Software Engineer - Data Infrastructure

Canonical – Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Canonical is building a comprehensive automation suite to provide multi‑cloud and on‑premise data solutions for the enterprise. The data platform team develops a full range of data stores and technologies, spanning from big data, through No

SQL, cache‑layer capabilities, to structured SQL engines. We face the challenge of fault‑tolerant, mission‑critical distributed systems and aim to deliver the world’s best automation solution for data platforms.

• Collaborate proactively with a distributed team.
• Write high‑quality, idiomatic Python code to create new features.
• Debug issues and interact with upstream communities publicly.
• Work alongside talented engineers across many fields.
• Discuss ideas and collaborate on finding good solutions.
• Work from home with global travel for 2‑4 weeks per year for internal and external events.

• Proven hands‑on experience in software development using Python.
• Proven hands‑on experience in distributed systems.
• Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in Computer Science, STEM, or a similar field.
• Willingness to travel up to 4 times a year for internal events.

• Experience operating and managing data platform technologies such as Postgre
  
  SQL, MySQL, Mongo
  
  DB, Open Search, Kafka, Yugabyte, Trino, Superset, Atlas, Ranger, and Redis.
• Experience with Linux systems administration, package management, and operations.
• Experience with the public cloud or a private cloud solution like Open Stack.
• Experience with operating Kubernetes clusters and a belief that it can be used for serious persistent data services.

Your base pay will depend on factors such as location, experience, knowledge and skills. Certain roles are also eligible for bonuses and rewards based on performance. Our compensation philosophy ensures equity across the global workforce.

• Fully remote working environment – we have been remote‑first since 2004.
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2 000 per annum.
• Annual compensation review.
• Recognition rewards.
• Annual holiday leave.
• Parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues at onsite sprints.
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long‑haul company events.

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global shift to open‑source. As the publisher of Ubuntu, one of the most important open‑source projects, we drive the platform for AI, IoT and cloud. We recruit globally and set a high standard for excellence.

Canonical has been a remote‑first company since its inception in 2004. Working here challenges you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.

Canonical is an equal‑opportunity employer. We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background creates a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.