System Software Engineer - Ubuntu Networking

Canonical; San Jose (CA); Remote; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a System Software Engineer to enhance Ubuntu's networking capabilities. This role involves maintaining and integrating core network stack components while collaborating with a talented, distributed team. You'll design software-defined networking products and contribute to various open-source projects. With a focus on connectivity technologies, you'll play a key role in ensuring robust and secure connections across platforms. Join a forward-thinking company that values diversity and offers a flexible work environment, along with opportunities for international travel and professional growth.

Benefits

Annual Learning Budget

Generous Holiday Leave

Wellness Programs

Opportunities for International Travel

Travel Upgrades for Company Events

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of Linux networking from kernel to user space.
• Professional experience with computer networks and hardware offloading technologies.
• Interest in packaging software for Debian and Ubuntu.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a distributed team on software-defined networking products.
• Write high-quality, well-documented software and debug issues.
• Provide technical leadership and influence open-source projects.

Skills

Linux Networking

Golang

C/C++

Rust

Python

Virtual Networks

Distributed Systems

Education

Technical Degree

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, as well as industry leaders across sectors. We are a pioneer in global distributed collaboration with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries, with 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 hire outstanding system software engineers to focus on connectivity across various contexts, from cloud to desktop to IoT. We aim to enhance tooling, services, documentation, robustness, security, and clarity of Linux network abstractions to provide fast, reliable, and secure connections for Ubuntu.

The network stack is critical for OS stability, reliability, and uptime, contributing to Ubuntu's success across different platforms. 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 broad 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. Ubuntu connectivity is modeled with Netplan, which we continue to develop.

The Ubuntu Foundations Team maintains the core of the Ubuntu system, 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, mentor junior engineers, and participate in code and design reviews. You will work with other teams to improve Ubuntu's architecture, performance, and user experience.

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

The role entails:

• Proactive collaboration with a distributed team
• Designing software-defined networking products for evolving data center architectures
• Writing high-quality, well-documented software
• Debugging issues and producing high-quality fixes
• Contributing to technical documentation
• Providing technical leadership within the organization and open-source communities
• Influencing open-source projects and strategies
• Working from home with global travel 2-4 weeks per year for internal and external events

What we are looking for in you:

• Deep understanding of Linux networking from kernel to user space
• Professional experience with computer networks, including virtual networks and 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
• Exceptional academic record and relevant technical degree or equivalent experience
• A passion for technology and working with talented people
• Passionate, curious, flexible, articulate, and accountable
• Valuing soft skills such as being enterprising, thoughtful, and self-motivated
• Ability to travel internationally twice a year for up to two weeks

What we offer colleagues:

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person team sprints
• Annual learning and development budget of USD 2,000
• Annual compensation review and recognition rewards
• Generous holiday, maternity, and paternity leave
• Wellness programs and support
• Opportunities for international travel to meet colleagues
• Travel upgrades for company events

About Canonical:

Canonical is a pioneering open-source tech firm, publisher of Ubuntu, and a leader in AI, IoT, and cloud platforms. We recruit globally, uphold high standards, and foster a remote-first work environment. Working here challenges you to think differently, learn continuously, and excel.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer:

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All applications are given fair consideration regardless of background or identity.

Additional details:

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Engineering and IT
• Industries: Software Development