Software Architect - Containers / Virtualisation

Canonical; Montreal; Remote; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Canonical is seeking a Software Architect for Containers and Virtualisation to lead the architecture of LXD and MicroCloud. This role involves working with distributed systems and virtualization technologies in a remote environment, offering opportunities for career growth and a meaningful impact on cloud computing.

Benefits

USD 2,000 annual learning budget

Performance reviews and bonuses

Comprehensive benefits

Travel opportunities and rewards

Qualifications

• Strong academic record from high school and university.
• Proven drive and exceeding expectations.
• Self-organized, reliable, and deadline-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Leading LXD and MicroCloud architecture.
• Mentoring and advising colleagues.
• Ensuring security and performance.

Skills

Leadership

Technical communication

Interpersonal skills

Curiosity

Flexibility

Accountability

Education

Degree in Computer Science or STEM

Tools

Golang

C

Linux

Cloud infrastructure APIs

Virtualization

Containers

Distributed systems

Networking

Storage

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, and very few office-based roles. Teams meet 2-4 times yearly in interesting locations worldwide to align on strategy and execution.

The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing.

We are hiring a software architect for Canonical LXD and MicroCloud. Our goal is to make clusters of compute, with system containers or virtual machines, "just work"—trivially standing up small clouds with 1-20 servers. This involves distributed systems, virtualization, container technology, networking, and storage. Like Ubuntu desktop, our aim is ease and reliability, so users can focus on what matters rather than OS and infrastructure.

LXD is a modern Golang system container and VM orchestrator used on Ubuntu, ChromeOS, and other Linux platforms. Engineering spans kernel work (namespaces, confinement, security, filesystems, VMMs, networking) to high-level management REST API and CLI. As a software architect, you will lead the architecture, design, and evolution of LXD and Canonical MicroCloud, which combines 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 meaningful impact on cloud computing technologies, a fun and fast-paced environment, and career growth opportunities.

Location

This is a home-based position in EMEA and the Americas.

Responsibilities include:

1. Leading LXD and MicroCloud architecture
2. Mentoring and advising colleagues
3. Developing in Golang and C
4. Code review
5. Ensuring security and performance
6. Providing technical leadership in Canonical and communities
7. Traveling twice annually for company events

What we are looking for:

• Strong academic record from high school and university
• Degree in Computer Science or STEM
• Proven drive and exceeding expectations
• Technical leadership and team motivation skills
• Self-organized, reliable, and deadline-oriented
• Professional communication skills in English
• Experience with Go, C, storage, networking, virtualization, containers, distributed systems
• Linux experience (Debian/Ubuntu preferred)
• Interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, accountability

What we offer:

• Distributed work with biannual in-person sprints
• USD 2,000 annual learning budget
• Performance reviews and bonuses
• Comprehensive benefits, holiday leave, parental leave, Employee Assistance Program
• Travel opportunities and rewards

About Canonical

Canonical pioneers open source, publishing Ubuntu, a key platform for AI, IoT, and cloud. We hire globally, expect excellence, and support remote work since 2004. Join us to think differently, learn, and grow.

We are an equal opportunity employer, valuing diversity and inclusion.

Additional details

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