Ubuntu Core Software Engineer

Canonical; Tucson (AZ); Remote; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Canonical is seeking an Ubuntu Core Software Engineer to enhance the Linux experience in embedded environments. This role involves designing and implementing software across various CPU architectures, requiring a passion for open source and strong technical skills in low-level operating systems.

Benefits

Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000/year

Annual compensation review

Recognition rewards, holiday leave, parental leave

Wellness programs and travel opportunities

Travel upgrades for company events

Qualifications

• Experience with C or Golang, and Shell scripting.
• Understanding of Linux, preferably Debian or Ubuntu.
• Experience with Linux-capable devices like Raspberry Pi.

Responsibilities

• Write high-quality code with unit tests for new features.
• Debug Linux system-level issues and produce quality fixes.
• Collaborate proactively with a distributed team.

Skills

C

Golang

Shell scripting

Linux

Debian

Ubuntu

Bootloaders

Linux security features

Education

Bachelor's in Computer Science or equivalent

Tools

Yocto

Job description

Join to apply for the Ubuntu Core Software Engineer 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, along with industry leaders across sectors. We operate as a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries and few office-based roles. Teams meet 2-4 times yearly in interesting locations worldwide to align on strategy and execution.

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

We are hiring an Ubuntu Core Software Engineer to redefine the Linux experience in embedded environments with the smallest, most secure, and updatable operating system in the IoT market. This role is ideal for a software engineer passionate about open source, Linux, security, and developer experience. It requires high technical skill with low-level operating systems, kernels, and device firmware.

Our mission is to enable everyone to build robust solutions in fields like IoT, automotive, and aviation using the next-generation secure embedded Linux OS. We focus on reliable, secure device recovery mechanisms to simplify and standardize field operations for heterogeneous device fleets.

As part of the Ubuntu Core team, you'll design and implement software across various CPU architectures, such as ARM, RISC-V, and x86, working on boot mechanisms, bootloaders, storage partition layouts, device trees, kernels, and services.

Build a rewarding career working with top talent at Canonical, a growing international software company.

Location: This role is remote within the EMEA region

The role entails:

1. Write high-quality code with unit tests for new features
2. Debug Linux system-level issues and produce quality fixes
3. Collaborate proactively with a distributed team
4. Review code from other engineers
5. Discuss ideas and find solutions collaboratively
6. Integrate diverse bootloaders and maintain gadget snaps
7. Work from home with global travel 2-4 times a year for events

What we are looking for in you:

• You love technology and working with talented people
• You are curious, flexible, articulate, and accountable
• You value soft skills and are passionate, enterprising, thoughtful, and self-motivated
• You hold a Bachelor's or equivalent in Computer Science, STEM, or similar
• You have experience with C or Golang, and Shell scripting
• You understand Linux well; Debian or Ubuntu preferred
• You have experience with Linux-capable devices like Raspberry Pi
• You are interested in or experienced with low-level systems and security facilities such as:
• Bootloaders (ARM and x86), e.g., piboot, uboot, grub-uefi
• Systemd, udev, initrd, graphics
• OS firmware daemons and CLI apps
• Linux security features like TPM, FDE, LUKS, HSM
• You may know or have experience with Yocto

What we offer colleagues:

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person team sprints
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000/year
• Annual compensation review
• Recognition rewards, holiday leave, parental leave
• Wellness programs and travel opportunities
• Travel upgrades for company events

About Canonical:

Canonical pioneers open source, publishing Ubuntu, a key platform for AI, IoT, and cloud. We hire globally, set high standards, and value excellence. Since 2004, most colleagues work remotely. Working here challenges you to think differently and grow professionally.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer. We promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring fair consideration regardless of identity.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and IT

Industries

• Healthcare, Non-profit, Government