About Canonical

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux, is a global leader in open-source software innovation. Founded to champion free and open-source principles, Canonical powers millions of servers, desktops, and cloud environments worldwide through Ubuntu, the world's most popular Linux distribution. Our mission extends beyond operating systems to fostering collaborative ecosystems that drive technological progress. With a fully remote-first culture, we unite top talent from every corner of the globe to build products that matter. As pioneers in cloud, AI, and edge computing, Canonical is setting new standards in software freedom and reliability.

Role Overview

Canonical is scaling its documentation excellence with dozens of Technical Author positions available across all seniority levels, from Graduate to Senior Staff. These are not conventional technical writing jobs; they are leadership roles in documentation for engineering, customer success, operations, and beyond. Whether you're a product-focused author embedded in engineering teams, a customer-focused expert tackling real-world deployments, or an operations specialist crafting internal guides for rapid growth, you'll shape Canonical's documentation practice. Work remotely worldwide, applying the Diátaxis framework to elevate technical communication as a first-class engineering discipline. All applications funnel through this entry point, with opportunities to match your preferred focus and seniority.

Product-Focused Technical Author

Integrate with product engineering teams to craft user-centric documentation that drives long-term project success and enhances user experience.

Customer-Focused Technical Author

Support Field Engineering, Customer Success, and Support by documenting complex Canonical software suites in custom configurations, bridging theory and real-world use.

Operations-Focused Technical Author

Develop vital internal resources like employee handbooks for Legal, HR, and Talent, standardizing business communication in our fast-scaling organization.

Key Responsibilities

As a Technical Author at Canonical, you'll lead documentation efforts with impact across the company. Core duties include creating and refining high-quality software and operational docs, coaching team members on effective contributions, and influencing product design through your expert perspective. Engage user communities to ensure relevance, foster open contributions, and standardize content styles for consistency. Collaborate within Canonical's documentation practice team to pioneer best practices, challenge conventions, and advance the field—both internally and in the open-source world. Your work directly supports Ubuntu's ecosystem and Canonical's innovative products.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks standout Technical Authors who blend technical prowess with communication mastery. Ideal candidates are excellent collaborators who obsess over clear, functional writing. You bring a programmer's mindset to technical writing—or vice versa—with a proven track record of impactful documentation. Community engagement in open-source, docs, or related fields is essential, alongside empathy for open-source challenges. Technical curiosity fuels your fascination with software tech, enabling you to develop subject-matter expertise rapidly. Familiarity with Diátaxis is a plus, but all levels are welcome. Review our hiring guide to boost your application.

Benefits & Perks

Joining Canonical means embracing a remote-first lifestyle with unlimited PTO, comprehensive health coverage, and learning stipends. Enjoy equity in a thriving company, hardware allowances, and wellness programs tailored for global teams. As part of our documentation practice, you'll access peer collaboration, conferences, and tools to hone your craft. Contribute to Ubuntu's documentation, visible to millions, while enjoying flexible hours in a supportive, high-trust environment that values output over hours.

Career Growth

From Graduate to Senior Staff, Canonical invests in your trajectory. Junior authors quickly gain technical authority, leading initiatives and influencing products. Advance through structured paths, mentorship from documentation experts, and cross-team projects. Our scale means abundant opportunities to specialize in products, customers, or operations while contributing to company-wide standards. Grow alongside Ubuntu's evolution, with paths to principal roles shaping open-source documentation globally.

Why Join Canonical

Be part of setting industry benchmarks for technical documentation. At Canonical, your work powers Ubuntu—the backbone of open source—and reaches developers, enterprises, and communities worldwide. Thrive in a remote-first culture that prioritizes autonomy, excellence, and innovation. Collaborate with brilliant minds on meaningful projects, from cloud infrastructure to AI tools. Canonical's commitment to open source means your contributions echo eternally, offering unparalleled impact and fulfillment in tech writing.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role fully remote? Yes, open to candidates worldwide with no office requirement.

Q: What seniority levels are available? Graduate through Senior Staff, with dozens of openings.

Q: Do I need Diátaxis experience? It's ideal but not required; we'll train passionate candidates.

Q: How do I choose my focus? Indicate your preference; we'll match you to the best team.

Q: What's the application process? Single entry point here—follow our advice for success.