Overview
Software Engineer - packaging - Optimize Ubuntu for Next-Gen Silicon. Remote (global). Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems. Our platform, Ubuntu, is widely used in cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation and IoT. Canonical employs 1200+ people in 75+ countries with few office-based roles; teams meet 2-4 times yearly in person at various global locations.
The Partner Engineering Team works across the full Linux stack to optimize Ubuntu for new silicon technologies, including hardware accelerators, AI stacks, confidential computing, networking, virtualization, and containerization. We collaborate with silicon companies to optimize Ubuntu for architectures such as x86, ARM, RISC-V, PowerPC and s390x.
Location: Globally remote role.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate proactively within a distributed team.
- Foster a software ecosystem with a seamless user experience for all Ubuntu users.
- Evaluate contributions of other engineers to maintain high-quality software standards.
- Shape the future of Ubuntu by contributing ideas in your areas of interest and advising on work elsewhere.
- Collaborate with other teams in the Ubuntu and Debian communities, upstream projects, and commercially supported customers.
- Debug issues in open source code and team-maintained code.
- Assist customers to integrate their apps, SDKs, build OS images, and optimize applications with Ubuntu Core, Desktop and Server.
- Maintain Ubuntu, silicon features, and silicon-optimized packages across platforms and technologies such as servers, HPC and AI systems, IoT devices, PCs, SmartNICs, and automotive systems; include AI stacks, graphics/audio/multimedia stacks, virtualization and containers, hardware enablement stacks, and new architectures and toolchains.
- Manage package management and dependencies; contribute to platform security (secure boot, FDE, Ubuntu Core, Confidential Computing).
- Travel 2-4 weeks per year for internal events, while working from home with a global team.
Qualifications
- Exceptional academic track record from high school and university.
- Undergraduate degree in a technical subject or an equivalent demonstrated pathway.
- Love of technology and collaboration with brilliant people.
- Curious, flexible, articulate, and accountable; values soft skills and is self-motivated.
- Experience building partnerships with diverse internal and external groups.
- Strong fundamentals in C, C++, and Python.
- Experience or interest in Linux distribution packaging; open source maintenance or contribution; understanding of package management and dependency resolution.
Additional skills that you might also bring
- Experience with graphics, audio, or multimedia stacks.
- Virtualization and containers (Docker, OCI, Kubernetes).
- Hardware enablement for platforms/devices (SmartNICs, NVMe, GPUs, audio components, sensors).
- Performance optimization; toolchain development and maintenance.
- Networking protocols and technologies (TCP/IP, DHCP, HTTP/REST).
- Security best practices; IoT and embedded systems knowledge.
What we offer colleagues
Compensation is determined by location, experience, and performance worldwide, with annual reviews and opportunities for bonuses. We offer benefits reflecting our values and goals, balanced to local needs globally.
- Distributed work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints.
- Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
- Annual compensation review and recognition rewards.
- Annual holiday leave; maternity and paternity leave.
- Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform.
- Opportunities to travel to new locations to meet colleagues; travel upgrades for long-haul events.
About Canonical
Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of open source; we publish Ubuntu and drive the global move to open source. We recruit globally and maintain a remote-first culture since 2004. Working here challenges you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.
Canonical is an equal opportunity employer
We do not discriminate on the basis of protected status and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We may collect voluntary information for equal opportunity reporting in compliance with local laws.
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📌 Software Engineer - packaging - Optimize Ubuntu for Next-Gen Silicon
🏢 Canonical Group
📍 Irapuato