About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world's leading open source operating system powering enterprise cloud, AI, data science, IoT, and engineering innovation. As a pioneer in global distributed collaboration, Canonical employs over 1200 colleagues across 75+ countries with a fully remote-first culture established since 2004. The founder-led, profitable company serves top public cloud providers, silicon manufacturers, and industry leaders worldwide. Teams align through strategic in-person sprints 2-4 times yearly in exciting global locations, fostering innovation in open source software defined datacenters.

Role Overview

Canonical seeks a skilled Software Engineer specializing in Ceph & Distributed Storage within its Cloud Engineering team. This remote role, based in the Americas, focuses on building modeling software for systems like OpenStack, Ceph, and Kubernetes, with emphasis on scalable distributed storage solutions. You'll engineer production-ready tools, collaborate with field teams, and ensure cutting-edge technology meets enterprise customer needs. Ideal for passionate engineers excited by the future of software-defined infrastructure, open source ecosystems, and large-scale organizational demands. The position involves international travel up to 4 times yearly for one-week internal events.

Key Responsibilities

In this dynamic role, your contributions will drive Canonical's leadership in distributed storage:

• Write high-quality, rigorously designed software in Python and Golang to model and manage Ceph clusters.
• Proactively collaborate with a globally distributed team of brilliant engineers.
• Debug complex issues in production environments and deliver robust fixes.
• Author technical documentation defining best practices for high-quality operators.
• Discuss ideas, iterate on solutions, and develop software for Ceph storage delivery, operations, and lifecycle management.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical looks for engineers who thrive in open source and distributed environments:

• Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in Computer Science, STEM, or related field, with an exceptional academic track record.
• Proven experience writing modern, maintainable Python code.
• Hands-on experience with Ceph storage systems.
• Interest and experience in two or more: Linux, Kubernetes, Public Cloud, OpenStack, LXC/LXD, Python, Go, Debian packaging.
• Curious, flexible, articulate, accountable, passionate, enterprising, thoughtful, and self-motivated with strong soft skills.
• Willingness to travel internationally up to 4 times per year.

Nice-to-have skills include operating Ceph clusters in production and experience with open source distributed storage like Gluster, Minio, or Mayastor.

Benefits & Perks

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

• Fully distributed remote work environment with biannual in-person team sprints since 2004.
• USD 2,000 annual personal learning and development budget.
• Performance-driven annual bonus and recognition rewards.
• Generous annual holiday leave, maternity, and parental benefits.
• Global fairness in programs balancing local needs.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by performance and contribution. Engineers advance through impactful open source work on Ubuntu and cloud technologies. Regular reviews, learning budgets, and exposure to global projects accelerate growth. Join a meritocratic culture where outstanding performers are recognized swiftly, with opportunities in leadership, specialization, or broader engineering challenges across AI, cloud, and IoT.

Why Join Canonical

Work on Ubuntu, the backbone of modern enterprise tech, with a remote-first team shaping open source's future. Canonical's profitable growth, founder leadership, and customer roster—including world's top cloud and silicon providers—offer unparalleled stability and impact. Thrive among passionate engineers in a collaborative, innovative environment valuing technology, people, and open source excellence. This Ceph & Distributed Storage role positions you at the forefront of scalable storage solutions for the software-defined datacenter era.

Role FAQs

What is the work location?

Fully remote, home-based in the Americas region.

Is travel required?

Yes, up to 4 international trips per year, typically one week each for team alignment.

What programming languages are used?

Primarily Python and Golang, with focus on Ceph, Kubernetes, and OpenStack integration.

Are there opportunities for open source contribution?

Absolutely—Canonical engineers actively contribute to upstream projects like Ubuntu and Ceph.

How is compensation structured?

Base pay plus performance bonus, reviewed annually, competitive for tech sector in Americas.