Ubuntu Software Engineer

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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 Io
T. Our customers include the world’s leading public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders in many sectors. We have over 1200 colleagues in more than 75 countries and prefer remote‑first work, meeting in person twice to four times a year in interesting locations around the world to align on strategy and execution.

We are hiring engineers to work across the breadth of our Ubuntu Engineering organization. Engineers are comfortable designing and engineering new software as well as packaging, integrating, testing and shipping the open source software catalog provided by the Ubuntu repositories.

Ubuntu Engineering organization

• Foundations – Maintaining foundational software: architectures, package managers, compilers, toolchains, bootloaders, filesystems, and core utilities.
• Server – Leading the design, evolution, and future of the Ubuntu Server distribution.
• Desktop – Driving Ubuntu Desktop, Ubuntu Core Desktop, WSL, gaming technology, and a suite of modern applications crafted with Flutter.
• Debcrafters – Responsible for the maintenance and overall health of the Ubuntu archive, one of the most abundant repositories of open source software today.

Categories of work

• 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 – Combine 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 – Maintain and evolve 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. We look for relevant skills to contribute to Ubuntu.

At Canonical, you will have the opportunity to engage with and contribute to the broader open source community. We are looking for individuals who can help build a thriving community and contribute with enthusiasm and precision to a broad range of technologies.

Location: Remote roles open in every time zone.

Role entails

• 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.

What we are looking for in you

• An 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.
• 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.

Nice‑to‑have skills

• Experience with Linux distributions and distribution engineering.
• Experience with software packaging and distribution mechanisms.
• Understanding of build systems and toolchains, including cross‑compilation.
• Performance or security engineering experience.

What we offer you

• 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.

About Canonical

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, Io
T 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. 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.

Equal opportunity employer

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.