Software Engineer – Sustaining Engineering

About Canonical

Canonical Ltd. is a pioneering technology company at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the publisher of Ubuntu, one of the most widely used open-source platforms for AI, IoT, cloud computing, and enterprise initiatives, Canonical serves industry-leading customers worldwide. The company operates with a globally distributed workforce of over 1,200 colleagues in 75+ countries, emphasizing remote collaboration while meeting in-person for strategic events two to four times per year. Canonical is founder-led, profitable, and continues to grow, offering colleagues autonomy, flexibility, and opportunities for professional development.

Role Overview

This role is ideal for a technologist passionate about Linux and open-source software, interested in working across all layers of software-defined infrastructure—from bare metal and virtualization (KVM) to containerization (Docker/LXC/LXD), storage (Ceph, Linux filesystems), networking (OVS, OVN, core networking), and cloud platforms such as OpenStack and Kubernetes. You will troubleshoot, resolve issues, and contribute upstream bug fixes while working with a team that supports enterprise customers, partners, and Ubuntu itself.

This position challenges you to demonstrate breadth and depth of engineering skill, working on technologies used by millions of people globally.

Key Responsibilities

• Resolve complex customer issues related to Ubuntu, Kernel, Ceph, OpenStack, Kubernetes, and other open-source software.

• Maintain close collaboration with Canonical’s Field, Support, and Product Engineering teams.

• Participate in upstream open-source communities.

• Develop bug fixes, backport patches, and work with upstream for inclusion.

• Review code from other engineers and demonstrate sound technical judgment.

• Prioritize work and manage time effectively.

• Contribute to improving team processes, tools, and documentation.

• Maintain clear, concise, and technical communication.

• Work remotely with up to 10% international travel for team events, meetings, and conferences.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Professional experience as a Software Engineer.

• Degree in Computer Science, STEM, or similar.

• Strong experience with Linux and at least one of: Ceph, OpenStack, Kubernetes, or cloud technologies.

• Development-level experience with Python, Go, C, or C++ on Linux.

• Troubleshooting experience using debugging tools such as gdb.

• Familiarity with git source code repositories and branch management.

• Exceptional academic track record.

• Willingness to travel up to four times per year for internal events.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Curiosity, flexibility, strong communication, and accountability.

• Experience with Ubuntu Linux (kernel/userspace), Kubernetes, OpenStack, Ceph, QEMU/KVM, LXC/LXD.

• Knowledge of databases like PostgreSQL or MongoDB, Debian packaging, distributed systems.

• Passion for technology and working with high-performing teams.

What We Offer

• Competitive global compensation with annual reviews and performance-driven bonuses.

• Remote-first work environment with biannual in-person team sprints.

• Personal learning and development budget: USD 2,000/year.

• Recognition rewards and career progression opportunities.

• Annual holiday leave, maternity/paternity leave, and Employee Assistance Programme.

• Opportunity to travel internationally for team events.

• Priority Pass for travel and travel upgrades for company events.