About Canonical

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux, is a global leader in open source software innovation. With millions of users worldwide relying on Ubuntu for servers, desktops, cloud, and IoT devices, Canonical drives the future of computing through collaborative, community-led development. Our mission is to deliver the best open source operating system and ecosystem, powering hyperscalers, enterprises, and developers alike. As a remote-first company, Canonical fosters a diverse, distributed workforce spanning continents, united by a passion for quality software and open source principles.

Role Overview

Canonical is seeking an exceptional Open Source Networking Software Engineer specializing in SmartNIC, DPU, and ToR Switch technologies for our Americas-based remote team. This role sits at the intersection of hardware acceleration and software innovation, where you'll optimize Ubuntu and related stacks for cutting-edge networking ASICs, boards, and appliances. You'll contribute to a complete open source data center networking solution, from bare metal to virtualization, containers, and serverless environments. Join us to bring hyperscaler-grade innovations like SoNIC, OVN/OVS, Cilium, eBPF, DPDK, and SwitchDev to enterprise and end users. With a rigorous selection process emphasizing technical excellence, this position offers the chance to shape the future of networking alongside industry-leading partners and the global open source community.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, your day-to-day will involve hands-on engineering with the most advanced networking technologies. Key responsibilities include:

• Working with advanced operating systems and network applications to deliver high-performance solutions.
• Participating upstream in the Ubuntu SoNIC stack and related open source projects.
• Collaborating with public clouds and networking silicon providers to optimize hardware-software integration.
• Designing and implementing top-tier software-defined networking experiences for data centers.
• Writing high-quality, well-designed, fast, secure, and thoroughly documented software.
• Debugging complex issues and producing reliable fixes.
• Proactively collaborating with a globally distributed organization.
• Contributing to exemplary technical documentation.
• Demonstrating technical leadership internally, with partners, and in open source communities.
• Influencing key open source projects like Bird, FRR, OVN, and kernel networking components.

Expect global travel twice a year for company events, up to two weeks each, to build connections and align on vision.

Qualifications & Requirements

We seek engineers with deep expertise in networking and a proven track record of excellence. Essential qualifications include:

• An exceptional academic track record and undergraduate degree in Computer Science, STEM, or equivalent narrative.
• Strong knowledge of networking architecture, design, and protocols.
• Deep understanding of Linux networking from kernel (e.g., SwitchDev, eBPF) to user space (e.g., DPDK).
• Fluency in C/C++ and proficiency in at least one of Rust, Python, or Golang.
• Professional-level written and spoken English.
• Hands-on Linux experience and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Passion, curiosity, flexibility, accountability, and result-oriented mindset.
• Ability to travel internationally twice yearly.

Additional strengths include familiarity with SONiC/SAI, OVN/Open vSwitch, RDMA/RoCE, NVMe, SR-IOV, computer architectures (x86, ARM, RISC-V), virtualization (QEMU/KVM), open source contributions, performance engineering, and security.

Why These Skills Matter

At Canonical, networking innovation hinges on bridging ASICs with open source software. Your expertise will directly impact Ubuntu's dominance in data centers, private clouds, MAAS, and Kubernetes deployments across diverse hardware.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers a premium compensation package tailored to location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews to reward excellence. Key benefits include:

• Fully remote work from home in the Americas timezone.
• Competitive salary estimated at $140,000-$180,000 USD, with performance-based adjustments.
• Global collaboration with top talent and partners like networking silicon vendors and hyperscalers.
• Opportunities to upstream contributions to high-impact projects.
• Comprehensive support for professional growth, including conferences and community engagement.
• Twice-yearly company summits for networking and inspiration.

Our remote-first culture emphasizes work-life balance, trust, and autonomy, backed by robust tools for distributed teams.

Career Growth

Canonical invests in your long-term success. High performers advance quickly into leadership roles shaping Ubuntu's networking roadmap. You'll engage with broader ecosystems, from IoT to edge computing, gaining exposure to emerging tech like P4, OpenFlow, and serverless networking. Our rigorous interview process (6-8 sessions over months) ensures you're set up for impact, with mentorship from networking experts. Contribute to thriving communities around Ubuntu Core, Private Clouds, and Kubernetes, building a legacy in open source.

Why Join Canonical

Be part of the team delivering Ubuntu to the world's most demanding environments. Canonical's remote-first model, commitment to open source, and focus on quality, security, resilience, and performance create an unparalleled environment for networking engineers. Influence technologies used by millions, collaborate globally, and drive real-world innovation. If you're passionate about open source networking and ready to excel, Canonical is your platform for transformative impact.

Role FAQs

What is the location and work setup?

Home-based in the Americas timezone, fully remote with occasional travel for company events.

What experience level is required?

Senior-level expertise in Linux networking; exceptional juniors with strong contributions considered.

Is open source contribution mandatory?

Highly valued; upstream experience accelerates success.

How does compensation work?

Based on experience, location, and performance; reviewed annually with upside for top performers.

What makes this role unique?

Directly shaping Ubuntu's data center networking stack with hardware partners and open source leaders.