Software Architect - Containers / Virtualisation

Canonical; Seattle (WA); Remote; USD 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Software Architect specializing in Containers and Virtualization. This role offers the opportunity to lead the architecture of LXD and MicroCloud, focusing on simplifying cloud infrastructure. Ideal candidates will possess strong skills in Golang and C, with a passion for mentoring and delivering high-quality products. Join a dynamic team that values learning and development, and enjoy the flexibility of a remote-first culture while making a significant impact in the world of open source technologies. This is your chance to innovate and excel in a forward-thinking environment.

Benefits

Biannual in-person team sprints

Learning and development budget of USD 2,000/year

Annual compensation review

Performance bonuses

Comprehensive benefits

Qualifications

• Strong academic background and degree in Computer Science or STEM.
• Experience with Go and C, leadership skills to guide teams.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Golang

C

Cloud Infrastructure

Container Technology

Distributed Systems

Networking

Storage

Leadership

Professional Communication

Education

Degree in Computer Science

STEM Degree

Tools

Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)

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, and IoT. Our customers include major public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders worldwide. We operate with a distributed team of over 1200 colleagues across more than 80 countries, with few office-based roles. Teams meet periodically in interesting locations globally 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"—easy to deploy and reliable. This role involves distributed systems, virtualization, container tech, networking, and storage, aiming to simplify cloud infrastructure setup.

LXD is a modern Golang system container and VM orchestrator used on Ubuntu, ChromeOS, and other Linux platforms. The engineering scope spans kernel work, security, filesystems, VMMs, networking, REST API, and CLI. As a software architect, you will lead the architecture and evolution of LXD and MicroCloud, which integrates LXD with Ceph and OVN for resilient, scalable cloud infrastructure.

Ideal candidates will have experience in Golang and C, with leadership qualities to guide teams and deliver high-quality products. Knowledge of cloud infrastructure APIs and underlying technologies is essential.

This role offers a meaningful impact on cloud computing technologies, a dynamic team environment, and opportunities for learning and career development.

Location

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

Responsibilities include:

1. Leading the architecture of LXD and MicroCloud
2. Mentoring and developing colleagues
3. Developing in Golang and C
4. Code review
5. Ensuring security and performance
6. Providing technical leadership
7. Occasional global travel for company events

What we are looking for:

• 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
• Experience with Go and C
• Knowledge of storage, networking, virtualization
• Experience with container tech, distributed systems
• Attention to detail and performance focus
• Fluent English
• Linux experience (Debian/Ubuntu preferred)
• Interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, accountability

What we offer:

• Distributed work with biannual in-person team sprints
• Learning and development budget of USD 2,000/year
• Annual compensation review and performance bonuses
• Comprehensive benefits reflecting our values

About Canonical:

Canonical pioneers in open source, publishing Ubuntu, a key platform for AI, IoT, and cloud. We hire globally, uphold high standards, and promote a remote-first culture since 2004. Working here challenges you to innovate, learn, and excel.

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

Additional Details:

Senior level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Engineering and IT

Industry: Software Development