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 minimal office-based roles. Teams connect through two to four in-person sprints annually in exciting global locations to align on strategy and execution. Founder-led and profitable, 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 - L3 Support role at Canonical is a dynamic engineering position focused on Linux-based infrastructure and applications. Spanning bare metal, KVM virtualization, Docker/LXC/LXD containerization, Ceph storage, OVS/OVN networking, OpenStack, Kubernetes, and open source apps, this position challenges engineers to demonstrate broad expertise across the stack. Ideal for Linux and open source enthusiasts, you'll troubleshoot critical issues, develop upstream bug fixes, and contribute to Ubuntu's reliability for millions of users. This remote, worldwide role offers a career-building opportunity in a high-impact team essential to Canonical's customers, partners, and Ubuntu ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll dive into complex customer challenges across Ubuntu, the Linux kernel, Ceph, OpenStack, Kubernetes, and related open source technologies. Responsibilities include resolving intricate problems with workarounds and fixes, fostering relationships with Canonical's Field, Support, and product teams, and actively participating in upstream communities. You'll develop and backport patches for upstream inclusion, review peer code, exercise sound technical judgment, prioritize effectively, and contribute to process improvements. Clear communication is key, alongside up to 10% international travel for team meetings, events, and conferences in a fully remote setup with global time zone coverage.

Detailed Duties

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues in kernel, userspace, storage, networking, and cloud platforms
• Collaborate on bug fixes released in Ubuntu and upstream projects
• Enhance documentation, tools, and team workflows

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks exceptional talent with a strong academic background in Computer Science, STEM, or equivalent. Essential experience includes Linux and open source software, proficiency in at least one of Python, Go, C, or C++ on Linux, and a passion for deep technical dives into unfamiliar technologies. You must thrive in remote environments, manage time against priorities, and travel up to four times yearly for internal events. Nice-to-haves include expertise in Ubuntu kernel/userspace, Kubernetes, OpenStack, Ceph, QEMU/KVM, LXC/LXD, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Debian packaging, or distributed systems, plus soft skills like curiosity, flexibility, and accountability.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers competitive, location-adjusted compensation with annual reviews and performance bonuses. All colleagues enjoy a distributed work model, USD 2,000 annual learning budget, recognition rewards, and global fairness in benefits. Remote-first culture emphasizes work-life balance, professional growth, and collaboration in a supportive, innovative environment tailored to local needs.

Standout Perks

• Twice-yearly in-person sprints in global destinations
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and family support programs
• Equity opportunities in a growing enterprise

Career Growth

At Canonical, engineers advance through impactful contributions to Ubuntu and open source. L3 Support roles build expertise across the stack, positioning you for leadership in engineering, product, or customer-facing teams. With regular reviews, learning stipends, and exposure to world-class projects, you'll grow alongside brilliant minds. The company's rapid expansion offers paths to senior roles, management, and specialization in cloud-native technologies, all within a merit-based, remote-friendly structure.

Why Join Canonical

Join a profitable, founder-led leader in open source where your work on Ubuntu influences global enterprises. Enjoy remote flexibility across time zones, collaboration with top talent, and direct impact on technologies used by millions. Canonical's commitment to upstream innovation, customer success, and employee development makes it an ideal home for passionate Linux engineers seeking purpose, challenge, and premium rewards in a truly global company.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role fully remote? Yes, it's home-based worldwide with teams in all time zones and occasional travel.

Q: What technologies will I work with? Ubuntu, Linux kernel, Kubernetes, OpenStack, Ceph, KVM, LXD, and more across the open source stack.

Q: Do I need prior L3 support experience? Strong Linux/open source background and troubleshooting skills are key; specific experience is a plus.

Q: How does Canonical support professional development? Through USD 2,000 learning budgets, annual reviews, conferences, and internal growth opportunities.

Q: What's the team structure? Distributed global teams with in-person sprints for alignment and bonding.