Software-Defined Networking Engineer

This is a general selection process for all seniority levels, to join teams that focus on open source networking software at Canonical. We're looking for outstanding software engineers passionate about networking at any level - from the Linux kernel IP or eBPF and bridge constructs, to overlay SDN networking like OVS and OVN, to router, switch and radio access technologies such as SoNIC, FRR and DENT, all the way up to telco MANO and 5G Core solutions.

We work with networking silicon providers to optimise Ubuntu and related applications for their ASICs, boards and appliances. Our aim is to provide a complete open source stack for data centre networking, from bare metal through virt, container and serverless, and also to address IoT networking systematically.

At Canonical, you'll have the opportunity to engage with the broader open-source community and industry-leading partners in developing future-proof networking solutions. We're seeking individuals who can help build a thriving community, contribute to a broad range of technologies, and contribute to the deployment of Ubuntu, Ubuntu Core, OpenStack, LXD, MAAS and MicroK8s across various devices and use cases.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Working with advanced operating systems and network application technologies
• Collaborating with public clouds and network silicon providers
• Designing and implementing the best software-defined networking experience for the latest hardware platforms and software stacks
• Writing high-quality, well-designed and well-documented software
• Debugging issues and producing high-quality code to fix them
• Collaborating with a globally distributed organisation
• Contributing to technical documentation
• Displaying technical leadership internally, towards partners, and in open source communities
• Influencing open-source projects and communities
• Shaping software-defined networking products for evolving data centre architectures

We're looking for candidates with:

• An exceptional academic track record from both high school and university
• A degree in Computer Science or STEM (or a compelling alternative path)
• Deep understanding of Linux networking, from kernel to user space
• Fluency in at least one of Golang, C/C++, Rust or Python
• Professional written and spoken English
• Experience with Linux (Debian or Ubuntu preferred)
• Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability
• Passion, thoughtfulness, and self-motivation
• Result-oriented mindset with a personal drive to meet commitments

Additional valuable skills include familiarity with open source networking technologies, data path hardware acceleration protocols, computer architecture knowledge, experience with virtualization technologies, and previous contributions to open source projects.

Canonical offers a distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person, a personal learning and development budget, annual compensation reviews, and various other benefits. We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination and value diversity of experience, perspectives, and background.