Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, is hiring Graduate Software Engineers for its globally remote engineering teams. This opportunity is open to 2025 and 2026 graduates who are passionate about open source, Linux systems, and building software that impacts millions of users worldwide. As a pioneer in distributed work since 2004, Canonical offers an exceptional environment where talented graduates can begin their careers while contributing to some of the most influential open-source technologies used across cloud computing, AI, IoT, data science, and enterprise systems.
This role is ideal for high-performing students who enjoy solving complex engineering problems, working with global teams, and contributing to the open-source ecosystem at scale. Canonical’s hiring process is competitive, but for those who succeed, it offers a challenging and rewarding start to a global software engineering career.
About the Company
Canonical is a leading global technology company and the publisher of Ubuntu, one of the world’s most widely used open-source operating systems. Ubuntu powers public clouds, data centers, supercomputers, developer workstations, and IoT devices across industries. Canonical works with top cloud providers, silicon manufacturers, and enterprise customers worldwide.
The company operates with a fully distributed workforce, with more than 1,200 colleagues across 75+ countries. Canonical is founder-led, profitable, and consistently growing. While most roles are home-based, teams come together two to four times a year in different global locations for strategic planning, collaboration, and innovation.
Role Overview
As a Graduate Software Engineer at Canonical, you will join one of many engineering teams working across the full software stack. Your work may involve low-level Linux components such as bootloaders, kernels, and drivers, or higher-level technologies including containers, cloud platforms, desktop applications, and developer tooling.
The role emphasizes strong engineering fundamentals, clean and performant code, thoughtful design, and close collaboration with the global open-source community. You will work on real-world systems used by enterprises and developers worldwide, gaining deep exposure to modern software engineering practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Shape the product roadmap during global engineering sprints held every six months
- Focus on design quality and user experience, including developer tools and command-line applications
- Write high-quality, resilient, and performant code used by millions of users daily
- Develop mastery in key programming languages and Linux system internals
- Collaborate with users and contributors through code reviews, issue trackers, and discussions
- Respond to customer issues and develop a strong understanding of enterprise requirements
- Build awareness of security principles in software design and implementation
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Required Qualifications
- Exceptional academic performance in high school and university
- Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Business Informatics, Mathematics, or another STEM field with programming coursework
- Ability to write high-quality code in at least one of the following: Python, Rust, C/C++, Golang, JavaScript, or Java
- Experience using Ubuntu or another Linux distribution
- Strong written and spoken English communication skills
- Result-oriented mindset with strong organization and accountability
- Willingness to travel internationally twice a year for company events
Preferred Skills (Good to Have)
- Contributions to upstream open-source projects
- Experience with Linux packaging or distributions such as Debian, Fedora, Arch, or Nix
- Leadership or organizational experience
- Presentation, documentation, or technical writing skills
- Interest in business, enterprise systems, or commercial software
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What You’ll Get
- Globally distributed work environment
- Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
- Annual compensation reviews with performance-based growth
- Performance-driven annual bonus or commission
- Recognition and reward programs
- Annual paid holiday leave
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Wellness platform and employee assistance program
- Opportunities to travel globally for company events
- Priority Pass access and travel upgrades for long-haul events
Who Can Apply
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Graduation Year | 2025 and 2026 |
| Job Type | Full-time |
| Work Mode | Worldwide Remote |
| Education | STEM degree with programming background |
| Travel | International travel twice a year required |
How to Apply
Candidates should prepare a strong resume highlighting academic excellence, programming experience, Linux exposure, and personal or open-source projects. Emphasize real-world problem solving, clean code practices, and contributions beyond formal coursework. Demonstrating curiosity, ownership, and a passion for open source will significantly strengthen your application. Apply by clicking the Apply button below and completing the application process carefully, as Canonical’s hiring standards are high and competitive.
Disclaimer
This website is not affiliated with Canonical. Job details are based on publicly available information and may change. Candidates should verify details from official Canonical sources before applying.
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