About this role.
This is a senior engineering role at Canonical focused on integrating Ubuntu Linux with the latest silicon platforms. You will work across the full Linux stack, from kernel to graphics, and collaborate with major hardware partners. The job requires deep technical expertise in Linux packaging, programming languages like Python, C, and C++, and experience with open source communities. The role is fully remote and offers opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies for IoT, desktop, and server environments. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, resourceful, and passionate about Linux and open source.
Role DNA
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4/5Autonomy Level
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Cover letter sample
Dear Hiring Team,
I am excited to apply for the Linux Platform Integration - Ubuntu Systems Senior Engineer position at Canonical. With a strong background in Linux kernel development, open source contributions, and experience with Python, C, and C++, I am well-prepared to optimize Ubuntu for next-generation hardware. I have worked extensively with packaging systems like Debian and RPM and have collaborated with silicon partners to deliver high-performance solutions.
Your emphasis on a fully remote, globally distributed team aligns perfectly with my self-disciplined and collaborative work style. I thrive in fast-paced environments where I can take ownership of complex system integration challenges. I look forward to contributing to Canonical's vision of a better platform built with free software.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample interview questions
I worked on integrating Ubuntu with a new ARM-based SoC for an IoT device. I collaborated with the silicon vendor's firmware team, customized the kernel drivers, and used performance benchmarking tools to optimize boot time and power consumption. I also set up automated testing to validate every kernel update.
I start by isolating the problem using systematic debugging, such as checking system logs, using strace, and reproducing with minimal configurations. I then narrow down to the specific layer—kernel, userspace, or drivers—and use appropriate tools like ftrace or perf. I also consult upstream mailing lists or collaborate with colleagues if needed.
I contributed a patch to the Linux kernel's network driver to improve throughput on a server platform. I submitted it via the mailing list, addressed reviewer feedback, and coordinated with maintainers to ensure it met coding standards. The patch was accepted and later included in a stable release.
I have used GitHub Actions and Jenkins to set up automated testing for kernel builds and integration tests. In this role, I would implement CI pipelines to validate Ubuntu images on new hardware continuously, catching regressions early and ensuring quality.
I regularly follow Linux kernel mailing lists, attend virtual conferences like Linux Plumbers, and experiment with new features in my personal projects. I also contribute to open source to stay engaged with the community and learn from peers.
You will work across the full Linux stack from kernel through networking, virtualization and graphics to optimise Ubuntu, the world’s most widely used Linux desktop and server, for the latest silicon.
Our teams partner with specialist engineers from major silicon companies to integrate next-generation features and performance enhancements for upcoming hardware.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to have a meaningful impact on the adoption of Linux across multiple industries. The right candidate must be resourceful, articulate, and able to deliver on a wide variety of solutions across server, desktop and IoT technologies. Canonical offers a fun, fast-paced team environment and a career full of learning and development opportunities.
Location: This is a Globally remote role
What your day will look like
- Design and implement the best Ubuntu integration for the latest IoT desktop and server-class hardware platforms and software stacks
- Work with partners to deliver an optimised, first class Ubuntu experience on their platforms
- Take a holistic approach to the Ubuntu experience on partner platforms with inputs on technical plans, testing strategy, quality metrics
- Participate as technical lead on customer engagements involving complete system architectures from cloud to edge
- Help our partners integrate their apps, SDKs, build device OS images, and optimize applications with Ubuntu Core, Desktop and Server
- Work with the most advanced operating systems and application technologies available in the enterprise world.
Joining Canonical, you will partner with bright minds from all over the world, and work with an exciting set of new technologies in a fast growing company with a truly unique and ambitious vision to build a better platform with free software. You will work with customers on exciting IoT, desktop and server platforms and technologies, built to support different verticals: from robots to data centers, from telco to retail, as well as automotive.
What we are looking for in you
- You love technology and working with brilliant people
- You have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, STEM or similar
- You have experience with Linux packaging (Debian, RPM, Yocto)
- You have experience working with open source communities and licences
- You have experience working with Python, C, C++
- You can work in a globally distributed team through self-discipline and self-motivation.
Nice to have
- Experience with server technologies, including UEFI firmware, GPU computing, RDMA/Infiniband and virtualization stacks
- Experience with graphics stacks
- Good understanding of networking – TCP/IP, DHCP, HTTP/REST
- Basic understanding of security best practices in IoT or server environments
- Good communication skills, ideally public speaking experience
- IoT / Embedded experience – from board and SoC, BMCs, bootloaders and firmware to OS, through apps and services
- Experience working with CI automation platforms such as GitHub
- Experience with performance benchmarking and profiling
- Some experience with Docker/OCI containers/K8s
What we offer you
- Learning and development opportunities
- Annual compensation review
- Recognition rewards
- Annual leave
- Priority Pass for travel
Your base pay will depend on various factors including your geographical location, level of experience, knowledge and skills. In addition to the benefits above, certain roles are also eligible for additional benefits and rewards including annual bonuses and sales incentives based on revenue or utilisation. Our compensation philosophy is to ensure equity right across our global workforce.
In addition to a competitive base pay, we provide all team members with additional benefits, which reflect our values and ideals. Please note that additional benefits may apply depending on the work location and, for more information on these, you can ask in the later stages of the recruitment process.
- Fully remote working environment – we’ve been working remotely since 2004!
- Personal learning and development budget of 2,000USD per annum
- Annual compensation review
- Recognition rewards
- Annual holiday leave
- Parental Leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues at ‘sprints’
- Priority Pass for travel and travel upgrades for long haul company events
About Canonical
Canonical is a pioneering tech firm that is 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 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.
Canonical has been a remote-first company since its inception in 2004. Work at Canonical is a step into the future, and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game. Canonical provides a unique window into the world of 21st-century digital business.
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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