Senior / Staff / Principal Engineer (San Francisco)

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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 enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include top public cloud and silicon providers, along with industry leaders across sectors. We are a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with over 1200 colleagues in 75+ countries and few office-based roles, with teams meeting in person 2-4 times a year at interesting locations worldwide.

Canonical is founder-led, profitable, and growing.

This role is a general track for Senior+ (Senior / Staff / Principal) Engineers across any team at Canonical. Post initial interview rounds, we will identify the best-fit teams to proceed with your application.

At Canonical, a Senior+ Engineer is not only an exceptional software architect and coder but also demonstrates leadership qualities to rally teams or departments towards delivering outstanding products. They partner with engineering leaders to share responsibility for outcomes at various levels. We value academic results, proven execution, passion for open source, innovation, and cutting-edge technology. You will contribute through high-quality code, technical leadership, team motivation, design excellence, and clear documentation.

As a Senior+ Engineer, you will drive architecture, design, and evolution of impactful open source software, working across the stack from kernel and system software to cloud automation and distributed systems, including building services for Ubuntu across cloud, devices, servers, and PCs.

This role offers engagement with the broader open-source community, fostering community growth, contributing to diverse technologies, and ensuring seamless software operations at scale.

Location: Remote opportunities available in every time zone.

Role responsibilities include:

• Leading design and architecture of impactful open source projects
• Coding in Golang, Rust, Python, C / C++, or Typescript / React
• Collaborating with a globally distributed team
• Mentoring and advising colleagues
• Exercising technical leadership within Canonical and community
• Debugging and producing high-quality code
• Contributing to technical documentation
• Working remotely with biannual travel for company events

Candidate requirements:

• Exceptional academic record from high school and university
• Degree in Computer Science or STEM, or an alternative compelling background
• Proven drive and ability to exceed expectations
• Technical leadership and team motivation skills
• Deep experience with at least one of Go, Rust, Python, or C
• Attention to detail and performance focus
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability
• Willingness to travel twice a year for up to two weeks

Nice-to-have skills include experience with container technologies, distributed systems, performance engineering, security, build systems, cloud platforms, packaging, systems programming, web services, testing, web front-end, APIs, and data stores.

What we offer:

• Global remote work environment with biannual team sprints
• USD 2,000 annual learning and development budget
• Annual compensation review and performance bonuses
• Additional benefits aligned with our values and local needs
• Travel opportunities and wellness programs

About Canonical:

Canonical pioneers open source, publishing Ubuntu, a key platform for AI, IoT, and cloud. We hire globally, uphold high standards, and have been remote-first since 2004. Working here challenges you to think differently, learn new skills, and excel.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer:

We promote workplace diversity and provide fair consideration regardless of background or identity.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Engineering and IT

Industry: Software Development

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Location and salary info: San Francisco, CA, $215,100 - $318,600 (posted 1 day ago), and other similar listings.