Software Architect - Containers / Virtualisation

Canonical; Phoenix (AZ); Remote; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Software Architect specializing in containers and virtualization. This dynamic role focuses on leading the architecture of innovative cloud infrastructure solutions, simplifying deployment and management of systems. With a commitment to open-source software, the company fosters a collaborative environment that encourages growth and development. As a key contributor, you'll work remotely, guiding a talented team while ensuring high performance and security. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of cloud computing and make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving field.

Benefits

Learning and development budget ($2000/year)

Annual compensation review

Performance bonuses

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Travel opportunities

Company event upgrades

Qualifications

• Strong academic background in high school and university.
• Proven drive and exceeding expectations in engineering roles.

Responsibilities

• Leading architecture for LXD and MicroCloud.
• Mentoring colleagues and providing technical leadership.
• Developing software in Golang and C.

Skills

Golang

C

Cloud Infrastructure

Distributed Systems

Virtualization

Networking

Containers

Linux (Ubuntu preferred)

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, 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 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, focusing on making clusters of compute, system containers, or virtual machines, easy to deploy and manage. This involves distributed systems, virtualization, container technology, networking, and storage. Our goal is to simplify and make reliable cloud infrastructure, allowing users to focus on their core tasks.

LXD is a modern Golang-based system container and VM orchestrator used on Ubuntu, ChromeOS, and other Linux platforms. It covers low-level kernel work to high-level management APIs. As a software architect, you will lead the architecture and evolution of LXD and MicroCloud, which combines LXD with Ceph and OVN for resilient, scalable cloud infrastructure.

We seek an experienced engineer with skills in Golang and C, leadership qualities, and knowledge of cloud infrastructure APIs and technologies.

This role offers a chance to impact modern cloud computing, with a dynamic, growth-oriented environment. It is home-based in EMEA or the Americas.

Role responsibilities include:

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

Candidate requirements:

• Strong academic background in high school and university
• Degree in Computer Science or STEM
• Proven drive and exceeding expectations
• Leadership and team motivation skills
• Organized, self-starting, reliable
• Professional communication skills in English
• Experience with Go, C, storage, networking, virtualization, containers, distributed systems, Linux (Ubuntu preferred)
• Detail-oriented with a focus on performance
• Interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, accountability

Benefits include:

• Distributed work with biannual team sprints
• Learning and development budget ($2000/year)
• Annual compensation review and performance bonuses
• Paid holidays, parental leave, Employee Assistance Program
• Travel opportunities and company event upgrades

About Canonical:

Canonical pioneers open source innovation, publishing Ubuntu, a key platform for AI, IoT, and cloud. We hire globally, expect excellence, and foster a diverse, inclusive workplace. Most colleagues work remotely, since 2004.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and fairness.

Additional details:

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