About Canonical

Canonical is the pioneering tech firm behind Ubuntu, one of the world's most influential open source projects. As the platform powering AI, IoT, cloud computing, and countless enterprise solutions, Ubuntu drives innovation across industries. Canonical has championed a remote-first culture since 2004, enabling a global team of brilliant engineers to collaborate seamlessly from anywhere. Our commitment to open source principles fuels advancements in Linux-based infrastructure, from bare metal to Kubernetes orchestration, serving millions of users and leading enterprises worldwide.

Role Overview

The Sustaining Operations Engineer role at Canonical is a fast-paced position at the heart of Linux-based software-defined infrastructure. This globally remote opportunity spans the full stack, including bare metal, KVM virtualization, Docker and LXC/LXD containerization, Ceph storage, OVS/OVN networking, OpenStack, Kubernetes, and the open source applications atop them. As the final escalation point for critical operational issues, you'll troubleshoot complex problems affecting enterprise customers, partners, and the Ubuntu community. With a passion for Linux and open source, you'll drive resolutions through deep debugging, workarounds, upstream fixes, and Ubuntu releases, working alongside top industry talent in a supportive, high-impact environment.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, your days will involve hands-on technical challenges and collaborative problem-solving:

• Resolve intricate customer issues spanning Ubuntu, OpenStack, Ceph, and Kubernetes environments.
• Debug at any stack level above the kernel using tools like gdb, pdb, and tcpdump.
• Propose workarounds, guide fixes, and liaise with software engineers for upstream patches.
• Maintain strong ties with Canonical's field, support, and product teams.
• Engage in upstream open source communities to enhance technologies used by millions.
• Prioritize tasks effectively, participate in weekend rotations, and contribute to process improvements.
• Travel up to 10% for team meetings, events, and conferences, fostering global connections.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks technologists with proven expertise and a drive for excellence:

• Professional experience in advanced Linux troubleshooting.
• STEM or Computer Science background with an exceptional academic record.
• Deep hands-on experience in Linux, LXD, OpenStack, Ceph, or Kubernetes.
• Strong debugging skills in Python, Go, C, or C++ on Linux platforms.
• Proficiency with git, gdb, pdb, tcpdump, and similar tools.
• Excellent communication, time management, and judgment in technical decisions.
• Willingness to travel up to 4 times yearly and participate in on-call rotations.

Additional strengths like experience in QEMU/KVM, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Debian packaging, or distributed systems are highly valued.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers competitive, performance-based compensation tailored to location, experience, and impact, with annual reviews and bonuses. Beyond base pay, enjoy:

• Fully distributed remote work with biannual in-person team sprints.
• USD 2,000 annual personal learning budget for growth.
• Comprehensive leave policies including maternity, paternity, and holidays.
• Employee Assistance Programme and recognition rewards.
• Priority Pass, travel upgrades for company events, and global travel opportunities.

These benefits reflect Canonical's values of fairness, innovation, and work-life balance across our worldwide team.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by performance and contribution. As a Sustaining Operations Engineer, you'll gain exposure to cutting-edge open source projects, collaborate with world-class engineers, and influence Ubuntu's evolution. Regular feedback, learning budgets, and structured development paths empower you to advance into senior roles, leadership, or specialized domains like cloud-native infrastructure. Our remote-first model and global sprints build networks that accelerate your professional journey in the open source ecosystem.

Why Join Canonical

Joining Canonical means shaping the future of open source at scale. Work on technologies that power hyperscale clouds, AI platforms, and IoT revolutions. Our remote-first culture eliminates geographical barriers, offering flexibility and trust. With a track record of remote success since 2004, Canonical provides stability, impact, and community. Be part of a passionate team driving Ubuntu's dominance, resolving issues for enterprise giants, and contributing to projects that change the world daily. If you thrive on complex troubleshooting and open source passion, this is your chance to build a rewarding career with global reach.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, it's globally remote with up to 10% travel for team events.

What experience level is required?

Professional Linux troubleshooting expertise, especially in OpenStack, Kubernetes, or Ceph.

Are there on-call requirements?

Yes, including a regular weekend rotation.

How does compensation work?

Based on location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews and bonuses.

What makes Canonical unique?

Remote-first since 2004, Ubuntu publishers, and leaders in open source infrastructure.