Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems for enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is widely utilized in key areas such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. We serve prominent public cloud and silicon providers, as well as industry leaders across various sectors. As a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, we have a team of over 1200 colleagues in more than 75 countries, with minimal office-based roles, meeting in person a few times a year.
We are looking for a Software Support Engineer to work in a dynamic engineering role focused on Linux-based infrastructure and applications. This role covers various layers of the stack including bare metal, virtualization (KVM), containerization (Docker/LXC/LXD), storage (Ceph and Linux filesystems), networking (OVS, OVN, and Core networking), OpenStack, Kubernetes, and the associated open-source applications. This opportunity is well-suited for a technologist passionate about Linux and open source who aims to advance their career with Canonical while supporting our customers and community.
Responsibilities:
- Resolve complex customer issues related to Ubuntu, Kernel, Ceph, OpenStack, or Kubernetes and other open source software.
- Maintain collaborative relationships with Canonical's Field, Support, and product engineering teams.
- Participate in upstream open source 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.
- Effectively prioritize work and manage time against those priorities.
- Engage in team discussions to enhance processes, tools, and documentation.
- Maintain clear, technical, and concise communications.
Requirements:
- Exceptional academic track record.
- Background in Computer Science, STEM, or related field.
- Experience with Linux and open source software.
- Proficiency in at least one of the following programming languages: Python, Go, C, or C++ on Linux.
- A desire to learn new technologies and tackle challenging issues.
- Willingness to travel up to 4 times a year for internal events.
Nice-to-Have Skills:
- Enthusiasm for technology and collaboration with talented individuals.
- Curiosity, flexibility, articulation, and accountability.
- Valuing soft skills; being passionate, enterprising, thoughtful, and self-motivated.
- Interest in or willingness to learn about Ubuntu Linux (kernel or userspace), Kubernetes, OpenStack, Ceph, QEMU/KVM, LXC/LXD, PostgreSQL, Mongo, Debian packaging, or distributed systems.
What We Offer Colleagues:
- Competitive compensation based on geographical location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews.
- Performance-driven annual bonus and comprehensive benefits reflecting company values.
- Distributed work environment with semi-annual 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.
- Employee Assistance Programme & Wellness Platform.
- Opportunities for international travel to meet colleagues, with travel upgrades for long-haul events.
Language Requirements:
English proficiency is implied as the primary language of communication within the company.
About Canonical:
Canonical is at the forefront of the global open source movement, publishing Ubuntu—one of the most significant open source projects and a foundational platform for AI, IoT, and cloud technologies. Our remote-first approach since 2004 fosters innovation and aligns with modern digital business practices. We prioritize excellence in our workforce and facilitate a diverse and inclusive workplace.
