Junior Software Engineer

Job Description

Junior Software Engineer – Ubuntu Engineering

Canonical is a pioneering force in open source software, providing operating systems and platforms to global enterprise and technology markets. Our flagship product, Ubuntu, is a widely adopted platform powering breakthrough initiatives in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. We proudly serve the world’s leading public cloud and silicon providers, alongside industry leaders across diverse sectors.

As a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, Canonical boasts a team of 1200+ colleagues spanning 75+ countries, with very few office-based roles. Our teams foster strong connections through regular in-person meetings, typically two to four times annually, in captivating locations worldwide, to align on strategy and execution.

The company is founder-led, profitable, and experiencing robust growth.

We are seeking talented junior engineers to join our Ubuntu Engineering organization. We’re looking for individuals who possess a deep commitment to quality, performance, and resilience in software. Ideal candidates will be equally adept at designing and engineering new software as they are at packaging, integrating, testing, and shipping the vast catalog of open source software available through Ubuntu repositories.

Our engineers are at the forefront of integrating the freshest open source software, providing robust upgrade paths, and engineering the future of Ubuntu. More than just the world’s most deployed open source operating system, Ubuntu is a dynamic platform that empowers innovation for millions of users globally, from students and hobbyists to high-performance engineering and creative teams in corporate and academic environments.

About the Ubuntu Engineering Organization

The Ubuntu Engineering organization comprises four key teams responsible for delivering Ubuntu:

• Foundations: Dedicated to maintaining foundational software, including architectures, package managers, compilers, toolchains, bootloaders, filesystems, and core utilities.
• Server: Leading the design, evolution, and future development of our Ubuntu Server distribution.
• Desktop: Driving the evolution of Ubuntu Desktop, focusing on our future immutable desktop (Ubuntu Core Desktop), WSL, gaming technology, and a suite of modern desktop applications crafted with Flutter.
• Debcrafters: A newly formed team responsible for the forward movement, maintenance, and overall health of the Ubuntu archive – one of the most abundant repositories of open source software available today.

What You Could Work On

Bring your existing expertise and gain new skills by contributing to one of the most prolific pieces of open source software. As an engineer working on Ubuntu, you could work across any or all of the following categories:

• Development: Design, build, and ship new foundational systems software and applications using languages such as Rust, Go, Flutter, and Python.
• Architecture: Engineer the seamless integration of open source components, from boot firmware to cloud application deployment.
• Packaging: Utilize a combination of Debian and Snap packaging to effectively ship software within the distribution.
• Automation: Build and maintain the essential machinery responsible for the continuous building, testing, and shipping of Ubuntu.
• Distro Engineering: Engage in the ongoing maintenance and evolution of a leading Linux distribution and its extensive repositories.

If you possess skills in these areas, or if you believe your unique skills can contribute to Ubuntu, and you are eager to build your career in open source, then this role is for you. Our junior career path is designed to support both new graduates and early-career engineers.

At Canonical, you will have significant opportunities to engage with and contribute to the broader open source community. We are looking for individuals who can help foster a thriving community and contribute with enthusiasm and precision across a broad range of technologies.

Location: We offer remote roles across all time zones.

The Role Entails

Based on initial interviews, we identify specific teams where your skills and aspirations align best, leading to second-round interviews with those teams. Our engineers are:

• Designing, building, and shipping software in Rust, Go, Python, and C/C++.
• Packaging, integrating, testing, and uploading open source software to the Ubuntu repositories.
• Debugging complex issues, then designing and delivering robust solutions.
• Authoring and continuously improving technical and community documentation.
• Actively contributing to upstream and neighboring open source projects.
• Collaborating effectively as part of a globally distributed team.
• Continuously learning and progressing their technical and professional skills.

What We Are Looking For In You

• An exceptional academic track record from both high school and university.
• An undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM, or a compelling narrative demonstrating your alternative path to equivalent expertise.
• Demonstrated drive and a track record of exceeding expectations.
• A profound passion for open source software.
• Experience with at least one of the following: Rust, Go, Python, Flutter, or C/C++.
• Professional written and spoken English proficiency.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel twice a year for company events, each lasting up to two weeks.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Familiarity with Linux distributions.
• Familiarity with system debugging tools and techniques.
• Familiarity with automation tooling and CI/CD systems.
• Experience contributing to open source projects.

What We Offer You

We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. Compensation is revisited annually (and more frequently for graduates and associates) to ensure outstanding performance is recognized. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus. We provide all team members with additional benefits that reflect our values and ideals, balancing programs to meet local needs and ensure global fairness.

• A distributed work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints.
• A personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
• Annual compensation review.
• Recognition rewards.
• Generous annual holiday leave.
• Maternity and paternity leave.
• Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform.
• Opportunities to travel to new locations to meet colleagues.
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long-haul company events.

About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering technology firm at the forefront of the global movement towards open source. As the publisher of Ubuntu, one of the most significant open source projects and the foundational platform for AI, IoT, and the cloud, we are shaping the world daily. We recruit globally and maintain a very high standard for individuals joining our company. We expect excellence – to succeed, we must be the best at what we do. Canonical has been a remote-first company since its inception in 2004. Working here is a step into the future, challenging you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and elevate your game.

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 superior products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.