About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering technology company at the forefront of the global shift to open source software. As the publisher of Ubuntu, the world's leading Linux distribution, Canonical powers enterprise initiatives in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include top public cloud providers, silicon manufacturers, and industry leaders across sectors. With over 1100 colleagues in more than 75 countries, Canonical embodies global distributed collaboration. While most roles are remote, select positions like this one are office-based to support critical lab operations. The company is founder-led, profitable, and experiencing steady growth, making it an ideal place for engineers passionate about open source infrastructure.

Role Overview

Canonical is seeking a skilled MAAS Data Center Infrastructure Engineer for our Toronto-area lab. This office-based role focuses on building and maintaining test labs for Ubuntu server certification on US-based silicon and server designs. You'll manage day-to-day operations of cutting-edge hardware, including new silicon from leading vendors and established servers to ensure Ubuntu compatibility. Leveraging software-defined operations, particularly MAAS (Metal-as-a-Service), you'll deploy, configure, and automate servers and network switches. Python programming is essential for enhancing automation and monitoring. If you thrive in home labs, love data center hardware, and have strong Python skills, this position offers hands-on excitement in a premium open source environment.

Key Responsibilities

As a MAAS Data Center Infrastructure Engineer, your core duties include:

• Operating a fully automated server lab with the latest server and network silicon, ensuring availability remotely and on-site for Canonical teams.
• Maintaining precise inventory and physical layout of all hardware in the data center.
• Handling receipt, installation, and commissioning of new hardware deliveries.
• Actively utilizing MAAS integrations with tools like Testflinger for testing and scheduling, reporting issues, and aiding troubleshooting.
• Applying Python development skills to advance software-driven data center operations.
• Extending and improving hardware and network monitoring via automation scripts.
• Collaborating closely with MAAS engineers, data center specialists, Ubuntu certification teams, kernel engineers, and other lab users.

Qualifications & Requirements

We seek candidates with:

• A STEM Bachelor’s degree, ideally in Computer Science or Software Engineering, backed by an exceptional academic record from high school and university.
• Proven data center experience and Linux administration expertise.
• Strong Python programming skills for automation and operations.
• Excellent organizational abilities and meticulous attention to detail.
• Clear, effective English communication for working with a globally distributed team of engineers.
• Willingness to travel up to four times annually for team alignment events in exciting global locations.

Nice-to-have skills include troubleshooting prowess, a systematic testing approach, and a passion for performance engineering.

Benefits & Perks

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

• A distributed work environment featuring twice-yearly in-person team sprints.
• USD 2,000 annual personal learning and development budget.
• Recognition rewards and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Generous annual holiday leave, maternity, and paternity leave.
• Travel perks including Priority Pass and upgrades for long-haul company events.

These benefits reflect Canonical's commitment to fairness, work-life balance, and employee growth in a remote-first culture.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by performance and impact. You'll work on high-stakes projects certifying hardware for Ubuntu, collaborating with elite engineers worldwide. Regular compensation reviews, learning budgets, and exposure to cutting-edge tech like AI, cloud, and IoT foster rapid advancement. Many engineers evolve into leadership roles in MAAS development, kernel engineering, or partner solutions, leveraging Canonical's growing open source ecosystem.

Why Join Canonical

Joining Canonical means contributing to Ubuntu's dominance in enterprise Linux, shaping the future of open source infrastructure. This Toronto lab role offers rare hands-on access to next-gen silicon while integrating with a remote-first, global team. Enjoy the stability of a profitable company, premium benefits, and opportunities to travel and innovate. If you're passionate about Linux, Python, and data centers, Canonical provides the platform to excel.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

No, this is an office-based position in the Toronto area, requiring on-site work at our lab.

What is MAAS?

MAAS (Metal-as-a-Service) is Canonical's open source tool for bare-metal provisioning, central to our automated data center operations.

Do I need prior MAAS experience?

Direct experience is ideal but not mandatory; strong Linux, Python, and data center skills are key.

How often will I travel?

Up to four times per year for team sprints and events.

What salary can I expect?

Compensation is competitive for Toronto's tech market, based on experience, with annual reviews and bonuses.