About Canonical

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux, is a global leader in open source software, powering enterprise initiatives in public cloud, AI, data science, engineering innovation, and IoT. With over 1200 colleagues across 75+ countries, Canonical pioneers distributed collaboration and remote-first work culture. Teams connect through biannual in-person sprints in exciting global locations, fostering strategy alignment and execution. Founder-led and profitable, Canonical partners with silicon giants like Intel, AMD, Nvidia, MediaTek, HiSilicon, and Samsung, alongside OEMs such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, Advantech, and ADLink to deliver optimized Ubuntu experiences.

Role Overview

As a Senior Ubuntu Embedded IoT System Engineer at Canonical, you'll represent the company with leading OEMs, ODMs, and silicon partners to ensure Ubuntu delivers exceptional performance on hardware for robotics, automotive, SmartNICs, medical devices, industrial gateways, and beyond. This home-based role in EMEA offers the chance to shape Ubuntu for millions of users, working on cutting-edge technologies in a fast-paced, globally distributed environment. Leverage your Linux and hardware expertise to enable platform bring-ups, debug complex issues, and drive innovation in embedded IoT systems.

Key Responsibilities

Your impact will span technical delivery and cross-team collaboration:

• Deliver software and system engineering services to tier-one OEM and ODM customers pre-loading Ubuntu Classic and Core.
• Collaborate closely on platform bring-up with world-class partners.
• Partner with project managers, Field, and QA engineers to identify, triage, and resolve critical problems.
• Engage 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.
• Travel internationally occasionally to EU, USA, Taiwan, and China for key engagements.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required Skills

To excel, bring:

• Bachelor's or higher in STEM, ideally Computer Science or Electrical Engineering, with exceptional academic performance.
• Professional English communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in C, Python, and Bash scripting.
• Deep knowledge of Linux boot process, kernel, and system-level architecture.
• Hands-on experience with bootloader development like u-boot.
• Software development on ARM or non-x86 platforms.
• Strong Linux debugging and problem-resolution abilities.
• Proven productivity in global distributed teams, quick learning for emerging tech, and willingness for biannual international travel up to two weeks.

Nice-to-Have Expertise

Stand out with:

• 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.
• Familiarity with Ubuntu development model and advanced shell/Python scripting.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers competitive, performance-based compensation tailored to location, experience, and impact, with annual reviews and bonuses. Enjoy:

• Fully distributed work with two yearly team sprints worldwide.
• USD 2,000 personal learning and development budget annually.
• Performance-driven bonuses or commissions.
• Recognition rewards for outstanding contributions.
• Generous annual holiday leave, maternity, and paternity leave.
• Global fairness in benefits, balanced for local needs.

Career Growth

Thrive in Canonical's meritocratic culture where exceptional performance drives advancement. Regular compensation reviews, learning budgets, and exposure to cutting-edge projects with top partners accelerate your trajectory. Contribute to open source innovation, gain visibility across global teams, and shape Ubuntu's future in embedded IoT.

Why Join Canonical

Be part of the open source revolution at Canonical, where Ubuntu powers breakthrough technologies. Work remotely in EMEA with ultimate flexibility, collaborate with elite engineers worldwide, and influence products reaching millions. Canonical's remote-first ethos, profitability, and growth provide stability and opportunity in a premium tech environment focused on excellence and innovation.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role fully remote? Yes, home-based in EMEA with occasional travel.

Q: What platforms will I work on? Primarily ARM/non-x86 for IoT, robotics, automotive, and more.

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

Q: Are there learning opportunities? Absolutely—USD 2,000 annual budget plus exposure to leading tech.

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