Canonical: Distributed Systems Engineer — Home based - Worldwide

About Canonical

Canonical develops open-source software and operating systems for enterprise and technology users. Its Ubuntu platform is used in cloud computing, data science, artificial intelligence, engineering and connected-device environments. The employer describes a distributed working model with periodic in-person team meetings. Its vacancies therefore span both software delivery and the business functions that support it. Applicants should check the location, time-zone and travel conditions attached to the individual role rather than assume every position is available from any country.

The position and its setting

Canonical lists Distributed Systems Engineer in Home based - Worldwide, under reference 4581200. The details below separate the work described by the employer from essential conditions, preferred experience and practical preparation advice.

• Department: SaaS Engineering
• Employer listing date: 20 July 2023

Responsibilities and work described

• Work: remotely with a globally distributed team, driving technical excellence and fostering innovation across diverse engineering environments
• Design, architect, and build high-performance APIs to power streaming data services, ensuring seamless integration across teams and products using Python and Go
• Development: robust governance, auditing, and management systems within our advanced telemetry platform, ensuring security, compliance, and operational integrity
• Partner with our infrastructure team to build scalable cloud-based SaaS solutions while also delivering containerized on-prem deployments for enterprise customers
• Leadership: the design, implementation, and optimization of new features, taking projects from specification to production, ensuring operational excellence at scale
• Delivery: technical oversight, review code and designs, and set best practices to maintain engineering excellence
• Engage in high-level technical discussions, collaborating on optimal solutions with engineers, product teams, and stakeholders
• Work: remotely with occasional global travel (2-4 weeks per year) for internal and external events, fostering deeper collaboration and knowledge-sharing

Essential requirements and candidate background

• You design and architect scalable backend services, messaging/data pipelines, and REST APIs using Go or Python, guiding best practices, technical direction, and system scalability
• You possess deep expertise in cybersecurity principles and proactively address the complex challenges of IoT environments: secure connectivity, data streaming, governance, and compliance
• You bring expertise in designing and optimizing systems using:
• IAM models, encryption, access control, and compliance frameworks (GDPR, HIPAA) to ensure secure and compliant data handling
• Design decentralized data ownership models, ensuring interoperability and governance across domains
• Designing high-throughput, low-latency systems for IoT data processing
• Data streaming technologies (MQTT, Kafka, RabbitMQ)
• Observability tools (OpenTelemetry)
• Industrial/engineering data exchange protocols (OPC-UA, ModBus)
• You thrive in cross-functional environments, partnering with product teams, engineers, and stakeholders to drive high-impact technical solutions that align with business objectives
• You mentor junior engineers, foster technical excellence, and contribute to a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing
• You embrace challenges with an open mind, continuously seeking opportunities to learn, improve, and innovate in a rapidly evolving IoT landscape
• You are familiar with Ubuntu as a development and deployment platform
• You hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, STEM, or a related field
• You are willing to travel up to 4 times a year for internal events

Location, schedule and contract conditions

For this overseas or regional listing, confirm work authorisation and any location restrictions with the employer. The location does not establish visa sponsorship or permission to work remotely from India.

• Advertised location: Home based - Worldwide

Benefits mentioned by the employer

• We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide
• We revisit compensation annually (and more often for graduates and associates) to ensure we recognize performance
• In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus or commission
• We provide all team members with additional benefits which reflect our values and ideals
• We balance our programs to meet local needs and ensure fairness globally
• Distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
• Annual compensation review
• Recognition rewards
• Annual holiday leave
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform

Pay and application dates

A verified salary figure is not established in this article. An online estimate for another Distributed Systems Engineer vacancy is not an offer for reference 4581200; use the employer’s own pay disclosure and recruitment communication.

A closing date is not confirmed in this article. Check the current employer page before submitting: an undated posting can change or be withdrawn.

How to apply to Canonical

Applications follow the official employer page linked below.

Open the official Canonical posting below and match the title and reference 4581200.

Compare your qualifications and experience with the essential conditions for the Home based - Worldwide position, then read the preferred criteria separately.

Prepare an accurate CV and the supporting items requested in that employer’s application. Provide only information and documents you are authorised to share.

Use the employer’s application option, complete the required fields and review the submission. Retain the acknowledgement when one is provided. Job Alerts World does not receive the application.

Practical preparation: Python

Python work is easier to assess through a concrete example than a list of libraries. Explain the problem, the input data, the parts you implemented and how you checked the output. Include a repository or a short technical note when you can share it.

Relevant skills

• Python
• Kafka
• REST APIs
• APIs
• Linux
• AI
• cybersecurity
• audit
• compliance
• stakeholder management