Software Architect - Containers / Virtualisation

Canonical; Tacoma (WA); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Software Architect specializing in Containers and Virtualization. This home-based role focuses on driving the architecture and evolution of LXD and Canonical MicroCloud, impacting cloud computing technologies. Ideal candidates will possess strong skills in Golang and C, along with leadership qualities to guide a dynamic team. Enjoy a distributed work environment with opportunities for learning, development, and global travel. This role promises a meaningful impact on the future of software and cloud infrastructure.

Benefits

Annual learning and development budget of USD 2,000

Comprehensive benefits including leave and parental leave

Opportunities to travel and meet colleagues globally

Performance reviews and bonuses

Distributed work environment with biannual in-person sprints

Qualifications

• Strong academic background in high school and university.
• Proven drive and exceeding expectations in technical leadership.

Responsibilities

• Leading the architecture of LXD and MicroCloud.
• Developing in Golang and C while ensuring security and performance.
• Mentoring and advising colleagues on technical leadership.

Skills

Golang

C

Cloud Infrastructure APIs

Networking

Virtualization

Containers

Distributed Systems

Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)

Education

Degree in Computer Science

STEM Degree

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 top public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders across sectors. We operate a founder-led, profitable, and growing company with a distributed team of over 1200 colleagues in more than 80 countries. We value in-person gatherings a few times a year in interesting locations worldwide to align on strategy and execution.

We are hiring a Software Architect for Canonical LXD and MicroCloud. Our goal is to make clusters of compute, with system containers or virtual machines, "just work"—easy to set up and reliable, enabling users to focus on their core tasks rather than infrastructure. This role involves working on distributed systems, virtualization, container technology, networking, and storage.

LXD is a modern Golang-based system container and VM orchestrator used on Ubuntu, ChromeOS, and other Linux platforms. You will drive the architecture, design, and evolution of LXD and Canonical MicroCloud, which integrates LXD with Ceph and OVN to create resilient, cluster-scale cloud infrastructure.

Ideal candidates will have experience in Golang and C, with leadership qualities to guide a team, and knowledge of modern cloud infrastructure APIs and technologies.

This role offers a meaningful impact on cloud computing technologies, a dynamic team environment, and opportunities for learning and 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 advising colleagues
3. Developing in Golang and C
4. Code review
5. Ensuring security and performance
6. Providing technical leadership within Canonical and the community
7. Working remotely with biannual global travel for company events

Qualifications:

• Strong academic background in high school and university
• Degree in Computer Science or STEM
• Proven drive and exceeding expectations
• Technical leadership and team motivation skills
• Self-organized, reliable, and deadline-oriented
• Professional communication skills in English
• Experience with Go, C, storage, networking, virtualization, and containers
• Knowledge of distributed systems and Linux (Debian/Ubuntu preferred)
• Interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability

What We Offer:

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person sprints
• Annual learning and development budget of USD 2,000
• Performance reviews and bonuses
• Comprehensive benefits including leave, parental leave, and assistance programs
• Opportunities to travel and meet colleagues globally

About Canonical

Canonical pioneers open source innovation. As the publisher of Ubuntu, a key platform for AI, IoT, and cloud, we are shaping the future of software. We recruit globally, uphold high standards, and value diversity and excellence. Since 2004, most colleagues work remotely, embracing the future of work.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.