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Canonical

Software Engineer - L3 Support

Canonical · NAMER

  • Hybrid
  • Full-time
  • $120,000 / year
  • NAMER

Job highlights

  • Resolve complex Linux and open source software issues.
  • Work with kernel, cloud, and container technologies.
  • Develop bug fixes and contribute to upstream communities.
  • Collaborate with global, distributed engineering teams.
  • Remote role with opportunities for international travel.

About the role

Software Engineer - L3 Support

Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is very widely used in breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include the world's leading public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders in many sectors. The company is a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries and very few office-based roles. Teams meet two to four times yearly in person, in interesting locations around the world, to align on strategy and execution. The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing.

About the Role

We are hiring a Software Engineer - L3 Support to work in a dynamic and exciting engineering role in Linux-based infrastructure and applications, covering all layers of the stack, including bare metal, virtualization (KVM), containerization (Docker/LXC/LXD), storage (Ceph and Linux filesystems), networking (OVS, OVN and Core networking), OpenStack, Kubernetes and the open source applications running on top of them. It will challenge you to show the breadth of your engineering skills, which will be needed to work on almost any aspect of Ubuntu and the open source applications large enterprise customers run.

This role is an opportunity for a technologist with a passion for Linux and open source to build a career with Canonical and drive success for our customers, community and the company. If you have an affinity for open source software, great communication skills, and a passion for troubleshooting and fixing issues in technology used by millions across the world, then you will enjoy working with some of the best people in the industry at Canonical.

This role deals with critical issues in the open source stack that require upstream bug fixes. Our engineers are able to work productively at any level of the stack including the kernel and in a wide range of languages, to understand and address the software issues at hand. Our group is critical to the success of our customers, partners and Ubuntu itself.

You will help with troubleshooting and driving issues to resolution with workarounds, guidance, and bug fixes to be released upstream and in Ubuntu.

Location

This is a remote role, we have teams in all time zones.

Key Responsibilities

  • Resolve complex customer problems related to Ubuntu, Kernel, Ceph, OpenStack, or Kubernetes and other open source software
  • Maintain a close working relationship with Canonical's Field, Support and product engineering teams
  • Participate in upstream communities
  • Develop bug fixes, backport patches, and work with upstream for inclusion
  • Review code produced by other engineers
  • Demonstrate good judgment in technical methods and techniques
  • Prioritize work and manage your time effectively against those priorities
  • Participate in team discussions to improve processes, tools, and documentation
  • Maintain clear, technical and concise communications
  • Work from home and travel internationally up to 10% of work time for team meetings, events and conferences

What we are looking for in you

  • An exceptional academic track record
  • Background in Computer Science, STEM or similar
  • Experience with Linux and open source software
  • Experience with at least one of Python, Go, C or C++ on Linux
  • A drive to learn unfamiliar technology and deep-dive difficult issues
  • Willingness to travel up to 4 times a year for internal events

Nice-to-have skills

  • You love technology and working with brilliant people
  • You are curious, flexible, articulate, and accountable
  • You value soft skills and are passionate, enterprising, thoughtful, and self-motivated
  • You have interest in, or willingness to learn about any of the following: Ubuntu Linux - kernel or userspace, Kubernetes, OpenStack, Ceph, QEMU/KVM, LXC/LXD, Postgresql, Mongo, Debian packaging, distributed systems

What we offer colleagues

We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually (and more often for graduates and associates) to ensure we recognize outstanding performance. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus. We provide all team members with additional benefits, which reflect our values and ideals. We balance our programs to meet local needs and ensure fairness globally.

  • Distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person
  • Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
  • Annual compensation review
  • Recognition rewards
  • Annual holiday leave
  • Maternity and paternity leave
  • Employee Assistance Programme & Wellness Platform
  • Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
  • Priority Pass and 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 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 of software. 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. Most colleagues at Canonical have worked from home since our inception in 2004. Working here is a step into the future and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.

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.

Key skills/competency

  • Linux
  • Open Source Software
  • Ubuntu
  • Kubernetes
  • OpenStack
  • Ceph
  • Python
  • C++
  • KVM
  • Docker

Skills & topics

  • Software Engineer
  • L3 Support
  • Linux
  • Open Source
  • Ubuntu
  • Kubernetes
  • OpenStack
  • Ceph
  • Python
  • C++
  • KVM
  • Docker
  • Remote
  • Engineering
  • Troubleshooting
  • Bug Fixes

How to get hired

  • Tailor your resume: Highlight Linux, open source, and specific programming languages like Python, Go, C, or C++.
  • Showcase problem-solving: Emphasize experience with troubleshooting complex issues in distributed systems and customer support.
  • Demonstrate collaboration: Provide examples of working with cross-functional teams and upstream communities.
  • Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss kernel, cloud technologies (Kubernetes, OpenStack), and storage (Ceph).
  • Express your passion: Articulate your enthusiasm for open source and continuous learning.

Technical preparation

Master Linux command line and system administration.,Deepen knowledge of kernel and distributed systems.,Practice debugging complex software issues.,Contribute to open source projects on GitHub.

Behavioral questions

Describe a time you solved a complex technical problem.,How do you handle working with distributed teams?,What is your approach to learning new technologies?,How do you prioritize tasks under pressure?

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary focus of the Software Engineer - L3 Support role at Canonical?
The Software Engineer - L3 Support role at Canonical focuses on resolving complex customer issues related to Ubuntu, its kernel, and various open source software like Ceph, OpenStack, and Kubernetes. This involves deep-dive troubleshooting, developing bug fixes, and contributing to upstream communities to ensure customer success and the overall health of Ubuntu.
What are the key technical areas for a Software Engineer - L3 Support at Canonical?
Key technical areas include Linux-based infrastructure and applications across the entire stack: bare metal, KVM virtualization, Docker/LXC/LXD containerization, Ceph storage, OVS/OVN networking, OpenStack, and Kubernetes. Experience with languages like Python, Go, C, or C++ on Linux is essential.
Is this a remote position with Canonical?
Yes, this is a fully remote role. Canonical is a pioneer in global distributed collaboration, with colleagues in over 75 countries, and this position allows you to work from home. Teams do meet in person two to four times yearly in various global locations.
What kind of career growth can I expect as a Software Engineer - L3 Support at Canonical?
This role offers a career path for technologists passionate about Linux and open source. You'll have the opportunity to build expertise across a wide range of technologies, contribute to critical open-source projects, and grow with a profitable, founder-led company that invests in personal learning and development.
How does Canonical handle compensation and benefits for remote employees?
Canonical considers geographical location, experience, and performance for compensation, with annual reviews. Benefits include a performance-driven annual bonus, a personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000, recognition rewards, and comprehensive leave and wellness programs, all balanced to meet local needs while ensuring global fairness.
What is Canonical's approach to diversity and inclusion?
Canonical is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a workplace free from discrimination. They value diversity of experience, perspectives, and background, believing it leads to a better work environment and improved products. All applications are given fair consideration regardless of identity.