Software Architect - Containers / Virtualisation

Canonical; New York (NY); Remote; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading open source software provider seeks a Software Architect for Containers/Virtualisation. This role involves leading the architecture of LXD and MicroCloud, mentoring team members, and developing in Golang and C. Join a dynamic team focused on modern cloud technology in a remote-first culture.

Benefits

Annual learning and development budget of USD 2,000

Recognition rewards

Parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Travel opportunities for company events

Qualifications

• Experience with Go, C, storage, networking, virtualization, and distributed systems.
• Strong academic background and technical leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture of LXD and MicroCloud.
• Mentor and develop team members.
• Ensure security and performance of products.

Skills

Leadership

Professional communication

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Computer Science

High school diploma

Tools

Golang

C

Linux

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 over 1200 colleagues in more than 80 countries, with few office-based roles. Teams meet in person 2-4 times a year at various 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 a few servers. This involves distributed systems, virtualization, container technology, networking, and storage. Similar to Ubuntu desktop, our aim is to make infrastructure reliable and easy 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 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 and evolution of LXD and Canonical MicroCloud, which combines LXD with Ceph and OVN for scalable, resilient cloud infrastructure.

We seek an outstanding architect and engineer with experience in Golang and C, with leadership qualities to guide a team. Knowledge of cloud infrastructure APIs and technologies is essential.

This role offers a chance to impact modern cloud tech. Canonical provides a dynamic, learning-focused environment with opportunities for growth.

Location: Home-based in EMEA or the Americas.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the architecture of LXD and MicroCloud
• Mentor and develop team members
• Develop in Golang and C
• Review code contributions
• Ensure security and performance of products
• Provide technical leadership within Canonical and the community
• Work remotely with biannual global travel for company events

Qualifications:

• Strong academic background from high school and university
• Degree in Computer Science or STEM field
• Proven drive and dedication
• Technical leadership and team motivation skills
• Self-organized, reliable, and deadline-oriented
• Professional communication skills in English
• Experience with Go, C, storage, networking, virtualization, containers, distributed systems, Linux (Ubuntu preferred)
• Attention to detail and performance focus

What We Offer:

• Distributed work environment with in-person team sprints
• Annual learning and development budget of USD 2,000
• Performance reviews and compensation updates
• Recognition rewards, holiday leave, parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel opportunities and perks for company events

About Canonical:

Canonical pioneers open source with Ubuntu, impacting AI, IoT, and cloud. We hire globally, value excellence, and foster a remote-first culture since 2004. Join us to challenge and grow your skills in a forward-thinking environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion.