System Software Engineer - Ubuntu Networking

Canonical; San Francisco (CA); Remote; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering company in the open-source arena as a System Software Engineer, focusing on enhancing Ubuntu's networking capabilities. This role offers the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies, collaborate with a talented global team, and contribute to innovative product strategies. You'll maintain and integrate core network stack components while shaping the future of connectivity across cloud, server, and IoT platforms. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, enjoy a distributed work environment and opportunities for international travel. If you're passionate about Linux networking and eager to make an impact, this role is for you.

Benefits

Annual learning and development budget

Comprehensive benefits

Holiday leave

Parental leave

Wellness programs

Travel opportunities

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of Linux networking from kernel to user space.
• Experience with virtual networks and distributed systems.
• Strong academic record or compelling alternative narrative.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a distributed team on software-defined networking.
• Write high-quality, well-documented software.
• Contribute to technical documentation and open-source projects.

Skills

Linux Networking

Golang

C/C++

Rust

Python

Computer Networks

Distributed Systems

Hardware Offloading Technologies

Education

High School Diploma

University Degree

Tools

systemd-networkd

NetworkManager

ModemManager

iwd

conman

bluez

iproute2

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 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 investment in Ubuntu enables us to expand our team 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, contributing to Ubuntu's success across various platforms. We are expanding our Foundations team to focus on this essential function, seeking passionate individuals about lower-level OS network technologies. Applicants should be comfortable discussing bridges, bonds, routing, DNS, and related technologies, working with upstream components like kernel, iwd, networkmanager, wpa_supplicant, Bluetooth stacks, conman, mobile data stacks, Ethernet, Infiniband, virtualisation, VPNs, and offload to smartNICs. We model Ubuntu connectivity with Netplan and aim to improve it as a central connectivity tool.

The Ubuntu Foundations Team maintains the core of Ubuntu, building on Debian's technical excellence to deliver the latest and most reliable free software components.

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

Location: This role is remote, based in the AMERICAS region.

Role Responsibilities

• Collaborate proactively with a distributed team.
• Design software-defined networking products for evolving data center architectures.
• Write high-quality, well-documented software.
• Debug issues and produce high-quality fixes.
• Contribute to technical documentation.
• Display technical leadership internally, with partners, and in open-source communities.
• Influence open-source projects and communities.
• Shape innovative product strategies.
• Work from home with global travel 2-4 weeks annually for internal and external events.

Candidate Requirements

• Deep understanding and passion for Linux networking from kernel to user space.
• Experience with computer networks, virtual networks, distributed systems, and hardware offloading technologies.
• Interest in systemd-networkd, NetworkManager, ModemManager, iwd, conman, bluez, iproute2, Open vSwitch, WireGuard, and similar software.
• Fluency in Golang, C/C++, Rust, or Python.
• Experience with Linux (Debian or Ubuntu preferred).
• Interest in packaging software for Debian and Ubuntu.
• Strong academic record from high school and university or compelling alternative narrative.
• Passion for technology and working with talented people.
• Traits: passionate, curious, flexible, articulate, accountable, self-motivated.
• Ability to travel internationally twice a year for up to two weeks.

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 rewards.
• Comprehensive benefits including holiday leave, parental leave, wellness programs, and travel opportunities.

About Canonical

Canonical pioneers open source, publishing Ubuntu, a key platform for AI, IoT, and cloud. We recruit globally, uphold high standards, and promote excellence. Since 2004, most colleagues work remotely, fostering innovative thinking and continuous learning.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We value diversity and are committed to a workplace free from discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive fair consideration regardless of background or identity.