Linux Software Engineer - Ubuntu for Next-Gen Silicon

About the Role

Canonical is seeking open-source enthusiasts to join our Partner Engineering Team. You will work across the full Linux stack to ensure new silicon technologies—including hardware accelerators, AI stacks, confidential computing, networking, and virtualization—are optimized for Ubuntu. You will collaborate with worldwide silicon companies to support architectures such as x86, ARM, RISC-V, PowerPC, and s390x.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate proactively within a distributed team to foster a seamless user experience.
• Evaluate engineering contributions to maintain high-quality software standards.
• Shape the future of Ubuntu by proposing new ideas and advising on ongoing projects.
• Engage with the Ubuntu/Debian communities, upstream projects, and commercial customers.
• Debug open-source and team-maintained code.
• Assist customers with SDK integration, OS image builds, and application optimization for Ubuntu Core, Desktop, and Server.
• Maintain silicon-optimized packages for servers, HPC, AI systems, IoT, and automotive platforms.

Requirements

• Exceptional academic track record (high school and university).
• Undergraduate degree in a technical subject or a compelling alternative path.
• Strong fundamentals in C, C++, and Python.
• Passion for open-source maintenance, contribution, and licensing.
• Fundamental understanding of package management and dependency resolution.
• Curious, flexible, articulate, and accountable mindset.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with graphics, audio, or multimedia stacks.
• Knowledge of virtualization and containers (Docker, OCI, Kubernetes).
• Hardware enablement (SmartNICs, NVMe, GPUs, sensors).
• Performance optimization and toolchain development.
• Networking protocols (TCP/IP, DHCP, HTTP/REST).
• Security best practices and IoT/embedded systems.

Benefits

• Distributed work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints.
• Personal learning and development budget of $2,000 USD per year.
• Annual compensation reviews and performance-driven bonuses.
• Comprehensive leave policies and wellness platform access.
• Travel opportunities for internal events with travel upgrades for long-haul flights.