About Canonical

Canonical is the leading provider of open source software and operating systems, powering global enterprise and technology markets with Ubuntu, the world's most popular Linux distribution for developers and enterprises. Ubuntu drives breakthrough 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. As a pioneer in global distributed collaboration, Canonical employs over 1200 colleagues in 75+ countries, with minimal office-based roles. Teams connect in person 2-4 times yearly in inspiring global locations to align on strategy and execution. Founder-led, profitable, and rapidly growing, Canonical offers a dynamic environment for Python engineers passionate about open source.

Role Overview

This Python Engineer position at Canonical is a general track role spanning every team using Python, from junior to senior levels. If you're an outstanding Python developer, this is your chance to contribute to Ubuntu's ecosystem. Canonical's web services, system utilities, and tools are built in Python, prioritizing collaboration with ecosystems and communities over raw performance. Own products running on servers, Kubernetes, desktops, or as web services for Ubuntu clients—utilities, frameworks, tools, or production processes. Engage with the open-source community, build thriving ecosystems, and ensure scalable software operations. Fully remote in every time zone, with biannual travel for company events.

Key Responsibilities

• Write high-quality, well-designed, and thoroughly tested Python software that stands up to real-world demands.
• Proactively collaborate with a globally distributed team of engineers.
• Demonstrate technical leadership at Canonical and in open-source communities.
• Debug complex issues and deliver production-ready fixes.
• Author exemplary technical documentation to set industry standards.
• Work from home, with global travel twice yearly for up to two weeks per event.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks exceptional talent with:

• An outstanding academic record from high school and university.
• An undergraduate degree in Computer Science, STEM, or a compelling alternative path narrative.
• Proven drive exceeding expectations, with self-starting organization and deadline delivery.
• Professional demeanor in interactions with colleagues, partners, and communities.
• Hands-on experience crafting thoroughly designed, modern, maintainable Python code.
• Conscientious detail-orientation focused on performance.
• Fluent professional written and spoken English.
• Experience with Linux, preferably Debian or Ubuntu.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability.
• Passion, thoughtfulness, self-motivation, superior communication, and result-driven commitment.
• Willingness to travel twice yearly for company events.

Additional Skills That Stand Out

Bonus expertise includes container technologies like LXD, Docker, Kubernetes; build systems and toolchains; languages such as Golang, Rust, C/C++; deep testing; web/Flutter front-ends; REST/gRPC APIs; SQL/NoSQL; public clouds/OpenStack; Debian/Ubuntu packaging; systems programming; scalable web services; performance and security engineering.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical shapes compensation based on location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews (more frequent for graduates/associates). Enjoy fully remote work worldwide, biannual global travel to vibrant locations, collaboration in a founder-led profitable company, and contributions to iconic open-source projects like Ubuntu. Access cutting-edge technologies in cloud, AI, and IoT, with a remote-first culture emphasizing work-life balance and professional growth.

Career Growth

At Canonical, Python Engineers advance through technical leadership, community impact, and ownership of high-scale products. With roles across Ubuntu's spectrum, you'll tackle diverse challenges, from server utilities to Kubernetes frameworks. Regular performance recognition, global networking, and skill expansion in emerging tech ensure rapid career progression in a growing, innovative company.

Why Join Canonical

Join a remote-first pioneer shaping open source's future. Work on Ubuntu, the developer-favorite enterprise Linux, alongside global talent. Contribute to products used by cloud giants and innovators. Benefit from a supportive, high-performance culture valuing quality code, documentation, testing, and community. In a profitable, expanding organization, your Python expertise will drive real impact in public cloud, AI, data science, and beyond.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role fully remote? Yes, home-based worldwide in every time zone.

Q: What travel is required? Two company events yearly, up to two weeks each, in exciting global locations.

Q: What level of experience is needed? All seniority levels for Python teams; apply if you're already outstanding.

Q: Do I need a degree? Undergraduate in CS/STEM preferred, or compelling alternative narrative.

Q: What's the tech stack? Python-focused, with Linux/Ubuntu, containers, APIs, clouds, and more.

Q: How is compensation determined? Based on location, experience, performance; reviewed annually.