Software Architect - Containers / Virtualisation

Canonical; Montreal; Remote; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative leader in open source is seeking a Software Architect to drive the architecture of cutting-edge cloud technologies. In this dynamic role, you will lead the evolution of LXD and MicroCloud, focusing on simplifying the deployment of clusters using containers and virtual machines. You will work in a supportive, learning-oriented environment, collaborating with talented colleagues across the globe. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of cloud infrastructure while enjoying a flexible, remote work setup with travel opportunities for team events. If you are passionate about technology and eager to make an impact, this role is for you.

Benefits

Learning and Development Budget

Competitive Salary with Annual Reviews

Parental Leave

Travel Opportunities

Assistance Programs

Distributed Work Environment

Qualifications

• Proven drive and leadership in software architecture and cloud technologies.
• Experience with Go, C, and a strong understanding of distributed systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture of LXD and MicroCloud for scalable cloud infrastructure.
• Mentor colleagues and provide technical leadership within the community.

Skills

Golang

C

Cloud Infrastructure

Virtualization

Containers

Distributed Systems

Networking

Linux

Excellent Communication Skills

Education

Degree in Computer Science

Strong Academic Background in STEM

Job description

Software Architect - Containers / Virtualisation

Join to apply for the Software Architect - Containers / Virtualisation role 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 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 across sectors. We are a pioneer in global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in over 80 countries, mostly working remotely. Teams meet a few times annually in various global locations to align on strategy and execution.

We are hiring a software architect for Canonical LXD and MicroCloud. Our goal is to make clusters of compute, whether using system containers or virtual machines, easy to deploy and manage, enabling quick setup of small clouds across multiple servers. This involves distributed systems, virtualization, container tech, networking, and storage. Like Ubuntu desktop, our aim is to make it simple, reliable, and focused on user needs.

LXD is a modern Golang-based system container and VM orchestrator used on Ubuntu, ChromeOS, and other Linux platforms. Its engineering spans low-level kernel work to high-level management APIs. As a software architect, you will lead the architecture and evolution of LXD and Canonical MicroCloud, which integrates LXD with Ceph and OVN for resilient, scalable cloud infrastructure.

We seek an outstanding engineer with Golang and C experience, leadership qualities, and knowledge of cloud infrastructure APIs and technologies. This role offers a chance to impact modern cloud tech in a dynamic, learning-oriented environment.

Location: Home-based in EMEA or the Americas, with biannual travel for company events.

Role responsibilities include:

• Leading architecture of LXD and MicroCloud
• Mentoring and developing colleagues
• Developing in Golang and C
• Code review and ensuring security and performance
• Providing technical leadership within Canonical and the community
• Remote work with occasional travel

Candidate requirements:

• Strong academic background in STEM
• Degree in Computer Science or related field
• Proven drive and leadership
• Experience with Go, C, storage, networking, virtualization, containers, distributed systems
• Linux experience (Debian/Ubuntu preferred)
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Organized, proactive, and responsible

What we offer:

• Distributed work environment with in-person team sprints
• Learning and development budget
• Competitive salary with annual reviews and bonuses
• Benefits including leave, parental leave, assistance programs, travel opportunities

About Canonical:

Canonical is a pioneer in open source, publishing Ubuntu and driving innovation in AI, IoT, and cloud. We are a global, inclusive employer committed to diversity and excellence. Working here means thinking differently, learning continuously, and pushing boundaries.

Additional details:

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Engineering & IT
• Industry: Software Development