About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering technology company at the forefront of the global shift to open source software. As the publisher of Ubuntu, one of the most influential open-source projects worldwide, Canonical powers critical enterprise initiatives in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include the world's leading public cloud providers, silicon manufacturers, and industry leaders across multiple sectors. With over 1200 colleagues spanning 75+ countries, Canonical embodies a founder-led, profitable, and rapidly growing remote-first culture. Teams collaborate globally, convening in person two to four times a year in exciting international locations to align on strategy and execution. This distributed model fosters innovation while maintaining excellence in delivering Ubuntu and related open-source solutions.

Role Overview

We are seeking an exceptional UX Designer for Infrastructure to join our design team at Canonical. In this role, you will work closely with world-class engineering teams to create intuitive, open-source tools that empower users to build clouds and manage compute clusters globally. Our mission is to transform complex open-source software into efficient, user-friendly products that redefine enterprise IT capabilities. Reporting to the Infrastructure Design Manager, you will contribute to products like MAAS, LXD, MicroCloud, and Canonical Kubernetes, shaping the future of self-sovereign clouds. This remote position is based in the EMEA region, offering the flexibility of home-based work within Canonical's vibrant, global design community.

Key Responsibilities

Designing Core Infrastructure Tools

You will build user experience tools that enable developers and enterprises to craft their own cloud environments using MAAS for metal-as-a-service, LXD for container and VM management, MicroCloud for edge deployments, and Canonical's Kubernetes distribution.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with product managers and engineers to influence the evolution of data center technologies, focusing on self-sovereign cloud architectures that prioritize user control and scalability.

Supporting Complex Products

Apply rigorous design processes and UX heuristics to deeply complex products, ensuring usability without sacrificing power.

Evolving Design Systems

Develop and promote design systems that ensure consistency, efficiency, and scalability across Canonical's product portfolio.

Strategic Awareness and Support

Grasp the broader ecosystem of interconnected constraints in infrastructure software and contribute to Canonical's design working groups for horizontal initiatives.

Qualifications & Requirements

To thrive in this role, candidates must demonstrate an exceptional academic track record from high school and university, with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in User Experience, Design, STEM fields, or a compelling alternative path. Passion for building with real hardware, deep knowledge of user experience principles, technology, and design is essential. We seek result-oriented individuals committed to continuous learning, curiosity, flexibility, and a scientific approach to problem-solving. Confidence in user research practices, engagement with cutting-edge design research, and the ability to travel internationally twice a year for up to two-week company events are required. Excellent communication skills are paramount, as you will interface with engineers, designers, executives, and represent design at cross-functional meetings, articulating strategic visions with clarity.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers a comprehensive, globally fair compensation package tailored to location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews and performance-driven bonuses. Key perks include a fully distributed work environment with biannual in-person team sprints in inspiring locations, a USD 2,000 annual personal learning and development budget, recognition rewards, generous annual holiday leave, maternity and paternity leave, a Team Member Assistance Program, and wellness platform. Enjoy priority travel upgrades and Priority Pass for long-haul company events, plus opportunities to explore new places while meeting colleagues worldwide.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by excellence and impact. Our remote-first structure provides unparalleled opportunities to work on high-stakes open-source projects influencing global tech. With regular compensation reviews, dedicated learning budgets, and exposure to cross-functional leadership, you will hone skills in advanced UX for infrastructure, design systems, and strategic product design. Join a company that invests in your growth, celebrating successes and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Why Join Canonical

Canonical stands out as a leader in open source, with Ubuntu at the heart of cloud, AI, and IoT revolutions. Our remote-first culture eliminates geographical barriers, enabling top talent from EMEA and beyond to collaborate on transformative technologies. Be part of a profitable, growing firm where your UX expertise directly shapes enterprise tools used by industry giants. Experience the thrill of global sprints, cutting-edge challenges, and a commitment to open-source innovation that changes how the world builds software.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, this is a home-based role in the EMEA region, with occasional international travel for company events.

What tools does the team work on?

Key projects include MAAS, LXD, MicroCloud, and Canonical Kubernetes for cloud and cluster management.

What is the design team's focus?

We turn complex open-source infrastructure into intuitive products, emphasizing design systems and user research.

How does Canonical support professional development?

Enjoy a USD 2,000 learning budget, annual reviews, and global collaboration opportunities.

Who will I report to?

This role reports to the Infrastructure Design Manager within Canonical's design team.