Software Engineer - Python - Ubuntu Pro client - graduate level

Canonical; Rochester (MN); Remote; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate software engineer to enhance the Ubuntu Pro Client. This role involves collaborating with a talented team to develop and maintain a critical command-line tool used worldwide. You will leverage your extensive Python skills and Linux experience to ensure high-quality software that meets user needs. With opportunities for global travel and a commitment to open-source values, this position is perfect for those eager to make a significant impact in the tech community.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with Python on Linux systems.
• Knowledge of Debian packaging and Ubuntu system administration.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a distributed team to write high-quality code.
• Debug issues and produce high-quality fixes for the Pro client.

Skills

Python

Linux

Debian packaging

Continuous integration

Ubuntu system administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Equivalent in STEM or related field

Job description

Ubuntu Pro is a suite of specialist services provided by Canonical. Whether for enterprise customers deploying systems at scale or users seeking security patching for their personal Ubuntu LTS at home, the Ubuntu Pro Client is the command-line tool that manages these services.

The quality and stability of the Ubuntu Pro Client are critically important, as it comes pre-installed on every Ubuntu system. You will work with the Ubuntu Server team, alongside major cloud partners and multiple Canonical product teams to develop, test, and release improvements to the Pro client. You will also communicate with our users to ensure their needs are met.

This role requires quality-oriented software engineering in Python and a focus on software interoperability across a wide range of target releases and environments. Excellent Python skills are essential; previous contributions to open source Python projects are a plus. The Pro client interacts with Ubuntu package management, so experience with configuring apt, knowledge of deb packaging, and general system administration are advantageous.

Applicants should be passionate about the Ubuntu project and its values, and about building tools used by millions worldwide. A focus on quality, edge cases, ease of use, documentation, and community coordination is important. The Pro client is used in environments ranging from mission-critical systems to hobbyist setups; applicants should be prepared to work with this spectrum and guide engineering best practices accordingly.

What you'll do

1. Collaborate proactively with a distributed team
2. Write high-quality code with unit and functional tests to create new features
3. Debug issues and produce high-quality fixes
4. Review code from other engineers
5. Discuss ideas and investigate solutions
6. Work remotely, with 2 to 4 weeks of global travel per year for internal and external events

Who you are

1. You love technology and working with talented people
2. You are curious, adaptable, articulate, and responsible
3. You value soft skills and are passionate, proactive, thoughtful, and self-motivated
4. You hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Computer Science, STEM, or a related field
5. You have extensive experience with Python on Linux
6. You are interested in and experienced with two or more of the following: Ubuntu Linux system administration, continuous integration, contract management, Debian packaging, or cloud platforms
7. Bonus: experience engaging with the open source community

Canonical is committed to fostering a workplace free from discrimination. We value diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds, which lead to a better environment for our employees and a superior platform for our users and customers. We encourage everyone to join the Ubuntu community.