Ubuntu Software Engineer

Ubuntu Software Engineer at Canonical

Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is widely used in breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation and IoT. Our customers include leading public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders in many sectors. The company pioneers global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries and very few office‑based roles.

Teams meet two to four times yearly in person, in interesting locations around the world, to align on strategy and execution.

• Foundations
  : maintaining foundational software: architectures, package managers, compilers, tool chains, bootloaders, file systems and core utilities
• Server
  : leading the design, evolution and future of our Ubuntu Server distribution
• Desktop
  : driving Ubuntu Desktop, our future immutable desktop:
  Ubuntu Core Desktop, WSL, gaming technology, and a suite of modern applications for the desktop crafted with Flutter
• Debcrafters
  : a new team responsible for the forward movement, maintenance and overall health of the Ubuntu archive: one of the most abundant repositories of open source software available today

• Development
  : design, build and ship new foundational systems software and applications in Rust, Go, Flutter, and Python
• Architecture
  : engineer the integration of open source from boot firmware to cloud applications deployment
• Packaging
  : a combination of Debian and Snap packaging to ship software in the distribution
• Automation
  : build and maintain the machinery responsible for building, testing and shipping Ubuntu
• Distro Engineering
  : the maintenance and evolution of a Linux distribution and its repositories

This application track is suitable for those at the mid point in their career but perhaps not quite at the Manager/Lead level, with relevant skills to contribute to Ubuntu.

We have remote roles open in every time zone.

• Designing, building and shipping software in Rust, Go and Python
• Packaging, integrating, testing and uploading open source software to the Ubuntu repositories
• Debugging system‑level issues and delivering robust solutions
• Authoring and improving technical and community documentation
• Contributing to upstream and neighboring open source projects
• Collaborating as part of a globally distributed team
• Mentoring colleagues to build skills and understanding
• Developing and improving processes to more efficiently fulfill our goals

• An exceptional academic track record from both high school and university
• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM, or a compelling narrative about your alternative path
• Drive and a track record of going above and beyond expectations
• A demonstrated passion for open source software
• Significant experience with Rust, Go, Python, Flutter or C/C++
• Professional written and spoken English
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  
  Ability to travel twice a year, for company events up to two weeks each

• Experience with Linux distributions and distribution engineering
• Experience with software packaging and distribution mechanisms
• Understanding of build systems and tool chains, including for cross‑compilation
• Performance or Security Engineering experience

• Distributed work environment with twice‑yearly team sprints in person
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
• Annual compensation review
• Recognition rewards
• Annual holiday leave
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
• Priority Pass, and travel upgrades for long‑haul company events

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the company that publishes Ubuntu, one of the most important open source projects and the platform for AI, IoT and the cloud, we are changing the world daily. We recruit on a global basis and set a very high standard for people joining the company.

We expect excellence – in order to succeed, we need to be the best at what we do. Canonical has been a remote‑first company since its inception in 2004. Working here is a step into the future, and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills and raise your game.

We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.

Seniority level:
Mid‑Senior level

Employment type:

Full‑time

Job function:
Engineering and Information Technology

Industries:
Software Development