Software Architect - Containers / Virtualisation

Canonical; Los Angeles (CA); Remote; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Software Architect to lead the development of innovative cloud computing technologies. This exciting role involves working with cutting-edge technologies in a dynamic, remote environment. You will be responsible for the architecture and design of system containers and virtual machines, ensuring they are easy to set up and reliable. With a focus on mentorship and technical leadership, you will guide a talented team in creating resilient cloud infrastructures. Join this forward-thinking company to make a significant impact in the world of open source software and cloud solutions.

Benefits

Annual learning and development budget of USD 2,000

Regular compensation reviews

Recognition rewards

Holiday leave

Parental leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Travel opportunities

Event perks

Qualifications

• Strong academic background in high school and university.
• Proven drive and exceeding expectations in technical leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture of LXD and MicroCloud.
• Mentor and develop colleagues in technical skills.
• Ensure security and performance of products.

Skills

Golang

C

Cloud Infrastructure

Distributed Systems

Networking

Virtualization

Containers

Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)

Technical Leadership

Professional Communication

Education

Degree in Computer Science or STEM field

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 top public cloud and silicon providers and industry leaders across sectors. We operate a founder-led, profitable, and growing company with a global team of 1200+ colleagues in over 80 countries, mostly remote, meeting in person 2-4 times annually in interesting locations worldwide.

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"—easy to set up and reliable. This involves distributed systems, virtualization, container tech, networking, and storage. Like Ubuntu desktop, we aim to simplify and make it dependable so users can focus on what matters.

LXD is a modern Golang system container and VM orchestrator used on Ubuntu, ChromeOS, and other Linux platforms. It spans kernel work (namespaces, confinement, security, filesystems, VMMs, networking) to high-level management APIs 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 to create a resilient, easy-to-use cluster cloud infrastructure.

We seek an outstanding architect with experience in Golang and C, leadership skills to guide a team, and knowledge of modern cloud infrastructure APIs and technologies.

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

Location

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

Role responsibilities include:

1. Leading the architecture of LXD and MicroCloud
2. Mentoring and developing colleagues
3. Developing in Golang and C
4. Reviewing code contributions
5. Ensuring security and performance of products
6. Providing technical leadership within Canonical and communities
7. Working remotely with biannual global travel for company events

Candidate requirements:

• Strong academic background in high school and university
• Degree in Computer Science or STEM field
• Proven drive and exceeding expectations
• Technical leadership and team motivation skills
• Organized, self-starting, reliable delivery
• Professional communication skills in English
• Experience with Go, C, storage, networking, virtualization, containers, distributed systems, Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)
• Attention to detail and performance focus
• 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 event perks

About Canonical

Canonical leads in open source innovation, publishing Ubuntu—key for AI, IoT, and cloud. We hire globally, expecting excellence and fostering remote work since 2004. Join us to challenge norms, learn, and grow.

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

Additional details

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