About Canonical

Canonical is the leading provider of open-source software and operating systems, powering global enterprise and technology markets with its flagship platform, Ubuntu. Ubuntu is at the heart of breakthrough initiatives in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include the world's top public cloud and silicon providers, as well as industry leaders across sectors. As a pioneer in globally distributed collaboration, Canonical employs over 1100 colleagues in more than 75 countries, with very few office-based roles. Teams align on strategy and execution through in-person meetings two to four times a year in exciting global locations. Founder-led, profitable, and growing, Canonical champions open-source innovation and remote-first culture.

Role Overview

Canonical is seeking a talented Web Frontend Engineer proficient in JS, CSS, React, and Flutter to craft data-rich, reliable user experiences for our enterprise products. These frontends represent Canonical's face to users, built with modern web technologies and Flutter for unified desktop and web development. A central team maintains the open-source React toolkit and Vanilla Framework to ensure consistency, accessibility, and performance across products and sites. By contributing here, you'll help extend these tools to broader open-source projects, emphasizing REST API design, intuitive UX, and responsive layouts. This globally remote role offers the chance to exhibit technical leadership in high-quality code, design, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Core Development Duties

Design and implement well-tested, documented software using Web technologies or Flutter. Debug and resolve issues reported by users, ensuring seamless experiences. Participate actively in engineering processes, including code and architectural reviews.

Collaboration and Operations

Collaborate with community members and colleagues on technical specifications. Contribute to top-tier technical documentation. Seek and implement improvements in engineering and operations practices. Deploy and operate services developed by the team, while advocating technically for product success.

Qualifications & Requirements

Essential Criteria

Candidates must demonstrate an exceptional academic track record from high school and university, ideally with an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM (or a compelling alternative narrative). Show drive with a history of exceeding expectations, while being well-organized, self-starting, and schedule-driven. Professional interaction skills are key, alongside hands-on experience designing and writing high-quality web technologies. Passion for TypeScript, React, or Flutter is essential, with a keen eye for accessibility and performance. Proficiency in professional written and spoken English, Linux experience (Debian or Ubuntu preferred), excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, accountability, communication, presentation abilities, and result-oriented commitment are required. Availability to travel twice yearly for up to two weeks per event is mandatory.

Nice-to-Have Skills

Experience with container technologies like LXD, Docker, and Kubernetes; attention to user-centric UI details; REST API design, development, and governance; performance engineering and security expertise will set you apart.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical tailors compensation based on geographical location, experience, and performance, with worldwide applicability. Base pay is complemented by a performance-driven annual bonus or commission. Compensation is revisited annually (more frequently for graduates and associates) to reward excellence. All team members receive additional benefits aligned with Canonical's values, including full remote work flexibility, global collaboration opportunities, and support for open-source community involvement. Enjoy the perks of a remote-first culture with periodic in-person meetups in inspiring locations.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is fueled by outstanding performance and contributions to Ubuntu and open-source ecosystems. Engineers advance through technical leadership, innovation in web and Flutter technologies, and community impact. Regular reviews ensure recognition, while exposure to cutting-edge projects in AI, cloud, and IoT builds expertise. Self-motivated individuals thrive, with opportunities to shape products, mentor peers, and engage globally.

Why Join Canonical

Join a profitable, growing company leading open-source innovation with Ubuntu. Work remotely from anywhere worldwide, contributing to enterprise-grade products that power global tech. Passionate about open source? Influence toolkits like React Components and Vanilla Framework, fostering accessible, performant interfaces. Collaborate in a diverse, high-performing team emphasizing quality, accessibility, and user-centric design. Canonical's remote-first model, combined with strategic offsites, offers balance and excitement in a founder-led environment committed to excellence.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, this is a globally remote position with no office requirement, though travel for company events twice yearly is expected.

What technologies will I work with?

Primarily JS, CSS, React, Flutter, TypeScript, and REST APIs, with Canonical's open-source React toolkit and Vanilla Framework.

Do I need a degree?

An undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM is preferred, alongside exceptional academic results, but a compelling alternative path is considered.

How does compensation work?

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

What about open-source involvement?

Strongly encouraged—contribute to communities, toolkits, and ensure scalable software operations.