Ubuntu Software Engineer

Overview

Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems. Ubuntu is the world's most deployed open OS, used for public cloud, data science, AI, engineering, IoT, etc. The company is founder‑led, profitable and growing, with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries and mostly remote work.

• Foundations
  : maintain foundational software such as architectures, package managers, compilers, tool chains, bootloaders, file systems and core utilities.
• Server
  : lead the design, evolution and future of Ubuntu Server distribution.
• Desktop
  : drive Ubuntu Desktop, Ubuntu Core Desktop, WSL, gaming tech and a suite of modern apps built with Flutter.
• Debcrafters
  : new team responsible for forward movement, maintenance and overall health of the Ubuntu archive.

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

• Design, build and ship software in Rust, Go and Python.
• Package, integrate, test and upload open source software to the Ubuntu repositories.
• Debug system‑level issues and deliver robust solutions.
• Author and improve technical and community documentation.
• Contribute to upstream and neighboring open source projects.
• Collaborate as part of a globally distributed team.
• Mentor colleagues to build skills and understanding.
• Develop and improve processes to more efficiently fulfill our goals.

• Exceptional academic track record from high school and university.
• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM, or a compelling narrative about an alternative path.
• Drive and a track record of going above and beyond expectations.
• 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 on a daily basis. We recruit on a global basis and set a very high standard for people joining the company.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer. 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.