Ubuntu Software Engineer

Join to apply for the Ubuntu Software Engineer role at Canonical. Canonical is a leading provider of open‑source software, delivering the global premier operating system Ubuntu. Canonical has 1,200+ colleagues in 75+ countries, operates remotely, and meets in person twice yearly in interesting locations worldwide.

Overview

We are hiring engineers to work across the breadth of our Ubuntu Engineering organisation – designers, builders, packagers, integrators, testers, and shippers of the world’s most deployed open‑source operating system.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and ship new foundational systems software and applications in Rust, Go, Flutter, and Python.
• Engineer the integration of open source from boot firmware to cloud application deployment.
• Package, integrate, test, and ship software to the Ubuntu repositories.
• Build and maintain the automation framework that compiles, tests, and distributes Ubuntu.
• Maintain and evolve the Ubuntu Linux distribution and its repositories.
• Debug system‑level issues and deliver robust solutions.
• Author and improve technical and community documentation.
• Contribute to upstream and neighbouring 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.

Desired Experience and Qualifications

• 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 at 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

• Distributed work environment with twice‑yearly in‑person sprint workshops.
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
• Annual compensation review.
• Recognition rewards and a performance‑driven annual bonus.
• 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. One of the most important open‑source projects, Ubuntu, powers AI, IoT, cloud and more. Canonical is remote‑first and has been since 2004, inviting people worldwide to think differently, work smarter, and grow.

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.

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