Senior/Staff/Principal Engineer - Canonical

About the Role

Canonical is seeking Senior, Staff, and Principal Engineers to join our globally distributed team. This is a general track role; after your initial interview, we will align your expertise with the team that best fits your skills and career goals.

As a Senior+ Engineer, you will drive the architecture, design, and evolution of high-impact open-source software, ranging from kernel and system software to cloud automation and distributed systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and architecture of impactful open-source projects.
• Write high-quality code in Golang, Rust, Python, C/C++, or TypeScript/React.
• Collaborate proactively within a globally distributed team.
• Mentor and advise colleagues to support their career progression.
• Provide technical leadership and direction across the company and community.
• Debug complex issues and contribute to high-quality technical documentation.
• Participate in twice-yearly in-person company events in international locations.

Requirements

• Exceptional academic track record (High School and University).
• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM (or a compelling alternative path).
• Proven track record of technical leadership and going above-and-beyond.
• Deep experience with at least one of: Go, Rust, Python, or C.
• Excellent communication skills in professional English.
• Ability to travel internationally twice a year for up to two weeks.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Experience with container technologies (LXD, Docker, Kubernetes).
• Background in distributed systems, performance engineering, or software security.
• Familiarity with public clouds, OpenStack, or Debian/Ubuntu packaging.
• Experience with REST/gRPC APIs, SQL/NoSQL, or Flutter front-end development.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation with annual reviews and performance-driven bonuses.
• Distributed work environment with global team sprints.
• USD 2,000 annual personal learning and development budget.
• Comprehensive benefits including holiday leave, parental leave, and wellness platforms.
• Travel support including Priority Pass and upgrades for long-haul company events.