System Software Engineer - Java Runtimes, Tooling and Ecosystem

Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is very widely used in breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include the world's leading public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders in many sectors. The company is a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries and very few office-based roles. Teams meet two to four times yearly in person, in interesting locations around the world, to align on strategy and execution.

The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing.

We are hiring a System Software Engineer for Java Runtimes, tooling, and ecosystem

We are expanding our team focusing on the Java ecosystem. They will deliver the best possible Java runtimes and supporting tooling in Ubuntu, and enable Ubuntu users access to the wider Java ecosystem. Our goal is to enable mission-critical Java applications to be deployed and operated safely, securely and efficiently on large-scale Ubuntu estates. We are also keen to ensure that the cutting edge of Java innovation is available to Ubuntu users, to lay the foundation for future inventions and open source communities building on the JVM.

This is an exciting opportunity for a software engineer passionate about open source software, Java and the Java Virtual Machine, Linux system and software architecture. Come build a rewarding, meaningful career working with the best and brightest people in technology at Canonical, and make Ubuntu the best operating system to develop and run your Java applications in the cloud and in data centers, in containers or directly on the operating system, and anywhere else Java and Ubuntu can run (that is: pretty much everywhere!).

25 years in and going strong, Java is a staple of enterprise software the world over. A vibrant ecosystem of programming languages like Kotlin and Clojure has grown around the Java Virtual Machine. The JVM is at the forefront of exploration into how scalable, reliable software is written and run. The ecosystem of frameworks to build applications in Java and other JVM languages is undergoing a revolution centered on GraalVM and native application images thanks to frameworks like Spring Boot Native, Quarkus.io and Micronaut.

Ubuntu strives to deliver the latest-best free software components, in an easy to use and highly reliable form, with long-term security maintenance commitments. We build on the technical excellence of Debian and bring additional focus and shape to the solutions we offer the industry. The successful applicants will be passionate about the future of Java and the Java Virtual Machine, and of Ubuntu. They will be mindful of the dynamics of the open-source ecosystem, and aware of the needs of large but innovative organizations.

Part of the Ubuntu Foundations team, you will work on the architecture, design and development of core components of Canonical Ubuntu related to the Java Virtual Machine and associated tooling. You will discuss design with colleagues and community, and mentor less senior engineers through code reviews and design reviews. You will also work with other teams to ensure our decisions improve the overall performance and experience of Ubuntu. As a member of the Ubuntu Foundations team, your work will have an impact on every aspect of the Ubuntu ecosystem from Desktop to Server, Ubuntu Core, containers and also cloud images.

We believe that developers working with Java and other JVM languages all around the world should have an operating system that makes their job easy and pleasant. Come join us and let’s make this happen!

Location: This role will be based remotely in the APAC region

The role entails

• Collaborate proactively with a distributed team
• Select, integrate and package best-of-breed tooling with Ubuntu to improve developer and operator experience with Java Runtimes, frameworks and applications.
• Write high-quality code to create new features
• Debug issues and produce high-quality code to fix them
• Review code produced by other engineers
• Discuss ideas and collaborate on finding good solutions
• Work from home with global travel 2 to 4 weeks a year for internal and external events

What we are looking for in you

• You have relevant experience with Java Runtimes and its ecosystem, ideally in the world of cloud-native software and Linux
• You have experience in packaging software for Debian and Ubuntu
• You are a long-time Linux user
• Exceptional academic track record from both high school and university
• Undergraduate degree in a technical subject or a compelling narrative about your alternative chosen path
• You love technology and working with brilliant people
• You are passionate, curious, flexible, articulate, and accountable
• You value soft skills and are passionate, enterprising, thoughtful, and self-motivated
• Ability to travel internationally twice a year for company events up to two weeks long

What we offer colleagues

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 outstanding 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
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
• Priority Pass 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 of software. 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. Most colleagues at Canonical have worked from home since our inception in 2004.​ Working here is a step into the future and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.

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.