About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world's leading open source operating system powering enterprise initiatives in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering, and IoT. As a pioneer in global distributed collaboration, Canonical employs over 1000 colleagues across 70+ countries with very few office-based roles. Teams align on strategy through in-person meetings 2-4 times yearly in inspiring global locations. Founder-led and profitable, Canonical serves top public cloud providers, silicon leaders, and Fortune 500 companies while making core work freely available to individuals worldwide.

Role Overview

Canonical seeks Python and Kubernetes Specialist Engineers to build open source solutions for data, workflows, AI/ML, and analytics on public cloud and private infrastructure. Collaborate on end-to-end MLOps with tools like Kubeflow, MLFlow, DVC, and Feast. Contribute to ETL, data governance, visualization via Apache Superset and dbt, orchestration with Airflow and Temporal, and data warehouses like Apache Trino or ClickHouse. Deploy on servers, Kubernetes, developer desktops, or as web services, serving both enterprises and open source communities.

Worldwide Remote Opportunity

This home-based role spans multiple timezone-aligned teams, ensuring collaborative work hours with colleagues and managers. Embrace Canonical's remote-first culture while enjoying the benefits of a global, diverse organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Deepen expertise in the full Linux stack, including kernel, networking, storage, and applications.
• Design, build, and maintain deployable solutions for public/private clouds and local workstations.
• Master distributed systems principles such as observability, identity, and tracing.
• Engineer with Kubernetes and machine-oriented open source applications.
• Proactively collaborate with distributed engineers, designers, and product managers.
• Debug complex issues and engage publicly with upstream and Ubuntu communities.
• Ideate, discuss, and co-create optimal solutions.

Qualifications & Requirements

Essential:

• Proven Python software delivery in professional or academic settings.
• Outstanding academic record from high school and university.
• Technical undergraduate degree or compelling alternative path narrative.
• Confident communication, feedback exchange, and idea-sharing.
• History of exceeding expectations for superior results.
• Technology passion shown through personal projects.
• Strong work ethic to excel among high performers.
• Fluent professional English with top presentation skills.
• Linux proficiency, preferably Debian or Ubuntu.
• Interpersonal excellence, curiosity, flexibility, accountability.
• Appreciation for diversity in multicultural settings.
• Self-motivated, result-driven with commitment focus.
• Willingness to travel twice yearly for up to two-week events.

Desirable:

• Automated ML solutions, data pipelines, cloud workflow orchestration.
• Hands-on ML libraries/tools experience.
• Container tech (Docker, LXD, Kubernetes).
• Public cloud (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
• Cloud computing knowledge.
• Software quality and testing passion.
• Open source project contributions.

Benefits & Perks

• 100% remote work from anywhere worldwide with timezone-matched teams.
• Global collaboration in a profitable, growing enterprise.
• Exciting in-person summits 2-4 times yearly.
• Open source impact reaching millions, including free Pro access for individuals.
• Diverse, inclusive culture valuing politeness and effectiveness.
• Opportunities to shape Ubuntu and enterprise open source.

Career Growth

Thrive in Canonical's merit-based environment where self-starters shine. Advance through technical depth in Linux, Kubernetes, AI/ML, and data ecosystems. Contribute to upstream projects, influence global strategy, and grow with a scaling company. Continuous learning via distributed teams, community engagement, and world-class tools positions you for senior engineering and leadership roles.

Why Join Canonical

Be part of the Ubuntu revolution driving AI, cloud, and data innovation. Work on meaningful open source that benefits enterprises and individuals alike. Enjoy remote flexibility, global travel perks, and a supportive culture in a founder-led success story. Canonical's commitment to open source accessibility sets it apart in tech.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role fully remote? Yes, home-based worldwide with timezone-aligned teams for collaboration.

Q: What tools will I work with? Kubeflow, MLFlow, Airflow, Superset, Trino, Kubernetes, and more open source leaders.

Q: Do I need ML experience? Python and Linux are core; ML, cloud, containers are advantageous.

Q: How often is travel required? Twice yearly for up to two weeks of company events.

Q: What's the company culture like? Remote-first, diverse, collaborative, with emphasis on results and open communication.