Software Architect - Containers / Virtualisation

Canonical; Baltimore (MD); Remote; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a talented Software Architect to drive the evolution of container and virtualization technologies. This role offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge cloud infrastructure, leading a dynamic team in a remote-first environment. You'll have a significant impact on modern cloud computing, focusing on system containers and virtual machines. Join a pioneering company that values innovation, learning, and career growth, while collaborating with a global team dedicated to excellence in open source software development.

Benefits

Annual learning and development budget of USD 2,000

Regular compensation reviews

Recognition rewards

Holiday leave

Parental leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Travel opportunities

Company event upgrades

Qualifications

• Strong academic background in STEM, with a degree in Computer Science.
• Proven technical leadership and team motivation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture of LXD and MicroCloud.
• Mentor colleagues and ensure security and performance.

Skills

Golang

C

Cloud Infrastructure

APIs

Container Technology

Distributed Systems

Linux

Networking

Virtualization

Education

Degree in Computer Science

High School Diploma

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 have a global, distributed team of 1200+ colleagues in over 80 countries, with few office-based roles. Teams meet in person 2-4 times a year at 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"—trivial to set up and reliable, enabling users to focus on their core tasks rather than infrastructure.

LXD is a modern Golang system container and virtual machine orchestrator used on Ubuntu, ChromeOS, and other Linux platforms. It spans low-level kernel work to high-level management APIs and CLI. As a software architect, you will drive the architecture, design, and evolution of LXD and Canonical MicroCloud, which combines LXD with Ceph and OVN for resilient, easy-to-use cloud infrastructure.

We seek an exceptional software architect with experience in Golang and C, leadership qualities, and knowledge of modern cloud infrastructure, APIs, and underlying technologies.

This role offers the chance to impact modern cloud computing technologies. Canonical provides a dynamic, learning-focused environment and career growth opportunities.

Location: Home-based in EMEA or the Americas.

The role entails:

1. Leadership of LXD and MicroCloud architecture
2. Mentoring and advising colleagues
3. Development in Golang and C
4. Code review
5. Ensuring security and performance
6. Technical leadership within Canonical and communities
7. Occasional global travel (twice annually)

What we are looking for:

• Strong academic background in high school and university
• Degree in Computer Science or STEM
• Proven drive and exceeding expectations
• Technical leadership and team motivation skills
• Well-organized, self-starting, reliable delivery
• Professional interaction skills
• Experience with Go and C
• Knowledge of storage, networking, virtualization
• Experience with container tech and distributed systems
• Attention to performance and detail
• Fluent English communication skills
• Linux experience (Debian/Ubuntu preferred)
• Interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, accountability

What we offer:

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person sprints
• Annual learning and development budget of USD 2,000
• Regular compensation reviews
• Recognition rewards, holiday leave, parental leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Travel opportunities and company event upgrades

About Canonical:

We are pioneers in open source, publishing Ubuntu, a key platform for AI, IoT, and cloud. We hire globally, set high standards, and value excellence. Since 2004, most colleagues work remotely, fostering innovation and continuous learning.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion.