Remote opportunity at
CanonicalSustaining Operations Engineer
Canonical, the publisher of Ubuntu and a pioneer in open source technology, is looking for a Sustaining Operations Engineer to join its globally remote team. This…
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About This Role
Canonical, the publisher of Ubuntu and a pioneer in open source technology, is looking for a Sustaining Operations Engineer to join its globally remote team. This role centers on solving intricate technical challenges across Linux-based software-defined infrastructure, covering bare metal, KVM virtualization, Docker, LXC and LXD containers, Ceph storage, networking, Kubernetes, OpenStack, and associated open source software. The position serves as the final escalation point for operational issues, requiring deep…
Job Description
Canonical, the publisher of Ubuntu and a pioneer in open source technology, is looking for a Sustaining Operations Engineer to join its globally remote team. This role centers on solving intricate technical challenges across Linux-based software-defined infrastructure, covering bare metal, KVM virtualization, Docker, LXC and LXD containers, Ceph storage, networking, Kubernetes, OpenStack, and associated open source software. The position serves as the final escalation point for operational issues, requiring deep debugging and troubleshooting expertise to deliver workarounds, guidance, and upstream fixes.
This opportunity suits technologists with a strong background in Linux who enjoy complex problem-solving and want to support enterprise customers, partners, and the Ubuntu platform. Professionals in this role handle critical situations, participate in upstream communities, and collaborate with field, support, and product engineering teams. Duties include maintaining clear technical communications, contributing to process improvements, and participating in a weekend working rotation.
Canonical has operated as a remote-first organization since 2004, offering a distributed work environment paired with international travel of up to 10% for team gatherings and conferences. The company sets high standards and provides opportunities to work with advanced open-source technologies impacting millions worldwide.
Responsibilities
- Resolve intricate technical issues involving Ubuntu, OpenStack, Ceph, and Kubernetes
- Serve as the ultimate escalation point for operational troubleshooting and deliver resolutions through fixes, guidance, and workarounds
- Collaborate closely with product engineering, support, and field teams at Canonical
- Engage with upstream communities and contribute to software patches alongside software engineers
- Manage time and prioritize tasks effectively while applying sound technical judgment
- Contribute to documentation, tool enhancements, and process improvements
- Take part in a scheduled weekend working rotation
- Travel internationally up to 10% of working time for conferences, events, and internal meetings
Requirements
- Professional background in troubleshooting advanced Linux problems
- Extensive experience with at least one of the following: Linux, LXD, OpenStack, Ceph, or Kubernetes
- Strong debugging capabilities utilizing Python, Go, C, or C++ on Linux
- Ability to perform diagnostics using tools such as gdb, pdb, or tcpdump
- Familiarity with git source code branches and repositories
- Availability to travel internationally up to four times per year
Qualifications
- Academic background in Computer Science, STEM, or a related discipline
- Exceptional academic record spanning high school and university studies
- Familiarity with Ubuntu Linux (kernel or userspace), QEMU/KVM, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Debian packaging
- Interest in distributed systems
Core Skills
Benefits
- Performance-driven annual bonus
- Annual compensation reviews
- Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
- Recognition rewards
- Annual holiday leave
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Priority Pass for travel and travel upgrades during long-haul company events
- Twice-yearly in-person team sprints
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers are based only on the employer’s listing; where it doesn’t say, neither do we.
Is this a remote position?
Yes, this is a globally remote role where employees work from home, with international travel required up to 10% of the time for internal events and conferences.
What are the core technical requirements for this role?
Candidates must have professional experience troubleshooting advanced Linux issues, strong debugging skills in Python, Go, C, or C++ on Linux, and deep experience with Linux, LXD, OpenStack, Ceph, or Kubernetes.
Does the posting specify the salary?
The source posting does not specify a salary amount, though it notes that compensation is shaped by geographical location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews and performance-driven bonuses.
Sample Interview Questions
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