoT, and beyond, in a founder-led environment prioritizing innovation and collaboration.

Why Join Canonical

Joining Canonical means becoming part of the open source revolution powering global tech giants. Optimize Ubuntu for next-gen silicon, collaborate with diverse international teams, and enjoy true work-life balance in a profitable, growing company. Our remote-first model, combined with purposeful global travel, fosters deep connections and strategic alignment. Passionate about Linux, open source, and innovation? This is your chance to make a lasting impact on enterprise technology worldwide.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, this is a globally remote role based in the Americas, with 2-4 weeks of annual travel for team events.

What architectures will I work on?

Expect x86, ARM, RISC-V, PowerPC, s390x, and emerging variants, plus related stacks like AI, virtualization, and security.

Do I need prior open source experience?

Experience or strong interest in open source contributions, packaging, and maintenance is essential.

How is compensation structured?

Competitive base pay with annual reviews, performance bonuses, and global fairness adjustments.

What makes Canonical unique?

Founder-led, profitable growth; remote-first with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries; leader in Ubuntu open source for enterprise.