System Software Engineer - Rust compiler, tooling, and ecosystem

Canonical; San Diego (CA); Remote; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative tech firm is seeking a passionate System Software Engineer to enhance the Rust ecosystem on Ubuntu. This role offers the chance to work on critical toolchains, ensuring that modern programming innovations are accessible to users. You'll collaborate with a distributed team, mentor others, and influence the architecture of Ubuntu across various environments. With a commitment to open-source development and a remote-first culture, this position provides a unique opportunity to contribute to a leading platform in the tech industry.

Benefits

Annual learning and development budget of USD 2,000

Annual compensation review

Performance bonuses

Wellness programs

Holiday leave

Parental leave

Travel opportunities

Qualifications

• Relevant Rust experience, especially in cloud-native software and Linux.
• Strong academic background from high school and university.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate proactively with a distributed team.
• Develop high-quality code for new features and bug fixes.

Skills

Rust

Linux

Cloud-native software

Debian packaging

Education

Degree in a technical field

High school diploma

Job description

System Software Engineer - Rust compiler, tooling, and ecosystem

Join to apply for the System Software Engineer - Rust compiler, tooling, and ecosystem 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 are a pioneer in global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries, and few office-based roles. Teams meet 2-4 times annually in interesting locations worldwide to align on strategy and execution.

The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing.

We are hiring a System Software Engineer for Rust compiler, tooling, and ecosystem. You will join a new team focused on the Rust programming language and its ecosystem on Ubuntu. Your work will deliver the best Rust runtime, developer experience, and tooling in Ubuntu, ensuring that modern programming language innovation is accessible to Ubuntu users. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a software engineer passionate about open source, Linux systems, software architecture, and Rust programming language. You will help make Ubuntu the premier platform for developing and running Rust applications across cloud, datacenter, containers, and more.

The Ubuntu Foundations Team develops the core Ubuntu system, forming the base for all Ubuntu products and services. We aim to deliver the latest, high-quality free software components in a reliable and user-friendly manner, building on Debian's technical excellence and shaping solutions for the industry.

As part of this team, you will work on critical toolchains for Ubuntu and the modern software ecosystem. You will leverage your Rust expertise to enhance Ubuntu's platform for software development, distribution, and consumption. Candidates should be passionate about Rust, Ubuntu, and the open-source ecosystem, and aware of the needs of large, innovative organizations. Your work will focus on integrating Ubuntu across desktop, cloud, and other environments in a secure, reliable, and efficient manner.

Your responsibilities include discussing design with team members, mentoring less experienced engineers, participating in code and design reviews, and collaborating with other teams to improve Ubuntu's architecture and performance. Your impact will influence Ubuntu's desktop, server, Ubuntu Core, and cloud images.

Location:

This role will be based remotely in the AMERICAS region.

Key responsibilities:

1. Collaborate proactively with a distributed team.
2. Select, integrate, and package tooling to improve Rust development and operation in Ubuntu.
3. Develop high-quality code for new features and bug fixes.
4. Review code contributions from colleagues.
5. Engage in idea discussions and collaborative problem-solving.
6. Work from home with 2-4 weeks of global travel annually for events.

Candidate requirements:

• Relevant Rust experience, especially in cloud-native software and Linux.
• Interest or experience in packaging software for Debian and Ubuntu.
• Long-term Linux user.
• Strong academic background from high school and university.
• Degree in a technical field or equivalent experience.
• Passion for technology and working with talented teams.
• Curiosity, flexibility, articulate communication, and accountability.
• Soft skills such as being passionate, enterprising, thoughtful, and self-motivated.

What we offer:

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person team sprints.
• USD 2,000 annual learning and development budget.
• Annual compensation review and performance bonuses.
• Benefits reflecting our values, including holiday leave, parental leave, wellness programs, and travel opportunities.

About Canonical:

Canonical is a pioneering open-source tech firm, publisher of Ubuntu, and a leader in AI, IoT, and cloud platforms. We hire globally, expect excellence, and promote a remote-first work culture. Working here challenges you to think differently, learn continuously, and innovate.

Equal Opportunity:

Canonical is committed to diversity and inclusivity, providing a fair application process regardless of background or identity.