Remote opportunity at
CanonicalSustaining Operations Engineer
Canonical is hiring a Sustaining Operations Engineer for a globally remote, full-time role. The work centres on Linux-based software-defined infrastructure across every layer: bare metal, KVM…
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About This Role
Canonical is hiring a Sustaining Operations Engineer for a globally remote, full-time role. The work centres on Linux-based software-defined infrastructure across every layer: bare metal, KVM virtualisation, containers, storage, networking, OpenStack, Kubernetes, and the applications built on them. The engineer acts as the last line of escalation for operational troubleshooting, tackling critical problems that require deep debugging. The aim is to move issues to resolution through workarounds, guidance and fixes…
Job Description
Canonical is hiring a Sustaining Operations Engineer for a globally remote, full-time role. The work centres on Linux-based software-defined infrastructure across every layer: bare metal, KVM virtualisation, containers, storage, networking, OpenStack, Kubernetes, and the applications built on them.
The engineer acts as the last line of escalation for operational troubleshooting, tackling critical problems that require deep debugging. The aim is to move issues to resolution through workarounds, guidance and fixes released upstream and in Ubuntu. The group matters greatly to enterprise customers, partners and Ubuntu's own reputation, and the work is judged by how quickly and cleanly problems are resolved.
Daily work covers resolving intricate customer problems involving Ubuntu, OpenStack, Ceph and Kubernetes, staying closely connected to field, support and product engineering colleagues, and taking part in upstream communities. The engineer sets personal priorities, writes concise technical updates, and helps improve the team's processes, tooling and documentation.
The role suits a technologist who loves Linux and open source, has real experience troubleshooting advanced Linux faults, and communicates well. It appeals to people who enjoy fixing problems in technology that millions depend on.
Responsibilities
- Settle complex customer issues on Ubuntu, OpenStack, Ceph and Kubernetes
- Stay closely connected to field, support and product engineering colleagues
- Engage with upstream communities
- Diagnose problems, propose workarounds and partner with software engineers on patches
- Make sound technical calls and juggle priorities effectively
- Help refine team processes, tools and documentation
- Write clear, concise technical messages
- Take a regular turn in the weekend rota
- Act as subject matter expert and final escalation point for operational problems
- Work from home, with travel abroad for meetings, events and conferences for up to 10 percent of working time
Requirements
- Professional experience diagnosing hard Linux problems
- Degree-level grounding in computing, STEM or a related area
- Deep working experience in at least one of Kubernetes, Ceph, OpenStack, LXD or Linux
- Solid debugging ability in Python, Go, C or C++ running on Linux
- Capable with debugging tools such as gdb, pdb and tcpdump
- Comfortable with git repositories and branching
- Excellent academic record from school, preferably university too
- Prepared to attend internal events up to four times annually
Qualifications
- Interest in Ubuntu internals, Kubernetes, OpenStack, Ceph, QEMU/KVM or LXC/LXD, including kernel or userspace work
- Experience with Python, Go, C, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Debian packaging or distributed systems
- Curious, adaptable and accountable, with good soft skills
Core Skills
Benefits
- Yearly pay review and recognition awards
- Performance-driven annual bonus
- Learning allowance of USD 2,000 yearly
- Team sprints in person twice a year
- Annual leave, maternity leave and paternity leave
- Support through an employee assistance scheme
- Opportunities to visit new places and meet teammates and others
- Priority Pass and improved travel on long-haul company trips
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers are based only on the employer’s listing; where it doesn’t say, neither do we.
Is the role remote?
Yes. The posting describes a globally remote role.
Does the role involve weekend work?
Yes. It includes a regular weekend working rotation.
How much travel is involved?
Up to 10 percent of working time for meetings, events and conferences, and up to four trips a year for internal events.
Is salary stated?
No figure is listed. Pay depends on location, experience and performance, and a performance-driven annual bonus is mentioned.
Sample Interview Questions
AI-generated questions tailored to this specific role — a preview of the full practice set.