About Canonical

Canonical is the pioneering tech company behind Ubuntu, the world's most widely used Linux distribution and a cornerstone of open source innovation. Since 2004, Canonical has driven the global shift to open source software, powering AI, IoT, cloud computing, and now mission-critical systems in highly regulated sectors like automotive, aerospace, and industrial robotics. As a remote-first company from inception, Canonical recruits top global talent to maintain excellence in everything from kernel development to enterprise solutions. Working at Canonical means contributing to projects that shape the future of technology, with Ubuntu at the heart of open source's ascent to industry leadership.

Role Overview

The Staff Engineer, Development Lifecycle position at Canonical is a leadership role focused on elevating Ubuntu to the premier choice for applications in automotive, aerospace, industrial robotics, and other regulated environments. This is not a theoretical position—it's about driving real engineering transformation. You'll lead initiatives to meet complex regulatory, compliance, and certification demands, turning them into actionable engineering practices. Collaborating with company-wide engineering leadership and the industrial standards team, you'll foster a culture of excellence, unify agile methodologies across projects, and establish measurable quality standards. This remote role, based anywhere in the Americas, offers the chance to secure open source's place in high-stakes industries.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Ubuntu's Adaptation for Regulated Sectors

Spearhead efforts to make Ubuntu fit for mission-critical use in automotive, aerospace, and industrial robotics, investing in processes, tools, analysis, and people to meet certification requirements.

Transform Demands into Engineering Excellence

Convert regulatory complexities into concrete outcomes, defining engineering values, practices, and continuous improvement processes that permeate every level of Canonical's organization.

Cultivate Engineering Culture

Challenge and evolve engineering culture, working with teams to internalize agile approaches, quality measurement methods, and KPIs that drive superior performance.

Collaborate Internally and Externally

Partner with engineering leadership to implement qualification standards and build strategic relationships with external working groups, committees, and partners in regulated industries.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks candidates with deep expertise in high-stakes software engineering. Essential qualifications include strong experience in engineering and process management within agile environments, knowledge or certification in quality standards such as ISO/IEC 25010 or ASPICE, a proven track record of developing and growing teams, leadership in successful compliance and certification efforts, and hands-on Linux experience. Additional strengths like a software development background, experience establishing development metrics and KPIs, and exceptional critical thinking will set you apart. Passion for open source and engineering excellence is non-negotiable.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers competitive compensation tailored to location, experience, and skills, with annual reviews, bonuses, and incentives for eligible roles. Beyond base pay, enjoy a fully remote work environment pioneered since 2004, a $2,000 USD annual personal learning budget, recognition rewards, generous annual holiday leave, parental leave, and an Employee Assistance Programme. Travel perks include Priority Pass, upgrades for long-haul events, and opportunities to join global sprints for in-person collaboration with colleagues.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is fueled by excellence and impact. This Staff Engineer role positions you to shape company-wide practices, influence Ubuntu's roadmap for regulated industries, and grow into broader leadership. With a $2,000 learning budget, annual reviews, and exposure to global engineering leaders, you'll hone skills in agile transformation, standards compliance, and open source strategy. Canonical's remote-first culture ensures high autonomy, while sprints and events build networks. Join a company that invests in your development to match its ambition for Ubuntu's dominance.

Why Join Canonical

Canonical stands at the intersection of open source innovation and enterprise demands, with Ubuntu as the platform for tomorrow's technologies. This role lets you lead Ubuntu's push into regulated sectors, ensuring open source meets the highest compliance bars. Benefit from a remote-first culture that's thrived for two decades, global collaboration without relocation, and a commitment to equity across its workforce. If you thrive on engineering excellence, team growth, and open source's potential, Canonical offers unparalleled impact—helping define 21st-century digital business.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, this Staff Engineer position is fully remote, available anywhere in the Americas time zones, aligning with Canonical's remote-first philosophy since 2004.

What salary can I expect?

Base pay varies by location, experience, and skills, with estimates for Americas-based roles ranging from $180,000 to $220,000 USD annually, plus bonuses and benefits.

Do I need prior experience in regulated industries?

While beneficial, the core requirements focus on agile process management, standards knowledge like ISO/IEC 25010 or ASPICE, team leadership, and Linux expertise.

How does this role impact Ubuntu?

You'll directly enable Ubuntu's adoption in automotive, aerospace, and robotics by driving certification-ready engineering practices, securing open source's industrial future.

What is the interview process like?

Canonical's process emphasizes technical depth, leadership fit, and cultural alignment, with stages including screening, technical discussions, and leadership interviews.