About Canonical

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux, stands at the forefront of open source innovation, powering enterprise initiatives in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering, and IoT. With over 1200 colleagues across 75+ countries, Canonical pioneers global distributed collaboration in a founder-led, profitable, and rapidly growing organization. Ubuntu, its flagship platform, is trusted by leading public cloud providers, silicon manufacturers, and industry leaders worldwide. As a remote-first company, Canonical emphasizes flexibility, with teams uniting 2-4 times yearly in exciting global locations for strategy and execution.

Role Overview

The Ubuntu Core Software Engineer role at Canonical redefines embedded Linux for IoT, delivering the smallest, most secure, and updatable operating system in the market. This position targets engineers passionate about open source, Linux security, and developer experience in low-level systems. You'll contribute to robust solutions for IoT, automotive, aviation, and beyond, focusing on reliable device recovery mechanisms for heterogeneous fleets. Working across ARM, RISC-V, and x86 architectures, you'll tackle boot mechanisms, bootloaders, storage partitions, device trees, kernels, and services—all from a home-based setup in EMEA.

Key Responsibilities

In this full-time remote role, you'll drive technical excellence through hands-on development and collaboration:

• Write high-quality, unit-tested code to implement new features in Ubuntu Core.
• Debug complex Linux system-level issues and deliver robust fixes.
• Proactively collaborate with a distributed global team, reviewing code and discussing solutions.
• Integrate diverse bootloaders and maintain gadget snaps for seamless device support.
• Design and optimize boot processes, firmware daemons, and security implementations.

Expect occasional global travel for 2-4 company sprints and events, fostering deep connections with brilliant minds in technology.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks curious, self-motivated engineers who thrive in dynamic environments. Ideal candidates bring:

• A Bachelor’s or equivalent in Computer Science, STEM, or related field.
• Strong experience with C, Golang, and Shell scripting.
• Deep knowledge of Linux, preferably Ubuntu or Debian distributions.
• Hands-on experience with Linux devices like Raspberry Pi.
• Interest or expertise in low-level systems: ARM/x86 bootloaders (U-Boot, GRUB-UEFI), systemd, udev, initrd, TPM, FDE, LUKS, or Yocto.
• Excellent soft skills: articulate, accountable, passionate, and team-oriented.

Prior embedded systems or security experience is a plus, but enthusiasm for learning is key.

Benefits & Perks

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

• Fully distributed remote work with biannual in-person sprints in inspiring locations.
• USD 2,000 annual personal learning and development budget.
• Comprehensive leave: annual holidays, maternity/paternity, and wellness support via Team Member Assistance Program.
• Recognition rewards and global travel opportunities with Priority Pass/upgrades.
• Balanced global benefits ensuring fairness and local relevance.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is merit-driven in a collaborative culture. Work with world-class talent on Ubuntu's evolution, gaining exposure to cutting-edge IoT, cloud, and security projects. Regular feedback, learning stipends, and leadership opportunities empower you to grow. Many engineers advance to senior roles, influencing open source strategy and Canonical's global impact.

Why Join Canonical

Join a profitable, growing leader in open source where your code shapes Ubuntu Core—the secure Linux foundation for next-gen devices. Embrace a remote-first culture valuing autonomy, innovation, and work-life balance. Contribute to missions enabling IoT fleets, automotive innovation, and aviation reliability. With Canonical's commitment to open source excellence, you'll build a rewarding career alongside the brightest in tech, traveling the world while advancing secure embedded Linux.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, home-based in EMEA with 2-4 annual trips for team events.

What architectures will I work on?

Primarily ARM, RISC-V, and x86 for diverse embedded environments.

Do I need embedded experience?

Interest in bootloaders, kernels, and security is essential; hands-on Linux device experience preferred.

How is compensation structured?

Base pay plus performance bonuses, reviewed annually, competitive for EMEA tech sector.

What makes Ubuntu Core unique?

It's the most secure, minimal, snap-updatable OS for IoT, simplifying fleet management.