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 Support 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 applications, this role challenges your broad engineering expertise. You'll troubleshoot critical issues, contribute upstream bug fixes, and ensure Ubuntu's reliability for millions of users. Ideal for Linux and open source enthusiasts with strong communication and problem-solving skills, this remote position offers a career-building opportunity in a world-class team.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll dive deep into complex customer challenges across Ubuntu, the Linux kernel, Ceph, OpenStack, Kubernetes, and related technologies. Responsibilities include resolving intricate problems with workarounds, guidance, and upstream bug fixes; fostering relationships with Canonical's Field, Support, and product engineering teams; actively participating in upstream open source communities; developing and backporting patches for inclusion; reviewing peer code; exercising sound technical judgment; prioritizing tasks effectively; contributing to process improvements in discussions; and maintaining precise technical communications. Expect up to 10% international travel for team meetings, events, and conferences in a fully remote setup with global time zone coverage.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks candidates with an exceptional academic track 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 passion for deep-diving into unfamiliar technologies and tackling tough issues is crucial, alongside willingness to travel up to four times yearly for internal events. Nice-to-haves include enthusiasm for Ubuntu kernel/userspace, Kubernetes, OpenStack, Ceph, QEMU/KVM, LXC/LXD, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Debian packaging, and distributed systems, paired with curiosity, flexibility, accountability, and strong soft skills.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers competitive, location- and experience-based compensation with annual reviews and performance-driven bonuses. All team members enjoy a distributed work environment, USD 2,000 annual personal learning budget, recognition rewards, and globally fair benefits tailored to local needs. Remote-first culture emphasizes work-life balance, with biannual in-person sprints fostering collaboration. Join a growing, profitable company prioritizing employee development and open source impact.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by performance and learning. Engineers advance by mastering the open source stack, contributing upstream, and collaborating globally. Regular compensation reviews, dedicated development budgets, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies like Ubuntu in AI, cloud, and IoT ensure continuous growth. Work with brilliant minds, participate in upstream communities, and shape enterprise Linux solutions, building a rewarding long-term career in open source leadership.

Why Join Canonical

Canonical stands out for its remote-first, global culture, founder-led stability, and commitment to Ubuntu's dominance in enterprise open source. Tackle real-world challenges for leading cloud and silicon providers, contribute to software used by millions, and thrive in a passionate, innovative environment. With minimal bureaucracy, high autonomy, and opportunities to influence Ubuntu's roadmap, this is where Linux experts turn passion into impact.

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, KVM, LXD, 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; willingness to learn is key.
Q: How is compensation structured? Base pay plus performance bonus, reviewed annually, competitive globally.
Q: What makes Canonical unique? Profitable, growing, remote-first with global sprints and USD 2,000 learning budget.