About Canonical

Canonical is the pioneering company behind Ubuntu, the world's leading open source operating system powering enterprise cloud, AI, data science, IoT, and engineering innovation. As a founder-led, profitable, and rapidly growing tech firm, Canonical serves global leaders in public cloud, silicon, and industry sectors. With over 1200 colleagues across 75+ countries, Canonical champions a remote-first culture since 2004, fostering global distributed collaboration. Teams unite for strategy alignment in exciting worldwide locations two to four times yearly. Join Canonical to shape the future of open source software at the forefront of technological transformation.

Role Overview

Canonical seeks an exceptional UX Designer specializing in Developer Experience to elevate how software is built and distributed worldwide. Reporting to the Developer Experience design manager, you'll collaborate with world-class engineering teams within Canonical's innovative design team. The mission: transform complex open source software into intuitive, efficient products that redefine enterprise IT capabilities. This remote role in EMEA demands a technically minded designer passionate about user experience, open source, and ambitious innovation. Ideal for those excited by complex challenges and strategic design leadership in a high-impact environment.

Key Responsibilities

Design Developer Tools

Design and build intuitive tools enabling developers to build, package, and maintain open source software effortlessly, focusing on global scalability and efficiency.

Collaborate Cross-Functionally

Partner with product managers and engineers to shape the future of developer experience, ensuring designs align with technical and user needs.

Support Complex Products

Apply UX processes and heuristics to support deeply complex products, navigating intricate systems with precision and foresight.

Evolve Design Systems

Work to evolve and evangelize design systems that promote consistency, efficiency, and scalability across Canonical's product ecosystem.

Navigate Interconnected Constraints

Grasp the broader scope of your work, managing numerous interconnected constraints to deliver strategic, impactful designs.

Support Design Initiatives

Contribute to one of Canonical's design working groups, enabling horizontal efforts that advance the entire design organization's goals.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical sets a high bar for talent. Successful candidates demonstrate an exceptional academic track record from high school and university, with a Bachelor’s or equivalent in User Experience, Design, STEM, or a compelling alternative path. Passion for user experience, technology, and design is essential, paired with commitment to continuous learning—curious, flexible, and scientific in approach. Be result-oriented, confident in user research practices, and engaged with cutting-edge design research and innovation. Excellent communication skills are key for collaborating with engineers, designers, and executives, presenting designs clearly at cross-functional meetings. Connect your work to Canonical's strategic vision, and be prepared to travel internationally twice yearly for up to two-week company events.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers competitive, performance-based compensation tailored to location, experience, and impact, with annual reviews and bonuses. Beyond base pay, enjoy a distributed work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints in inspiring global locations. Receive a USD 2,000 personal learning and development budget annually, recognition rewards, generous holiday leave, maternity and paternity leave, a Team Member Assistance Program, and wellness platform. Long-haul travel perks include Priority Pass and upgrades for company events, plus opportunities to connect with colleagues worldwide.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by excellence and impact. Annual compensation reviews ensure recognition of outstanding performance, with frequent adjustments for high performers, graduates, and associates. The USD 2,000 learning budget supports skill-building in UX, design systems, open source, and emerging tech. Exposure to global teams, complex projects, and strategic initiatives accelerates professional development. As a remote-first pioneer, Canonical provides mentorship, cross-functional visibility, and leadership opportunities in Ubuntu's ecosystem, positioning you for long-term success in open source innovation.

Why Join Canonical

Join a profitable, growing company shaping open source's future through Ubuntu—the platform for AI, cloud, IoT, and beyond. Work remotely from EMEA with a diverse, high-caliber global team united by ambition and excellence. Tackle meaningful challenges improving developer experiences worldwide, backed by a supportive culture emphasizing learning, recognition, and work-life balance. Canonical's remote-first model, combined with in-person sprints, fosters deep connections and innovation. Be part of a pioneer redefining enterprise software—your designs will power breakthrough initiatives for the world's top tech leaders.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, this UX Designer role is home-based in the EMEA region, with twice-yearly international travel for team events up to two weeks.

What salary can I expect?

Compensation is competitive for EMEA tech rates, based on experience, with annual reviews and performance bonuses. Estimates range from €65,000 to €110,000 yearly.

What tools or technologies are involved?

Focus on open source developer tools, UX design for complex systems, design systems, and collaboration with engineering on Ubuntu-related platforms.

How does Canonical support professional growth?

USD 2,000 annual learning budget, mentorship, global exposure, and performance-driven advancement in a high-standards environment.

Who will I work with?

Report to the Developer Experience design manager, collaborating with product managers, engineers, and executives in a distributed global team.