About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world's leading open source operating system powering enterprise innovation across public clouds, data science, AI, engineering, and IoT. As a pioneer in global distributed collaboration, Canonical employs over 1200 colleagues across 75+ countries with minimal office-based roles. Teams align through in-person meetings 2-4 times yearly in inspiring global locations. Founder-led and profitable, Canonical grows rapidly while serving top public cloud providers, silicon leaders, and industry giants.

Role Overview

This Software Engineer - Cloud Images role at Canonical focuses on Linux, cloud infrastructure, pipelines, automation, and open source software. You'll collaborate closely with Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and other premier cloud partners to position Ubuntu as the premier cloud platform. Responsibilities span build system development using Python, Jenkins, and shell scripting; implementing cloud features in Ubuntu Server; managing continuous delivery pipelines; and engaging directly with partners. Automate delivery of Ubuntu products for modern workloads including web servers, GPU-accelerated AI, VMs, containers, and cloud-native services. This remote position in the Americas offers a rewarding career blending software development with infrastructure expertise in a fully distributed environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Build automated, highly reliable image delivery, testing, and publication pipelines for Ubuntu cloud images.
• Design, build, and integrate new features and enhancements into Ubuntu supporting public cloud users.
• Collaborate proactively with a distributed global engineering team.
• Write high-quality code to create new features and enhancements.
• Design and architect complex systems and cloud integrations.
• Debug issues and deliver robust fixes.
• Review code from peers and contribute to design discussions.
• Work remotely with 2-4 weeks annual global travel for events.
• Engage with Canonical teams, open source community, and commercial partners.

Qualifications & Requirements

Essential Skills

Canonical seeks passionate technologists who thrive with brilliant minds. Ideal candidates are curious, flexible, articulate, accountable, and self-motivated, valuing soft skills alongside technical prowess.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, STEM, or related field.
• Practical hands-on experience with public clouds like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
• Proficiency in Python software development on Linux environments.
• Experience in at least three areas: containers (Docker, Kubernetes), DevOps automation, open source projects, APIs, Linux systems administration, Python packaging, or cloud-based applications.

Preferred Traits

Strong interest in open source, automation, and cloud technologies. Comfort working in a remote-first culture with global collaboration tools.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical tailors compensation based on location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews and performance-driven bonuses. Enjoy a distributed work environment emphasizing work-life balance and global fairness.

• 100% remote work from home in the Americas timezone.
• Exciting global travel opportunities 2-4 weeks per year.
• Competitive base salary with annual bonus potential.
• Comprehensive benefits reflecting Canonical's values.
• Access to cutting-edge projects with top cloud providers.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is merit-based in a growing, profitable company. Engineers advance through impactful contributions to Ubuntu and cloud ecosystems. Regular feedback, skill development, and exposure to world-class partners foster rapid growth. From individual contributor to leadership, paths abound in engineering, open source, and product innovation. Annual compensation adjustments recognize outstanding performance, especially for high performers.

Why Join Canonical

Join a remote-first leader shaping open source future. Work on Ubuntu, downloaded billions of times, trusted by enterprises worldwide. Collaborate with elite engineers across continents, contribute to meaningful projects driving AI, cloud, and IoT revolutions. Canonical's culture prioritizes autonomy, innovation, and impact without corporate bureaucracy. Build a premium career with stability, growth, and global adventure in the heart of open source excellence.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, fully home-based in the Americas with occasional travel.

What technologies will I use?

Python, Jenkins, shell scripting, Linux, cloud platforms, containers, and automation tools.

Do I need cloud certification?

Practical experience matters more than certifications.

How is the team structured?

Distributed global team with regular virtual and in-person syncs.

What salary can I expect?

Competitive for Americas, based on experience; annual reviews and bonuses apply.