About Canonical

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux, is a global leader in open source software innovation. Founded with a mission to deliver free software to the world, Canonical powers millions of desktops, servers, and devices through Ubuntu, the world's most popular Linux distribution. Our remote-first culture enables a diverse, distributed workforce spanning continents to collaborate seamlessly on groundbreaking projects. From cloud infrastructure to IoT devices and commercial computers, Canonical drives the future of computing with Ubuntu Classic, Ubuntu Core, and beyond.

Role Overview

As a Software Engineer in Ubuntu Commercial Computers, based in our office in Beijing, China, you will join Canonical's OEM Delivery Team. This team partners with tier-one OEMs, IHVs, and ODMs to pre-install Ubuntu on millions of devices worldwide. You will ensure Ubuntu performs flawlessly on cutting-edge hardware, enabling innovation and delivering exceptional user experiences. This role demands deep Linux expertise, strong debugging skills, and a passion for open source collaboration in a fast-paced, globally distributed environment.

What You'll Do Daily

Expect to dive into system-level troubleshooting, upstream patch integration, and customer engineering support. With occasional travel to key regions like the EU, USA, China, and Taiwan, you'll bridge local needs with global open source communities.

Key Responsibilities

Your impact will be direct and measurable:

• Collaborate closely with project managers, Field, and QA engineers to identify, triage, and resolve critical system-level issues affecting Ubuntu on commercial hardware.
• Engage with upstream open source projects to source and apply patches for bugs impacting OEM and ODM customers, while championing locally developed fixes for upstream acceptance.
• Deliver specialized software and system engineering services tailored to OEM and ODM partners, ensuring seamless Ubuntu integration.
• Occasionally travel internationally to EU, USA, China, and Taiwan to support key partnerships and projects.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed, bring these core strengths:

• Proven participation in open-source development projects, demonstrating hands-on Linux contributions.
• A genuine passion for Linux and open source ecosystems.
• Excellent English-language communication skills, particularly in asynchronous online settings like mailing lists and IRC.
• Superior time-management abilities to handle multiple priorities.
• Self-discipline and motivation to excel in a globally distributed team.

Desirable Skills

Stand out with demonstrated open source contributions and fluency in written and spoken Mandarin Chinese, ideal for our Beijing office and regional partnerships.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers a premium work environment designed for engineers who thrive on impact:

• Work with world-class tier-one OEMs, IHVs, and ODMs shaping the future of computing.
• Be the first to innovate on cutting-edge hardware with Ubuntu.
• Join a remote-first company with flexible, global collaboration tools.
• Competitive compensation in Beijing's tech sector, plus opportunities for international exposure.
• Commitment to diversity and equal opportunity, fostering an inclusive culture.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by contribution and expertise. Start as a Software Engineer and advance to senior roles, team leadership, or specialized OEM architecture positions. Our engineers frequently speak at conferences, lead upstream projects, and influence Ubuntu's roadmap. With mentorship from open source luminaries and exposure to global customers, your growth is unbounded in this merit-based environment.

Why Join Canonical

Canonical isn't just a job—it's a platform for open source excellence. Shape Ubuntu's presence on millions of commercial computers, collaborate with the best minds in Linux, and enjoy a remote-first culture that prioritizes results over location. Based in Beijing, you'll tap into China's vibrant tech ecosystem while contributing to a truly global mission. Canonical's equal opportunity ethos ensures talent from all backgrounds drives our success, delivering world-class software to meet humanity's computing needs.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role remote or office-based?
A: This is an office-based position in Beijing, China, with Canonical's remote-first principles supporting flexible global collaboration.

Q: What level of open source experience is required?
A: Participation in open-source projects is required; demonstrated contributions are highly desirable.

Q: Is travel mandatory?
A: Occasional international travel to EU, USA, China, and Taiwan is required.

Q: What's the tech stack?
A: Deep Linux kernel, system debugging, upstream patching, and Ubuntu-specific tools for OEM integrations.

Q: How does Canonical support diversity?
A: We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, gender, orientation, or background, believing diverse teams deliver superior results.