Software Engineer - L3 Support

Canonical; San Jose (CA); Remote; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative tech firm is seeking a passionate Software Engineer for L3 Support, focusing on Linux-based infrastructure and open source applications. In this dynamic role, you'll tackle complex issues across the entire stack, contributing to the success of Ubuntu and its community. You'll collaborate with talented teams, participate in upstream development, and have the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment. This role offers a remote work setup, allowing you to connect with colleagues globally while making a significant impact in the open source world. If you thrive on challenges and have a passion for technology, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Annual learning and development budget

Biannual team sprints

Recognition rewards

Maternity and paternity leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellness Platform

Opportunities for global travel

Qualifications

• Exceptional academic record in Computer Science or STEM.
• Experience with Linux and open source software.
• Proficiency in Python, Go, C, or C++ on Linux.

Responsibilities

• Resolve complex customer problems related to Ubuntu and open source software.
• Collaborate with Field, Support, and Product Engineering teams.
• Participate in upstream communities and develop bug fixes.

Skills

Linux

Python

Go

C

C++

OpenStack

Kubernetes

Ceph

Distributed Systems

Problem Solving

Education

Computer Science Degree

STEM Background

Tools

Docker

KVM

Postgresql

Mongo

Job description

Join to apply for the Software Engineer - L3 Support 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, along with industry leaders across sectors. We are a pioneer in global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ 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 Engineer - L3 Support to work in a dynamic role involving Linux-based infrastructure and applications across all layers of the stack, including bare metal, virtualization (KVM), containerization (Docker/LXC/LXD), storage (Ceph, Linux filesystems), networking (OVS, OVN, Core networking), OpenStack, Kubernetes, and open source applications. This role challenges you to demonstrate a broad range of engineering skills needed to work on various aspects of Ubuntu and enterprise open source software.

This position offers an opportunity for a Linux and open source enthusiast to build a career with Canonical, impacting our customers, community, and company. If you have a passion for open source, good communication skills, and enjoy troubleshooting, you'll thrive here.

The role involves addressing critical issues in the open source stack, requiring upstream bug fixes. Our engineers work across the stack, including kernel-level issues, using multiple programming languages to resolve software problems. Our team is vital to our customers, partners, and Ubuntu's success.

You will assist in troubleshooting, resolving issues through workarounds, guidance, and upstream bug fixes.

Location: This is a remote role with teams across all time zones.

The responsibilities include:

1. Resolving complex customer problems related to Ubuntu, Kernel, Ceph, OpenStack, Kubernetes, or other open source software.
2. Collaborating closely with Canonical's Field, Support, and Product Engineering teams.
3. Participating in upstream communities.
4. Developing bug fixes, backport patches, and working with upstream for inclusion.
5. Reviewing code from other engineers.
6. Applying good judgment in technical methods and techniques.
7. Managing work priorities effectively.
8. Participating in team discussions to improve processes, tools, and documentation.
9. Communicating clearly and concisely.
10. Working remotely and traveling internationally up to 10% for meetings, events, and conferences.

Qualifications include:

• Exceptional academic record.
• Background in Computer Science, STEM, or similar.
• Experience with Linux and open source software.
• Proficiency in Python, Go, C, or C++ on Linux.
• Willingness to learn new technologies and tackle difficult issues.
• Willingness to travel up to 4 times a year.

Nice-to-have skills:

• Passion for technology and collaboration with talented people.
• Curiosity, flexibility, articulation, and accountability.
• Soft skills such as passion, enterprise mindset, thoughtfulness, and self-motivation.
• Interest or willingness to learn about Ubuntu Linux (kernel or userspace), Kubernetes, OpenStack, Ceph, QEMU/KVM, LXC/LXD, Postgresql, Mongo, Debian packaging, distributed systems.

Benefits include:

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person team sprints.
• USD 2,000 annual learning and development budget.
• Annual compensation review.
• Recognition rewards, holiday leave, maternity and paternity leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme & Wellness Platform.
• Opportunities for travel and meeting colleagues globally.

About Canonical: Canonical is a pioneering open source tech firm behind Ubuntu, shaping the future of software with a global, diverse team. Working here means thinking differently, learning continuously, and pushing your limits.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We consider all applications fairly regardless of background or identity.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

• Software Development