System Software Engineer - Ubuntu Networking

Canonical; Atlanta (GA); Remote; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a System Software Engineer specializing in Ubuntu Networking. This role offers the chance to work remotely within the AMERICAS, focusing on enhancing connectivity across various platforms including cloud, server, and IoT. You will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving the Linux network stack, ensuring reliability and performance. With opportunities for global travel and a commitment to professional development, this position is ideal for those passionate about open-source technology and collaborative innovation. Join a forward-thinking company that values diversity and inclusion while pushing the boundaries of software development.

Benefits

Annual Learning and Development Budget

Annual Compensation Review

Holiday Leave

Parental Leave

Wellness Programs

Opportunities to Travel

Travel Benefits for Company Events

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of Linux networking from kernel to user space.
• Experience with distributed systems and hardware offloading.
• Interest in packaging software for Debian/Ubuntu.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and integrate core network stack components.
• Collaborate on design with team members and upstream projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and participate in code reviews.

Skills

Linux Networking

Golang

C/C++

Rust

Python

Distributed Systems

Debugging

Technical Documentation

Soft Skills

Education

Degree in Technical Field

Equivalent Experience

Tools

systemd-networkd

NetworkManager

Open vSwitch

WireGuard

Job description

System Software Engineer - Ubuntu Networking

Join to apply for the System Software Engineer - Ubuntu Networking 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 are a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries and few office-based roles. Teams meet in person 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 System Software Engineer for Ubuntu Networking. Our expanding investment in Ubuntu enables us to hire outstanding systems software engineers focused on connectivity across cloud, server, desktop, and IoT. We aim to enhance tooling, services, documentation, robustness, security, and clarity of Linux network abstractions to ensure fast, reliable, and secure connections for Ubuntu.

The network stack is critical for OS stability, reliability, and uptime. Its ease of use and dependability are key to Ubuntu's success across IoT, Desktop, Server, and Cloud. We are expanding our Foundations team to focus on this essential function. Applicants should be comfortable discussing bridges, bonds, routing, DNS resolution, and other connectivity technologies. We work with upstream components and communities covering a wide range of connectivity tech, including kernel, iwd, networkmanager, wpa_supplicant, Bluetooth stacks, conman, mobile data stacks, Ethernet, InfiniBand, network virtualization, VPNs, and offload to smartNICs. We model Ubuntu connectivity with Netplan and aim to improve it as the primary tool for connectivity everywhere.

The Ubuntu Foundations Team maintains the core of Ubuntu, building on Debian's technical excellence to deliver the latest free software components in an easy-to-use, reliable form.

As a Linux System Engineer, you will maintain and integrate core network stack components, collaborate on design with team members and upstream projects, mentor junior engineers, participate in code and design reviews, and work with other teams to improve Ubuntu's performance and user experience.

Location:

This role is remote within the AMERICAS region.

The role entails:

• Proactive collaboration with a distributed team
• Shaping software-defined networking products for evolving data center architectures
• Writing high-quality, well-designed, and well-documented software
• Debugging issues and producing high-quality fixes
• Contributing to technical documentation
• Providing technical leadership internally and in open source communities
• Influencing open-source projects and strategies
• Working from home with global travel 2-4 weeks annually for events

What we are looking for:

• Deep Linux networking knowledge from kernel to user space
• Experience with computer and virtual networks, distributed systems, hardware offloading
• Interest in systemd-networkd, NetworkManager, ModemManager, iwd, conman, bluez, iproute2, Open vSwitch, WireGuard, etc.
• Fluency in Golang, C/C++, Rust, or Python
• Linux experience (Debian or Ubuntu preferred)
• Interest in packaging software for Debian/Ubuntu
• Strong academic background
• Degree in a technical field or equivalent experience
• Passion for technology and working with talented teams
• Curiosity, flexibility, articulateness, accountability
• Soft skills: passionate, enterprising, thoughtful, self-motivated
• Ability to travel internationally twice a year for up to two weeks

What we offer:

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person sprints
• USD 2,000 annual learning and development budget
• Annual compensation review and recognition rewards
• Holiday leave, parental leave, wellness programs
• Opportunities to travel and meet colleagues
• Travel benefits for company events

About Canonical:

Canonical pioneers open source innovation. As the publisher of Ubuntu, a key platform for AI, IoT, and cloud, we are changing software. We hire globally to high standards, expecting excellence. Most colleagues work remotely. Working here means thinking differently, learning new skills, and raising your game.

Equal Opportunity:

Canonical is committed to diversity and inclusion. We provide a fair application process regardless of background or identity.