Software Architect - Containers / Virtualisation

Canonical; Minneapolis (MN); Remote; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a talented Software Architect to drive innovation in cloud technology. This role focuses on leading the architecture of LXD and MicroCloud, utilizing your expertise in Golang and C. You'll work in a dynamic, remote environment, mentoring a team while enhancing modern cloud infrastructure. With a strong emphasis on performance and security, this position offers the chance to make a significant impact in the tech landscape. Join a forward-thinking company that values learning and career growth, and be part of a global team that meets biannually to collaborate and strategize.

Benefits

USD 2,000 annual learning budget

Recognition rewards

Holiday leave

Parental leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Travel opportunities for team meetups

Travel perks for company events

Qualifications

• Strong academic background with a degree in Computer Science or STEM.
• Experience in Golang and C, with knowledge of cloud infrastructure.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Golang

C

Cloud Infrastructure

Distributed Systems

Container Technology

Networking

Storage

Technical Leadership

Professional Communication

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

Software Architect - Containers / Virtualisation

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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 are a pioneer in global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in over 80 countries, and few office-based roles. Teams meet 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 small clouds with 1, 2, or 20 servers. This involves distributed systems, virtualization, container tech, networking, and storage. Like Ubuntu desktop, our aim is to make it easy and reliable so users can focus on what matters most.

LXD is a modern Golang system container and VM 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 REST API and CLI management. 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, scalable cloud infrastructure.

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

This is an opportunity to impact modern cloud tech. Canonical offers a dynamic, learning-focused environment and career growth.

Location: Home-based in EMEA or the Americas.

The role involves:

• Leading LXD and MicroCloud architecture
• Mentoring and developing colleagues
• Developing in Golang and C
• Code review
• Ensuring security and performance
• Technical leadership within Canonical and communities
• Working remotely with biannual travel for company events

What we are looking for in you

• Strong academic background from high school and university
• Degree in Computer Science or STEM
• Proven drive and exceeding expectations
• Technical leadership and team motivation skills
• Well-organized, proactive, reliable
• Professional communication skills
• Experience with Go and C
• Knowledge of storage, networking, virtualization
• Experience with container tech and distributed systems
• Detail-oriented with focus on performance
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written
• Linux experience (Debian/Ubuntu preferred)
• Interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, accountability

What we offer

Compensation is based on location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews and performance bonuses. Additional benefits include:

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person sprints
• USD 2,000 annual learning budget
• Recognition rewards, holiday leave, parental leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Travel opportunities for team meetups
• Travel perks for company events

About Canonical

Canonical pioneers open source. As Ubuntu's publisher, we influence AI, IoT, and cloud. We hire globally, expecting excellence. Working remotely since 2004, we challenge you to think differently and grow.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer, valuing diversity and fairness.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and IT

Industries

• Software Development