Software Architect - Containers / Virtualisation

Canonical; Milwaukee (WI); Remote; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Canonical is seeking a Software Architect to lead the architecture and evolution of LXD and MicroCloud, focusing on making cloud technologies easy to use. The role requires proficiency in Golang and C, technical leadership, and the ability to mentor a team while working remotely. Join a dynamic company that values innovation and offers opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

USD 2,000 annual learning and development budget

Recognition rewards

Holiday leave

Parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Opportunities for travel and attending company events

Qualifications

• Strong academic record from high school and university.
• Experience with Go and C programming.
• Knowledge of storage, networking, virtualization, and distributed systems.

Responsibilities

• Leading the architecture of LXD and MicroCloud.
• Mentoring and developing colleagues.
• Ensuring product security and performance.

Skills

Leadership

Technical Communication

Attention to Detail

Adaptability

Problem Solving

Education

Degree in Computer Science or STEM

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, as well as industry leaders across sectors. We operate with 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 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—using system containers or virtual machines—"just work". It should be easy to set up a small cloud with one to twenty servers. This role involves distributed systems, virtualization, container technology, networking, and storage. Like the Ubuntu desktop, our aim is to make these technologies easy and reliable, so users can focus on what matters most.

LXD is a modern Golang system container and virtual machine orchestrator used on Ubuntu, ChromeOS, and other Linux platforms. Its engineering spans low-level 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 evolution of LXD and Canonical MicroCloud, which combines LXD with Ceph and OVN for resilient, cluster-scale cloud infrastructure.

We seek an experienced software architect and engineer with proficiency 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 a chance to impact modern cloud computing technologies. Canonical provides a dynamic, fast-paced environment with opportunities for learning and development.

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

The role entails:

• Leading the architecture of LXD and MicroCloud
• Mentoring and developing colleagues
• Developing in Golang and C
• Reviewing code from team members
• Ensuring product security and performance
• Providing technical leadership within Canonical and its communities
• Working remotely with biannual global travel for company events

What we are looking for in you:

• Strong academic record from high school and university
• Degree in Computer Science or STEM
• Proven drive and a history of exceeding expectations
• Technical leadership and team motivation skills
• Well-organized, proactive, and reliable in delivering results
• Professional communication skills in English
• Experience with Go and C programming
• Knowledge of storage, networking, virtualization, container tech, distributed systems
• Attention to detail and focus on performance
• Experience with Linux (Debian or Ubuntu preferred)
• Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, adaptability, accountability

What we offer:

Our compensation considers location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews and performance bonuses. Benefits include:

• Distributed remote work environment with biannual team sprints
• USD 2,000 annual learning and development budget
• Recognition rewards, holiday leave, parental leave, Employee Assistance Program
• Opportunities for travel and attending company events

About Canonical:

Canonical pioneers open source technology, publishing Ubuntu—the platform for AI, IoT, and cloud. We recruit globally and uphold high standards of excellence. Since 2004, most colleagues work remotely. Join us to think differently, learn new skills, and innovate.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all applicants.