Software Architect - Containers / Virtualisation

Canonical; Columbus (OH); Remote; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic and innovative firm as a Software Architect, where you will shape the future of cloud computing technologies. In this role, you will lead the architecture and development of cutting-edge solutions using Golang and C, guiding a talented team to deliver exceptional products. With a focus on virtualization and container technology, you will play a pivotal role in simplifying complex infrastructures for users. Enjoy the flexibility of a remote work environment, complemented by biannual global team gatherings. This is an outstanding opportunity to grow your career in a forward-thinking company that values learning and development.

Benefits

Annual learning and development budget of USD 2,000

Performance reviews and compensation adjustments

Recognition rewards

Holiday leave

Parental leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Travel opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong academic background in high school and university.
• Proven drive and dedication with technical leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture of LXD and MicroCloud.
• Mentor and develop colleagues while ensuring product security.

Skills

Golang

C

Distributed Systems

Virtualization

Networking

Containers

Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)

APIs

Technical Leadership

Professional Communication

Education

Degree in Computer Science

STEM Degree

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 periodically in person 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". It should be easy to set up small clouds with one to twenty servers. This involves distributed systems, virtualization, container technology, networking, and storage. Like the Ubuntu desktop, our aim is to make it easy and reliable for users to focus on their core tasks rather than OS and infrastructure complexities.

LXD is a modern Golang system container and virtual machine orchestrator used on Ubuntu, ChromeOS, and other Linux platforms. Its engineering spans kernel work (namespaces, confinement, security, filesystems, VMMs, networking) to high-level management via REST API and CLI. As a software architect, you will lead the architecture, design, and development of LXD and Canonical MicroCloud, which combines LXD with Ceph and OVN for resilient, scalable cloud infrastructure.

We seek an exceptional software architect with experience in Golang and C, and leadership qualities to guide a team in delivering outstanding products. Knowledge of modern cloud infrastructure, APIs, and underlying technologies is essential.

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 involves:

• Leading the architecture of LXD and MicroCloud
• Mentoring and developing colleagues
• Developing in Golang and C
• Code review and ensuring product security and performance
• Providing technical leadership within Canonical and the community
• Working remotely with biannual global travel for company events

Ideal candidate qualities include:

• Strong academic background in high school and university
• Degree in Computer Science or STEM
• Proven drive and dedication
• Technical leadership and team motivation skills
• Organized, proactive, and deadline-oriented
• Professional communication skills in English
• Experience with Go, C, storage, networking, virtualization, containers, distributed systems, Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)
• Attention to detail and performance focus
• Curiosity, flexibility, and accountability

What we offer:

• Distributed work environment with in-person team sprints twice a year
• Annual learning and development budget of USD 2,000
• Performance reviews and compensation adjustments
• Recognition rewards, holiday leave, parental leave
• Employee Assistance Programme and travel opportunities

About Canonical:

Canonical pioneers open source technology, publishing Ubuntu, a key platform for AI, IoT, and cloud. We hire globally and uphold high standards of excellence. Working here is future-oriented, encouraging innovation, learning, and skill development.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We value varied perspectives and backgrounds, and we ensure fair consideration of all applications.