About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering technology company at the forefront of the global shift to open source software. As the publisher of Ubuntu, one of the most influential open-source projects worldwide, Canonical powers critical infrastructure in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include the world's leading public cloud providers, silicon manufacturers, and industry leaders across sectors. Founded in 2004, Canonical has been remote-first from day one, with over 1200 colleagues collaborating across 75+ countries. The company is founder-led, profitable, and experiencing steady growth. Teams align on strategy through in-person meetings two to four times a year in exciting global locations, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and distributed collaboration.

Role Overview

Canonical is seeking a talented Software Engineer to join our OpenStack Engineering team. This role focuses on building Charmed OpenStack and Ceph, a suite of open-source Python-based charms for deploying and managing OpenStack and Ceph clouds. Your contributions will enable cloud platform technologies across diverse environments, from desktops to bare metal servers. Ideal for Python developers passionate about infrastructure as code, software-defined datacenters, distributed systems, and open source. This is a fully remote position based in the Americas, with international travel several times a year for one-week events to collaborate with global teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate proactively with a distributed team of engineers worldwide.
• Write high-quality code to develop new features for Charmed OpenStack and Ceph.
• Debug complex issues and deliver robust fixes.
• Review and provide feedback on code from fellow engineers.
• Discuss ideas, collaborate on solutions, and ensure architectural alignment.
• Drive the success of OpenStack and Ceph across multiple architectures, including non-x86 platforms.
• Work from home with 2-4 weeks of global travel annually for internal and external events.

Qualifications & Requirements

To thrive in this role, you should embody Canonical's values of curiosity, flexibility, accountability, and passion for technology. Key qualifications include:

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, STEM, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with Python programming.
• Interest and experience in two or more of: Ubuntu Linux (kernel or userspace), Kubernetes, OpenStack, Ceph, AI/ML, QEMU/KVM, LXC/LXD, Python, Go, C, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Debian packaging, or scalable web services.
• Experience with non-x86 architectures such as s390, arm64, POWER, and others.
• Practical knowledge of OpenStack, OVN, OpenvSwitch, and related cloud technologies.
• Strong soft skills: articulate, self-motivated, enterprising, and thoughtful.
• Comfort working in a globally distributed team, mindful of open source ecosystems and enterprise needs.

Canonical sets a high bar for excellence, recruiting top talent who can think differently, work smarter, and elevate their skills in a challenging environment.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers a comprehensive package designed to support your professional and personal growth:

• Extensive Learning and Development programs to advance your skills.
• Annual Compensation Review to ensure fair and competitive pay.
• Recognition Rewards for outstanding contributions.
• Generous Annual Leave for work-life balance.
• Priority Pass for seamless international travel.
• Fully flexible working options in a remote-first culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Canonical is committed to diversity, inclusion, and providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by merit and impact. Engineers have abundant opportunities to lead projects, contribute to Ubuntu's evolution, and influence open source standards. With annual reviews, learning stipends, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies like AI, cloud, and IoT, you'll continuously raise your game. Many colleagues have built long-term careers here, transitioning into senior roles, architecture, or leadership while enjoying the freedom of remote work and global collaboration.

Why Join Canonical

Joining Canonical means stepping into the future of software. Work on Ubuntu, the platform powering AI, IoT, and cloud revolutions, alongside brilliant minds in a founder-led, profitable company. Our remote-first model eliminates commutes, offering flexibility and trust. Contribute to meaningful open source projects that shape enterprise computing globally. Experience a premium culture emphasizing excellence, diversity, and innovation—where your work has real-world impact. With travel to inspiring locations and perks like Priority Pass, this is more than a job; it's a launchpad for your tech career.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, this is a home-based role in the Americas with 2-4 weeks of international travel per year.

What experience level is required?

We seek engineers with Python experience and familiarity in OpenStack, Ceph, or related technologies; mid-to-senior levels preferred.

How does Canonical support open source contributions?

Canonical encourages and facilitates contributions to upstream projects like Ubuntu, OpenStack, and Ceph as part of your role.

What is the interview process like?

Expect technical assessments, code reviews, and discussions on distributed systems and open source dynamics.

Does Canonical sponsor visas?

For Americas-based remote roles, we hire locally; check our careers page for details.