About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world's leading open source operating system powering enterprise innovation across 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 strategic in-person meetings 2-4 times annually in exciting global locations. Founder-led, profitable, and growing, Canonical serves top public cloud providers, silicon manufacturers, and industry leaders worldwide.

Role Overview

The Software Engineer, Sustaining Engineering position at Canonical is a fast-paced role focused on Linux-based software-defined infrastructure and applications. This role spans the entire 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. Engineers tackle critical issues requiring upstream bug fixes, troubleshooting, and resolution for Ubuntu and the open source ecosystem used by millions.

This remote, worldwide position offers technologists passionate about Linux and open source the chance to build a impactful career, collaborating with elite engineers to drive customer success, community contributions, and company growth.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Problem Resolution

Resolve complex customer issues related to Ubuntu, Linux Kernel, Ceph, OpenStack, Kubernetes, and other open source software. Provide workarounds, guidance, and develop bug fixes for upstream inclusion and Ubuntu releases.

Collaboration and Contribution

Maintain close relationships with Canonical's Field, Support, and product engineering teams. Participate actively in upstream communities, review code from peers, and demonstrate sound technical judgment.

Process Improvement

Prioritize tasks effectively, contribute to team discussions on processes, tools, and documentation. Maintain clear, concise technical communications while working remotely with up to 10% international travel for meetings, events, and conferences.

Qualifications & Requirements

Essential Skills

Canonical seeks software engineers with professional experience, a Computer Science, STEM, or similar background, and an exceptional academic track record. Candidates must have strong Linux expertise plus experience in at least one of Ceph, OpenStack, Kubernetes, or related cloud technologies. Development-level proficiency in Python, Go, C, or C++ on Linux is required, along with troubleshooting skills using tools like gdb and familiarity with git repositories.

Nice-to-Have Expertise

Ideal candidates love technology and exhibit curiosity, flexibility, and accountability. Experience with Ubuntu kernel/userspace, QEMU/KVM, LXC/LXD, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Debian packaging, or distributed systems is highly valued.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers competitive, location- and experience-based compensation with annual reviews and performance-driven bonuses. All team members enjoy comprehensive benefits tailored to a remote-first lifestyle, including global travel opportunities for team alignment and industry events. Work from home anywhere in the world, supported by Canonical's distributed culture and tools for seamless collaboration across time zones.

Career Growth

At Canonical, engineers advance through impactful contributions to Ubuntu and open source. This role provides exposure to the full stack, upstream communities, and enterprise customers, fostering deep technical expertise and leadership. Regular performance evaluations, skill-building opportunities, and proximity to cutting-edge projects in cloud, AI, and IoT ensure long-term career progression in a growing, profitable company.

Why Join Canonical

Join a remote-first leader in open source, shaping the future of Ubuntu and technologies powering global enterprises. Work with brilliant minds on technologies used by millions, contribute to communities that define the industry, and thrive in a flexible, high-trust environment. Canonical's commitment to innovation, work-life balance, and global impact makes it the premier destination for Linux and open source professionals.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, this is a fully remote position with teams across all time zones. Expect up to 10% travel (4 times yearly) for in-person strategy sessions and events.

What technologies will I work with?

Core focus on Ubuntu, Linux Kernel, Ceph, OpenStack, Kubernetes, virtualization (KVM, LXC/LXD), and languages like Python, Go, C/C++. Upstream contributions are key.

What is the interview process like?

Canonical's process emphasizes technical skills, open source affinity, and cultural fit through coding challenges, discussions, and peer reviews.

Do I need prior open source contributions?

Strong Linux and development experience is essential; upstream participation is encouraged and supported in this role.

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