About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world's leading open source operating system powering enterprise cloud, AI, data science, IoT, and engineering innovation. 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 and profitable, Canonical serves top public cloud providers, silicon leaders, and industry giants, driving open source success worldwide.

Role Overview

The Software Maintenance Engineer role at Canonical is a dynamic engineering position focused on Linux-based infrastructure and applications. Spanning the full stack from bare metal and KVM virtualization to Docker/LXC/LXD containerization, Ceph storage, OVS/OVN networking, OpenStack, Kubernetes, and open source apps, this role challenges engineers to demonstrate broad expertise. You'll troubleshoot critical issues, develop upstream bug fixes, and ensure reliability for Ubuntu and enterprise customers. This remote, worldwide position suits passionate Linux and open source technologists eager to build a career impacting millions.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll resolve complex customer issues across Ubuntu, Linux kernel, Ceph, OpenStack, Kubernetes, and related technologies. Maintain strong ties with Canonical's Field, Support, and product teams while actively participating in upstream communities. Develop and backport bug fixes for upstream inclusion, review peer code, and exercise sound judgment in technical approaches. Prioritize tasks effectively, contribute to process improvements, and communicate clearly. Expect up to 10% international travel for team meetings, events, and conferences in our remote-first culture.

Core Duties Include:

• Troubleshooting and resolving high-impact problems with workarounds and fixes.
• Collaborating across teams for customer success.
• Upstream contribution to enhance Ubuntu and open source ecosystems.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks candidates with an exceptional academic record and a background in Computer Science, STEM, or equivalent. Essential experience includes Linux and open source software, plus proficiency in at least one of Python, Go, C, or C++ on Linux. A strong drive to deep-dive into unfamiliar technologies and resolve tough issues is crucial. Willingness to travel up to four times annually for internal events is required. Nice-to-haves include passion for Ubuntu kernel/userspace, Kubernetes, OpenStack, Ceph, QEMU/KVM, LXC/LXD, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Debian packaging, and distributed systems.

Must-Have Traits:

• Curiosity, flexibility, and accountability.
• Excellent communication and self-motivation.
• Interest in working with brilliant minds in technology.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers competitive, location-adjusted compensation with annual reviews and performance bonuses. Enjoy a fully distributed work environment, USD 2,000 annual personal learning budget, recognition rewards, and global fairness in benefits. Remote work supports all time zones, with biannual sprints fostering collaboration. Additional perks reflect Canonical's values, balancing local needs with worldwide equity for long-term colleague satisfaction.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by performance and learning. Engineers advance through impactful contributions to Ubuntu and open source, gaining exposure to cutting-edge technologies and global projects. Regular reviews, development budgets, and mentorship from industry leaders accelerate growth. Many start in maintenance roles and evolve into senior engineering, product leadership, or community advocacy positions, building lasting careers in open source innovation.

Why Join Canonical

Join a profitable, growing company shaping the future of open source with Ubuntu at its core. Work remotely with top talent worldwide, tackling real-world challenges for enterprise leaders. Canonical's remote-first culture, commitment to upstream contributions, and focus on work-life balance make it ideal for Linux enthusiasts. Contribute to technologies used by millions, travel to inspiring locations, and drive customer, community, and company success in a collaborative, high-impact environment.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role fully remote? Yes, it's home-based worldwide with teams in all time zones and up to 10% travel.

Q: What technologies will I work with? Ubuntu, Linux kernel, Ceph, OpenStack, Kubernetes, virtualization, containerization, and more.

Q: Do I need prior experience in all areas? No, but Linux/open source experience and one of Python/Go/C/C++ are required; a learning mindset is key.

Q: How is compensation structured? Base pay plus performance bonus, reviewed annually, adjusted for location and experience.

Q: What makes Canonical unique? Founder-led, profitable, global distributed model powering Ubuntu for cloud, AI, and IoT leaders.