Remote opportunity at
CanonicalSoftware Engineer - Cross-platform C++ - Multipass
Canonical is hiring a Software Engineer for the Multipass team. Multipass is an open source workstation mini-cloud that starts Ubuntu and appliance virtual machines on demand…
Career Tools
About This Role
Canonical is hiring a Software Engineer for the Multipass team. Multipass is an open source workstation mini-cloud that starts Ubuntu and appliance virtual machines on demand for builds, tests and prototypes. It runs on macOS, Windows and Linux. A developer can launch a machine locally and pass it data the way they would on a public cloud. The aim is a free local cloud for background builds, trying cloud appliances,…
Job Description
Canonical is hiring a Software Engineer for the Multipass team. Multipass is an open source workstation mini-cloud that starts Ubuntu and appliance virtual machines on demand for builds, tests and prototypes. It runs on macOS, Windows and Linux. A developer can launch a machine locally and pass it data the way they would on a public cloud. The aim is a free local cloud for background builds, trying cloud appliances, and testing cloud-init scripts.
The engineer plays a leading role in designing, mentoring, reviewing and writing code. Responsibilities include making Multipass simple and intuitive to use, architecting new features and shaping the user experience, and writing high-quality code for features and fixes. The job also covers reviewing code and architecture, debugging problems that users hit, and supporting the open source community and customers as needed. The team is distributed, and the role is remote within the EMEA region. Company events mean trips abroad lasting as long as a fortnight, two times annually.
Candidates need experience building across platforms, including macOS and/or Windows, and deep expertise in modern C++, at least C++14. Experience with testing and test-driven development is expected, along with exacting standards of their own for code quality, tests and design. Familiarity with hypervisor tools including VirtualBox, Hyper-V, QEMU and KVM is valued, as is open source experience. Excellent written and spoken English is essential, and a degree-level study in computing, a STEM subject or a closely related area. Familiarity with CI systems is a plus.
Canonical is a global software company behind Ubuntu, with more than 1,000 colleagues across over 70 countries. It has been remote-first since 2004.
Responsibilities
- Make Multipass easy and intuitive to use
- Architect fresh features and shape the user experience
- Write robust code for new features and bug fixes
- Review code and architecture within the engineering workflow
- Debug and fix problems users run into
- Support the open source community and customers when needed
- Mentor colleagues and help shape the team's approach
Requirements
- Experience building across platforms, including macOS and/or Windows
- Expertise in modern C++ (C++14 at minimum)
- Experience with software testing and TDD practice
- Exacting standards of their own for code quality, tests and design
- Excellent written and verbal English
- Readiness to travel abroad for trips as long as a fortnight, two times annually, for company events
Qualifications
- Degree-level study in computing, a STEM subject or a closely related area
- Familiarity with hypervisor tools including VirtualBox, Hyper-V, QEMU and KVM
- Open source experience and involvement
- Familiar with CI tooling (an advantage)
- Ability to pick up new systems and techniques quickly
Core Skills
Benefits
- Remote working, with in-person team sprints twice a year
- USD 2,000 yearly budget for learning and development
- Yearly pay review and recognition awards
- Annual holiday leave, plus maternity and paternity leave
- Employee assistance and wellness programme
- Opportunities to visit new cities to meet colleagues
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers are based only on the employer’s listing; where it doesn’t say, neither do we.
Where is the role available?
The posting describes it as a remote role limited to the EMEA region.
What programming skills are required?
Expertise in modern C++ (C++14 minimum), cross-platform development on macOS and/or Windows, and testing or test-driven development are required.
How much travel is involved?
The posting mentions trips abroad lasting as long as a fortnight, two times a year, for company events.
Does the posting state a salary?
No salary figure is given. Base pay depends on location, experience and performance.
Sample Interview Questions
AI-generated questions tailored to this specific role — a preview of the full practice set.