About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world's leading open source operating system powering enterprise innovation in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering, and IoT. As a pioneer in global distributed collaboration, Canonical employs over 1200 colleagues across 75+ countries with very few office-based roles. Teams connect through two to four in-person meetings yearly in exciting global locations to align on strategy and execution. Founder-led, profitable, and growing, Canonical serves top public cloud providers, silicon leaders, and industry giants, driving open source success for customers and communities worldwide.

Role Overview

The Software Engineer, Cloud - Sustaining Engineering position at Canonical is a fast-paced role focused on Linux-based software-defined infrastructure and applications. Spanning the full stack from bare metal and virtualization (KVM) to containerization (Docker, LXC/LXD), storage (Ceph, Linux filesystems), networking (OVS, OVN), and orchestration platforms like OpenStack and Kubernetes, this role addresses critical issues in technologies used by millions. Engineers work remotely worldwide, troubleshooting complex problems, developing upstream fixes, and ensuring Ubuntu's reliability for enterprise customers, partners, and the broader open source ecosystem.

This globally remote position offers technologists passionate about Linux and open source a chance to build a impactful career, collaborating with industry-leading talent while driving resolutions through workarounds, guidance, and patches released upstream and in Ubuntu.

Key Responsibilities

Problem Resolution and Troubleshooting

Resolve complex customer issues related to Ubuntu, OpenStack, Kubernetes, and other open source software. Use tools like gdb for deep troubleshooting across the stack above the kernel, in languages including Python, Go, C, and C++.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

Maintain close relationships with Canonical's field, support, and product engineering teams. Actively participate in upstream communities, developing fixes, backporting patches, and working for their inclusion.

Code Quality and Process Improvement

Review code from fellow engineers, demonstrate sound technical judgment, prioritize tasks effectively, and contribute to team discussions on enhancing processes, tools, and documentation. Maintain clear, concise technical communications.

Travel and Remote Work

Work from home globally, with up to 10% international travel for team meetings, events, and conferences—typically 2-4 times yearly.

Qualifications & Requirements

Essential Skills

Canonical seeks software engineers with professional experience, a Computer Science, STEM, or similar background, and strong expertise in Linux, OpenStack, Kubernetes, or cloud technologies. Required development proficiency includes Python, Go, C, C++ on Linux, plus gdb troubleshooting and git familiarity. An exceptional academic record from high school and university is essential, along with willingness to travel up to four times annually for internal events.

Nice-to-Have Expertise

Ideal candidates love technology, exhibit curiosity, flexibility, and accountability, and have experience with Ubuntu kernel/userspace, Ceph, QEMU/KVM, LXC/LXD, Postgresql, Mongo, Debian packaging, or distributed systems. Passion for open source, strong soft skills, and self-motivation set top performers apart.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical shapes compensation based on location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews (more frequent for graduates/associates) and performance-driven bonuses. Beyond competitive base pay, enjoy a distributed remote-first environment since 2004, twice-yearly in-person sprints, and a USD 2,000 yearly personal learning budget. Global benefits balance local needs with fairness, supporting professional growth in a values-driven culture.

Career Growth

At Canonical, engineers advance through impactful contributions to Ubuntu and open source. Sustaining Engineering roles build expertise across the stack, fostering upstream influence and customer success. With regular performance recognition, learning budgets, and exposure to global teams, colleagues develop into leaders shaping enterprise Linux innovation. The company's growth trajectory offers abundant opportunities for technologists committed to open source excellence.

Why Join Canonical

Join a remote-first pioneer delivering Ubuntu to breakthrough initiatives worldwide. Work with brilliant minds on technologies powering public clouds and AI, in a profitable, founder-led company prioritizing open source. Enjoy flexibility, global collaboration, career acceleration, and the satisfaction of fixing issues for millions— all from home, with exciting travel perks.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, it's globally remote with up to 10% travel for team events.

What technologies will I work with?

Ubuntu, OpenStack, Kubernetes, KVM, LXC/LXD, Ceph, OVS/OVN, Python, Go, C/C++, and more across the open source stack.

What experience is required?

Strong Linux/cloud background, development in Python/Go/C/C++, troubleshooting skills, and open source affinity.

How does Canonical support learning?

USD 2,000 annual personal development budget, plus performance bonuses and annual reviews.

What's the team structure?

Distributed across 75+ countries, with in-person sprints 2-4 times yearly for alignment.