About this role.
Canonical is hiring a Software Engineer for Sustaining Engineering to work on Ubuntu and open source infrastructure. This remote role involves resolving complex customer issues across the entire stack, from bare metal to cloud orchestration. The ideal candidate has strong Linux experience, proficiency in Python, Go, C, or C++, and familiarity with cloud technologies like OpenStack, Kubernetes, or Ceph. This position requires excellent troubleshooting skills and the ability to collaborate with engineering teams and upstream communities. It offers a fast-paced, autonomous environment with occasional international travel.
Role DNA
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Job Complexity
4/5Pace & Pressure
4/5Autonomy Level
4/5Communication Load
4/5Salary analysis
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Core skills
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Cover letter sample
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to apply for the Software Engineer, Sustaining Engineering position at Canonical. With a strong background in Linux, Python, and Go, and extensive experience troubleshooting complex issues across the open source stack, I am confident in my ability to resolve critical customer problems and contribute to Ubuntu's success.
In my previous role, I debugged and fixed issues in Kubernetes and Ceph deployments, collaborating with upstream communities to release patches. My ability to work autonomously and communicate technical details clearly aligns with Canonical's remote-first culture.
I am passionate about open source and eager to join a team that values innovation and collaboration. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Sample interview questions
I once debugged a production issue where Ceph OSDs were crashing. I used gdb and strace to analyze core dumps, identified a memory corruption bug in the BlueStore, and provided a workaround while I patched the code and contributed the fix upstream.
I assess severity and impact. For instance, a data loss issue takes precedence over a performance degradation. I communicate timelines to stakeholders and escalate if needed. I also maintain a personal Kanban board to track progress.
I'd start by checking the neutron logs, then verify network connectivity with ping and traceroute. I'd use tcpdump to capture packets and analyze them with Wireshark, check OVS flows, and review the configuration of security groups and routers.
I contributed a fix to the Kubernetes scheduler for a bug that caused pods to be pending. I forked the repo, wrote a test, submitted a PR, and engaged with maintainers for review. The fix was merged and included in a subsequent release.
I follow release notes and mailing lists for key projects like Ubuntu, Kubernetes, and Ceph. I also experiment with new features in my home lab, attend virtual meetups, and contribute to discussions in online forums.
Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is very widely used in breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include the world’s leading public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders in many sectors. The company is a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries and very few office-based roles. Teams meet two to four times yearly in person, in interesting locations around the world, to align on strategy and execution.
The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing.
We are hiring a Software Engineer, Sustaining Engineering for …
…a fast-paced engineering role in Linux-based software-defined infrastructure and applications, covering all layers of the stack, including bare metal, virtualization (KVM) and containerization (Docker/LXC/LXD), storage (Ceph and Linux filesystems), networking (OVS, OVN and Core networking), up to OpenStack and Kubernetes, and the open source applications running on top of them. It will challenge you to show the breadth of engineering skill needed to work on almost any aspect of Ubuntu and the open source things people run with it.
This role is an opportunity for a technologist with a passion for Linux and open source to build a career with Canonical and drive success for our customers, community and the company. If you have an affinity for open source development, great communication skills, and a passion for troubleshooting and fixing issues in technology used by millions across the world, then you will enjoy working with some of the best people in the industry at Canonical.
Location: This is a remote role, we have teams in all time zones.
This role deals with critical issues in the open source stack that require software engineering for upstream bug fixes. Our engineers have to be able to work productively at any level of the stack above the kernel, in a wide range of languages, to understand and address the software issues at hand. Our group is critical to the success of our enterprise customers, partners and Ubuntu itself.
You will help with troubleshooting and driving issues to resolution with workarounds, guidance, and bug fixes to be released upstream and in Ubuntu.
This role entails
- Resolving complex customer problems related to Ubuntu, Kernel, Ceph, OpenStack, or Kubernetes and other open source software
- Maintaining a close working relationship with Canonical’s Field, Support and product engineering teams
- Participating in upstream communities
- Developing bug fixes, backporting patches, and working with upstream for inclusion
- Reviewing code produced by other engineers
- Demonstrating good judgement in technical methods and techniques
- Prioritizing work and managing your time effectively against those priorities
- Participating in team discussions to improve processes, tools, and documentation
- Maintaining clear, technical and concise communications
- Working from home and travel internationally up to 10% of work time for team meetings, events and conferences
What we are looking for in you
- Professional experience as a software engineer
- Background in Computer Science, STEM or similar
- Strong experience with Linux, and at least one of the following:
- Ceph, OpenStack, Kubernetes or other cloud technologies
- Strong development-level experience with at least one of Python, Go, C or C++ on Linux
- Ability to troubleshoot with debugging tools like gdb
- Familiarity with git source code repositories and branches
- An exceptional academic track record
- Willingness to travel up to 4 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, and experience with most of the following: Ubuntu Linux – kernel or userspace, Kubernetes, OpenStack, Ceph, QEMU/KVM, LXC/LXD, Python, Go, C, Postgresql, Mongo, Debian packaging, distributed systems
What we offer colleagues
We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually (and more often for graduates and associates) to ensure we recognize outstanding performance. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus. We provide all team members with additional benefits, which reflect our values and ideals. We balance our programs to meet local needs and ensure fairness globally.
- Distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person – we’ve been working remotely since 2004!
- Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
- Annual compensation review
- Recognition rewards
- Annual holiday leave
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues from your team and others
- Priority Pass for travel and travel upgrades for long haul company events
About Canonical
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 of software. We recruit on a global basis and set a very high standard for people joining the company. We expect excellence; in order to succeed, we need to be the best at what we do. Most colleagues at Canonical have worked from home since our inception in 2004. Working here is a step into the future and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.
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.
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