About Canonical

Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems, powering global enterprise and technology markets with its flagship platform, Ubuntu. Ubuntu is at the forefront of breakthrough initiatives in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include the world's top public cloud and silicon providers, as well as industry leaders across multiple sectors. As a pioneer in global distributed collaboration, Canonical employs over 1200 colleagues across 75+ countries, with very few office-based roles. Teams align on strategy and execution through in-person meetings two to four times a year in exciting global locations. Founder-led, profitable, and growing, Canonical embodies a remote-first culture that fosters innovation and excellence in open source development.

Role Overview

The Senior Software Engineer - MAAS role at Canonical is a pivotal position within the MAAS team, responsible for delivering Metal As A Service (MAAS), our hyperscale provisioning technology. MAAS empowers Ubuntu to be the most scalable, cloud-ready server distribution. This rapidly evolving software stack, built in Python and Go, demands engineers with expertise in performance at scale, networking, storage, and usability. Based remotely in the Americas, this full-time position offers the chance to demonstrate technical leadership in a globally distributed team passionate about Ubuntu's future. International travel several times a year is required to collaborate face-to-face.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will drive the evolution of MAAS to become the premier bare metal cloud system. Key responsibilities include developing core components and features, shaping the architecture for simplicity, speed, and ease of use, and collaborating with other teams to ensure seamless integration and on-time releases. You will enhance our continuous integration environment, tests, and practices for rapid feedback and robust coverage. Additionally, contribute world-class documentation for data center operators, provide technical communication across teams, take ownership of problems to deliver solutions, and travel internationally up to four times a year for team events.

Technical Contributions

Focus on making MAAS faster and more reliable through optimized code in Python and Go, while ensuring it integrates perfectly with Ubuntu's ecosystem, including Juju, LXD, and Ubuntu Server.

Qualifications & Requirements

We seek candidates passionate about open source software, Linux, and data center automation. A solid track record in professional software development with Python and Go is essential, alongside excellent logic, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills. Strong English communication—both written and verbal—is required. Experience with Linux server technologies like KVM virtualization and LXC containers, network protocols (PXE, DHCP, TFTP, DNS, NTP), Baseboard Management Controllers (Redfish, IPMI, AMT), and strong knowledge of networking, storage, and cloud infrastructure are key. Ideally, bring experience in large-scale physical server provisioning, automation, rapid deployment, and service orchestration. Familiarity with Ubuntu development tools like Launchpad, Debian packaging (APT, dpkg), and snapcraft is a plus. A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, STEM, or similar, with an exceptional academic record from high school and university, is required. Willingness to travel up to four times yearly is mandatory.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers competitive, performance-based compensation tailored to geographical location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews and potential bonuses. Beyond base pay, enjoy a distributed work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints, a personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year, recognition rewards, annual holiday leave, maternity and paternity leave, a Team Member Assistance Program, and wellness platform. Benefit from Priority Pass and opportunities to travel to new locations to meet colleagues, all while thriving in our remote-first culture.

Global Fairness

Our benefits programs balance local needs with global fairness, ensuring every team member feels valued and supported.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by performance and impact. Annual compensation reviews, learning budgets, and exposure to cutting-edge projects in open source and Ubuntu development provide ample opportunities for advancement. Work alongside world-class engineers on scalable infrastructure that powers enterprise clouds and AI innovations. Our founder-led structure ensures stability and growth, with clear paths for technical leadership in a collaborative, distributed environment.

Why Join Canonical

Joining Canonical means contributing to Ubuntu, the world's most widely used open source platform for servers and clouds. Be part of a profitable, growing company that pioneers remote work and global collaboration. Shape the future of bare metal provisioning with MAAS, influence open source ecosystems, and enjoy a premium work-life balance with travel, learning, and wellness perks. Canonical's commitment to open source excellence attracts top talent passionate about Linux and innovation—your expertise will make a tangible impact on millions of users worldwide.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role fully remote? Yes, it's home-based in the Americas with occasional international travel.

Q: What programming languages are used? Primarily Python and Go for back-end development.

Q: Are there opportunities for professional development? Absolutely, with a USD 2,000 annual learning budget and exposure to advanced projects.

Q: How often is travel required? Up to four times a year for team sprints and collaboration.

Q: What makes Canonical unique? Our remote-first, open source focus on Ubuntu, combined with a profitable, founder-led model and global impact.