Canonical has opened applications for the Graduate Software Engineer – Open Source and Linux (Ubuntu) role for 2025 and 2026 graduates. This is a globally remote, full-time opportunity designed for high-performing students who are passionate about open-source software, Linux systems, and large-scale distributed engineering.
This role offers an exceptional start to a software engineering career, giving graduates the chance to work on Ubuntu, one of the world’s most widely used operating systems. You will contribute to software used across cloud computing, AI, data science, IoT, and enterprise infrastructure, while collaborating with engineers from over 75 countries.
About Canonical
Canonical is a global leader in open-source software and operating systems, best known as the company behind Ubuntu Linux. Its technologies power some of the most advanced systems in the world, including public clouds, AI platforms, data centers, supercomputers, and embedded devices.
The company operates with a fully distributed workforce, employing over 1,200 professionals across 75+ countries. Canonical is founder-led, profitable, and consistently growing, with a strong reputation for engineering excellence and long-term sustainability.
Canonical plays a crucial role in shaping the future of open source by contributing to kernels, compilers, security, containers, cloud platforms, and developer tooling, while also supporting a vibrant global open-source community.
Role Overview
As a Graduate Software Engineer at Canonical, you will work across the entire Linux and open-source stack, from low-level system components to high-level applications and cloud platforms. Depending on the team, your work may involve kernels, drivers, containers, Kubernetes, security, performance optimization, or developer tools.
You will be part of a globally distributed engineering team aligned by time zones (EMEA, APAC, or AMER), ensuring close collaboration, mentoring, and shared problem-solving. The role emphasizes code quality, system reliability, and user-focused design, even for developer tools and command-line applications.
Key Responsibilities
- Shape product roadmaps during global engineering sprints held twice a year
- Design and build high-quality, resilient, and performant software
- Work across the Linux ecosystem, including kernels, containers, cloud, and tooling
- Focus on usability and design, even for developer-facing systems
- Engage with users and the open-source community through code reviews and issue tracking
- Respond to customer issues and understand enterprise software requirements
- Develop strong security awareness in software design and implementation
- Continuously deepen expertise in programming languages and Linux internals
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Required Qualifications
- Strong academic performance in high school and university
- Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Business Informatics, or another STEM discipline
- Confidence writing production-quality code in at least one language such as Python, Rust, C/C++, Golang, JavaScript, or Java
- Experience using Ubuntu or another Linux distribution
- Demonstrated ability to exceed expectations through academic or personal projects
- Strong organizational skills with a results-driven mindset
- Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
Preferred Skills
- Contributions to upstream open-source projects
- Experience with Linux packaging or distributions such as Debian, Fedora, Arch, or Nix
- Leadership or organizational experience in technical projects or communities
- Strong presentation or technical writing skills
- Interest in business, enterprise software, or commercial technology
Job Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Canonical |
| Job Role | Graduate Software Engineer – Open Source & Linux |
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
| Work Mode | Fully Remote (Global) |
| Eligible Batches | 2025 & 2026 |
| Experience | Fresher / Graduate |
| Education | Undergraduate Degree (STEM) |
| Travel | International travel twice a year |
Who Can Apply
- Final-year students and fresh graduates from the 2025 or 2026 batch
- Candidates with a strong interest in Linux, open source, and system-level engineering
- Applicants with personal projects or open-source contributions beyond coursework
- Engineers comfortable working remotely in globally distributed teams
- Candidates willing to travel internationally twice a year for company events
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Expected Salary (Market Estimate)
💰 ₹25 LPA – ₹45 LPA (CTC, India equivalent)
💰 USD $60,000 – $90,000 annually (global estimate)
This estimated compensation is based on global market data for graduate software engineers at Canonical and similar open-source-focused technology companies. Actual pay may vary depending on location, experience, performance, and internal compensation structures.
Benefits and Perks
- Fully remote, globally distributed work environment
- Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
- Annual compensation reviews
- Performance-based bonuses or commissions
- Annual holiday leave and paid time off
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Team Member Assistance Program and wellness platform
- Opportunity to travel internationally for team sprints
- Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long-haul company events
- Recognition rewards for outstanding performance
Why Join Canonical
Canonical offers one of the most unique early-career engineering experiences in the tech industry. You will work on software that directly impacts millions of users worldwide while learning from some of the best open-source engineers globally.
The company values merit, curiosity, ownership, and accountability, making it an ideal environment for graduates who want responsibility early in their careers. With exposure to diverse technologies and global collaboration, this role provides a powerful foundation for long-term growth in software engineering.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply by clicking the button below. While applying, highlight your academic achievements, Linux experience, programming skills, personal projects, and any open-source contributions.
Demonstrating curiosity, problem-solving ability, and a strong understanding of software fundamentals will significantly improve your chances during the selection process.
Disclaimer
This job information is collected from official and publicly available sources. We do not charge any fees for job applications or recruitment. We do not guarantee recruitment or placement and are not responsible for any loss arising from reliance on this information. Candidates are advised to verify all details from Canonical’s official careers website before applying.
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