Linux Systems Engineer at Canonical - Open Source Career in Columbus
Career & Market Insight
This is a high-impact systems engineering role at one of the most recognized names in open source. Canonical's Ubuntu platform underpins AI, cloud, and IoT infrastructure globally — meaning your work ships to millions of devices and servers.
Skills you'll build and deepen:
- Full Linux stack mastery (kernel, drivers, packaging, GUI) — among the most durable and transferable skills in systems engineering
- Silicon bring-up and hardware integration — rare, in-demand expertise commanding premium salaries
- IoT/embedded systems: SoC, BMC, bootloaders — highly valued in automotive, robotics, and industrial sectors
- Cross-functional technical leadership on enterprise customer engagements
Compensation context: Canonical does not publish salary ranges, which is a yellow flag for transparency. However, the role offers global pay equity and annual reviews. Market benchmarks for senior Linux/embedded engineers range from $110,000–$170,000+ USD annually in Western markets; Canonical's geo-adjusted pay may be lower in lower-cost regions.
Green flags: 20-year remote-first culture (not a pandemic pivot), strong open source community pedigree, genuine career breadth across cloud/edge/IoT verticals, and sprint travel that builds real relationships.
Watch for: The lack of salary transparency, and the expectation of high self-motivation in an async environment — this suits senior engineers but may be challenging for those earlier in their careers who benefit from structured mentorship.
Work across the full Linux stack from kernel through GUI to optimise Ubuntu, the world's most widely used Linux desktop and server, for the latest silicon.
The role is a fast-paced, problem-solving role that's challenging yet very exciting. The right candidate must be resourceful, articulate, and able to deliver on a wide variety of solutions across PC and IoT technologies. Our teams partner with specialist engineers from major silicon companies to integrate next-generation features and performance enhancements for upcoming hardware.
Location: This is a Globally remote role
What your day will look like
- Design and implement the best Ubuntu integration for the latest IoT and server-class hardware platforms and software stacks
- Work with partners to deliver a delightful, optimised, first class Ubuntu experience on their platforms
- Take a holistic approach to the Ubuntu experience on partner platforms with inputs on technical plans, testing strategy, quality metrics
- Participate as technical lead on complex customer engagements involving complete system architectures from cloud to edge
- Help our customers integrate their apps, SDKs, build device OS images, optimize applications with Ubuntu Core, Desktop and Server
- Work with the most advanced operating systems and application technologies available in the enterprise world
Joining Canonical, you will partner with bright minds from all over the world, and work with an exciting set of new technologies in a fast growing company with a truly unique and ambitious vision to build a better platform with free software. You will work with customers on exciting IoT and server platforms and technologies, built to support different verticals: from robots to data centers, from telco to retail.
What we are looking for in you
- You love technology and working with brilliant people
- You have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, STEM or similar
- You have experience with Linux packaging (Debian, RPM, Yocto)
- You have experience working with open source communities and licences
- You have experience working with C, C++
- You can work in a globally distributed team through self-discipline and self-motivation
Additional skills that you might also bring
- Experience with graphics stacks
- Good understanding of networking - TCP/IP, DHCP, HTTP/REST
- Basic understanding of security best practices in IoT or server environments
- Good communication skills, ideally public speaking experience
- IoT / Embedded experience – from board and SoC, BMCs, bootloaders and firmware to OS, through apps and services
- Some experience with Docker/OCI containers/K8s
What we offer you
Your base pay will depend on various factors including your geographical location, level of experience, knowledge and skills. In addition to the benefits above, certain roles are also eligible for additional benefits and rewards including annual bonuses and sales incentives based on revenue or utilisation. Our compensation philosophy is to ensure equity right across our global workforce.
In addition to a competitive base pay, we provide all team members with additional benefits, which reflect our values and ideals. Please note that additional benefits may apply depending on the work location and, for more information on these, you can ask in the later stages of the recruitment process.
- Fully remote working environment - we've been working remotely since 2004!
- Personal learning and development budget of $2,000 USD per annum
- Annual compensation review
- Recognition rewards
- Annual holiday leave
- Parental Leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues at 'sprints'
- Priority Pass for travel and travel upgrades for long haul company events
About Canonical
Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the company that publishes Ubuntu, one of the most important open source projects and the platform for AI, IoT and the cloud, we are changing the world on a daily basis. We recruit on a global basis and set a very high standard for people joining the company. We expect excellence - in order to succeed, we need to be the best at what we do.
Canonical has been a remote-first company since its inception in 2004. Work at Canonical is a step into the future, and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game. Canonical provides a unique window into the world of 21st-century digital business.
Canonical is an equal opportunity employer
We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
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