Software Engineer - Immutable Ubuntu Desktop

Overview

Software Engineer - Immutable Ubuntu Desktop is a home-based position on a team in the EMEA region at Canonical. The role focuses on building the next generation of immutable Ubuntu desktop, combining immutable Linux ideas with the latest Linux desktop experience to enable a better platform for innovation.

We code primarily in C/C++, with Python and Shell scripting; Go and Dart/Flutter may also be used occasionally. The team values growth and learning in a fast-paced environment, with guidance from experienced team members.

Location: This is a home-based position on a team in the EMEA region.

Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is widely used in cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Canonical is remote-first, with global teams and periodic in-person team gatherings.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop elements of the Core Desktop.
• Work with Linux container technologies such as kernel namespaces, cgroups, AppArmor, and seccomp.
• Write high-quality, defensive, and performant code for millions of daily users.
• Collaborate with team members to understand immutable desktop concepts.
• Participate in code reviews to learn quality standards and architecture.
• Engage with the Ubuntu community to gather user feedback and insights.
• Contribute to documentation for learning and future team members.
• Attend regular team meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and upcoming sprints.
• Troubleshoot and resolve user-reported issues, gaining debugging experience.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Outstanding academic results.
• An undergraduate degree in a technical subject or an alternative compelling narrative.
• Understanding of software development methodologies and lifecycles.
• Passion for technology and collaboration with motivated colleagues.
• Willingness to learn and adapt, with interest in immutable desktop environments.
• Skills in Linux containerisation technologies (kernel namespaces, cgroups, AppArmor, seccomp).
• Skills in Linux desktop environments (XDG portals, FreeDesktop specifications, systemd, GRUB).
• Skills in C/C++, Go, Python and Shell scripting.
• Good communication skills for internal and external interactions.
• Ability to travel up to twice a year for company events (up to two weeks).

Additional Skills That You Might Also Bring

• Familiarity with Rust, Golang and Dart/Flutter is a plus.
• Initiative to proactively identify opportunities and solve challenges.
• Curiosity, flexibility, and accountability.
• Soft skills focus, including passion, enterprise, and self-motivation.

Benefits

• 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 performance-driven bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits reflecting Canonical values.
• Annual holiday leave and maternity/paternity leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme and opportunities to travel to new locations to meet colleagues.
• 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 publishers of Ubuntu, we drive the platform for AI, IoT, and cloud, with a global, remote-first workforce since 2004. We seek excellence and foster a diverse, inclusive workplace. Canonical is an equal opportunity employer.

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