Software Engineer - L3 Support

Canonical; Cape Town; Remote; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading open-source software provider based in Cape Town seeks a skilled technical professional to support Ubuntu and other open-source technologies. This role involves resolving complex customer issues and collaborating with various teams. Candidates should have a strong academic background in STEM and experience with Linux and programming languages like Python or C++. The position offers flexible remote work with annual performance reviews and various benefits including travel opportunities.

Benefits

Annual compensation review

Performance-driven bonus

Personal learning budget of USD 2,000

Employee Assistance Programme

Maternity and paternity leave

Qualifications

• Exceptional academic track record.
• Experience with at least one of Python, Go, C or C++ on Linux.
• Drive to learn unfamiliar technology.

Responsibilities

• Resolve complex customer problems related to Ubuntu.
• Maintain a close working relationship with Canonical’s teams.
• Participate in upstream communities.

Skills

Experience with Linux

Knowledge of open-source software

Proficiency in Python

Proficiency in C++

Problem-solving skills

Effective communication

Education

Background in Computer Science or STEM

Job description

Overview

Canonial 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 breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. We are headquartered in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa and encourage dynamic, remote work with periodic in‑person collaboration worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Resolve complex customer problems related to Ubuntu, Kernel, Ceph, OpenStack, or Kubernetes and other open‑source software.
• Maintain a close working relationship with Canonical’s Field, Support, and product engineering teams.
• Participate in upstream communities.
• Develop bug fixes, backport patches, and work with upstream for inclusion.
• Review code produced by other engineers.
• Demonstrate good judgment in technical methods and techniques.
• Prioritize work and manage your time effectively against those priorities.
• Participate in team discussions to improve processes, tools, and documentation.
• Maintain clear, technical and concise communications.
• Work from home and travel internationally up to 10% of work time for team meetings, events, and conferences.

Qualifications

• Exceptional academic track record.
• Background in Computer Science, STEM or similar.
• Experience with Linux and open‑source software.
• Experience with at least one of Python, Go, C or C++ on Linux.
• A drive to learn unfamiliar technology and deep‑dive difficult issues.
• Willingness to travel up to four times a year for internal events.

Nice‑to‑have skills

• You love technology and working with brilliant people.
• You are curious, flexible, articulate, and accountable.
• You value soft skills and are passionate, enterprising, thoughtful, and self‑motivated.
• You have interest in, or willingness to learn about any of the following: Ubuntu Linux (kernel or userspace), Kubernetes, OpenStack, Ceph, QEMU/KVM, LXC/LXD, PostgreSQL, Mongo, Debian packaging, distributed systems.

Benefits

• Compensation reviewed annually (and more often for graduates and associates) to recognize outstanding performance.
• Base pay plus performance‑driven annual bonus.
• Distributed work environment with twice‑yearly team sprints in person.
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2, per year.
• Recognition rewards and annual holiday leave.
• Maternity and paternity leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme & Wellness Platform.
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues.
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long‑haul company events.

Legal

Canonical is an equal‑opportunity employer. We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.