About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world's leading open source operating system powering enterprise cloud, AI, data science, and IoT innovations. As a founder-led, profitable, and rapidly growing organization, Canonical collaborates with top silicon providers like Intel, AMD, Nvidia, MediaTek, HiSilicon, and Samsung, alongside OEMs and ODMs such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, Advantech, and ADLINK. With over 1200 colleagues across 75+ countries, Canonical champions a remote-first culture, supplemented by biannual in-person sprints in exciting global locations. Our OEM Delivery Team ensures Ubuntu Classic and Ubuntu Core deliver seamless experiences on cutting-edge hardware for robotics, automotive, SmartNICs, medical devices, and industrial gateways.

Role Overview

The Senior Ubuntu Embedded IoT System Engineer role at Canonical's Taipei office is pivotal in representing the company with leading OEMs, ODMs, and silicon partners. This office-based position in Taipei, Taiwan, focuses on optimizing Ubuntu for embedded IoT systems, enabling millions of users to experience flawless performance on partner hardware. You'll leverage deep Linux expertise to drive platform bring-ups, debug complex issues, and innovate at the intersection of software and hardware. Ideal for engineers passionate about open source, this role offers exposure to breakthrough technologies in a fast-paced, globally distributed environment.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll deliver high-impact engineering services to ensure Ubuntu excels on next-generation devices:

• Provide software and system engineering support for tier-one OEM and ODM customers.
• Collaborate closely on platform bring-up with silicon and hardware partners.
• Partner with project managers, Field, and QA engineers to identify, triage, and resolve critical problems.
• Engage with upstream projects to source and apply patches for bugs.
• Perform root cause analysis, documenting reproduction steps and results.
• Bridge communication between Ubuntu, firmware, and hardware engineering teams.
• Undertake occasional international travel to EU, USA, Taiwan, and China.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks exceptional talent with a proven track record in embedded systems:

Required Skills

• Bachelor's or higher degree in STEM, preferably Computer Science or Electrical Engineering, with an outstanding academic history.
• Professional-level written and spoken English, including strong presentation abilities.
• Proficiency in C, Python, and Bash.
• Deep knowledge of Linux boot processes, kernel, and system-level architecture.
• Hands-on experience with bootloader development like U-Boot.
• Software development on ARM or non-x86 platforms.
• Advanced Linux debugging and problem-resolution skills.
• Proven productivity in global distributed teams and rapid learning for cutting-edge tech.
• Availability for biannual international travel up to two weeks.

Nice-to-Have Expertise

• System firmware experience (U-Boot, UEFI, ACPI, DSDT, bootloaders).
• Power management debugging (PCI ASPM, SATA ALPM).
• Board design, bring-up, and validation.
• Electrical engineering tools for schematics and layout.
• Architecture knowledge of x86, ARM, RISC-V.
• Ubuntu development model familiarity.
• Advanced Shell/Python scripting.
• Mandarin Chinese fluency.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers a rewarding package tailored to performance and location:

• Competitive salary with annual reviews and performance-driven bonuses.
• Distributed work model with two yearly in-person team sprints in global destinations.
• Comprehensive personal learning and development opportunities.
• Balanced benefits reflecting local needs and global fairness.
• Office in vibrant Taipei, fostering collaboration with Asia-Pacific partners.
• Exposure to world-class projects with industry leaders.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is merit-based in a growing company. Excel in this role to advance into leadership in Ubuntu engineering, OEM partnerships, or IoT innovation. Annual compensation reviews, skill-building resources, and global mobility ensure your growth aligns with Canonical's expansion in open source leadership.

Why Join Canonical

Join a pioneer in open source with Ubuntu at its core, impacting millions through enterprise-grade solutions. Work on pioneering embedded IoT with top-tier partners, in a culture valuing innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance. Taipei's office positions you at the heart of Asia's tech ecosystem, blending local impact with worldwide reach. Be part of a profitable, distributed team driving the future of Linux in robotics, automotive, and beyond.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role remote? No, it's office-based in Taipei, Taiwan, with occasional travel.

Q: What experience level is required? Senior level with deep embedded Linux expertise.

Q: Does Canonical sponsor visas? Sponsorship may be available for qualified candidates; check the application.

Q: How does compensation work? Based on experience, location, and performance, with annual adjustments.

Q: What's the team structure? Globally distributed, with in-person alignments twice yearly.