Ubuntu Software Engineer

Ubuntu Software Engineer role at Canonical

Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems. Our Ubuntu platform powers public cloud, data science, AI, engineering and IoT initiatives worldwide.

Remote roles open in every time zone.

We are hiring engineers to work across the breadth of our Ubuntu Engineering organization. Engineers focus on quality, performance, and resilience in software, from design and packaging to testing and shipping the Ubuntu repositories.

• Foundations
  : architectures, package managers, compilers, bootloaders, file systems, core utilities
• Server
  : design and evolve Ubuntu Server distribution
• Desktop
  :
  Ubuntu Desktop, immutable desktop, gaming technology, Flutter‑based applications
• Debcrafters
  : maintain and evolve the Ubuntu archive

• Development
  : design, build, and ship systems software and applications in Rust, Go, Flutter, and Python
• Architecture
  : engineer integration from boot firmware to cloud deployments
• Packaging
  : combine Debian and Snap packaging to ship software
• Automation
  : build and maintain the machinery that builds, tests, and ships Ubuntu
• Distro Engineering
  : maintain and evolve a Linux distribution and its repositories

• Design, build, and ship software in Rust, Go, and Python
• Package, integrate, test, and upload open source software to the Ubuntu repositories
• Debug system‑level issues and deliver robust solutions
• Author and improve technical and community documentation
• Contribute to upstream and neighboring open source projects
• Collaborate as part of a globally distributed team
• Mentor colleagues to build skills and understanding
• Develop and improve processes for efficient delivery of goals

• Exceptional academic track record at high school and university levels
• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, STEM, or equivalent experience
• Proven drive and track record of exceeding expectations
• Passion for open source software
• Significant experience with Rust, Go, Python, Flutter, or C/C++
• Professional written and spoken English
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to travel twice a year, up to two weeks per event

• Experience with Linux distributions and distro engineering
• Experience with software packaging and distribution mechanisms
• Knowledge of build systems and tool chains, including cross‑compilation
• Performance or security engineering experience

• Competitive base pay adjusted for location, experience, and performance
• Performance‑driven annual bonus
• Annual compensation review (more frequent for graduates)
• Distributed work environment with twice‑yearly in‑person team sprints
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
• Recognition rewards and annual holiday leave
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long‑haul company events

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the company that publishes Ubuntu, one of the most important open source projects and the platform for AI, IoT and the cloud, we are changing the world on a daily basis. We recruit on a global basis and set a high standard for people joining the company.

We expect excellence – to succeed, we need to be the best at what we do. Fairness, transparency, and diversity are core values at Canonical.

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