Rust Engineering Lead - Linux and Open Source at Canonical

Rust Engineering Lead - Linux and Open Source

Location: Home based - Worldwide (fully remote)

Overview

Canonical is hiring Rust Engineering Leads to drive adoption of Rust across Ubuntu and Canonical’s open source projects. These roles span levels of seniority and focus on designing, implementing and operating high‑quality system software in Rust — from firmware and bootloaders through kernel-adjacent services, system daemons and developer tooling. You will help make Ubuntu the best platform for Rust development and identify places where Rust can replace or improve existing C/C++ codebases.

What your day will look like

• Design and implement well-tested, documented Rust software for system-level and distributed projects.
• Advocate for Rust adoption across teams and upstream projects; identify opportunities for migration and new Rust-based components.
• Debug, triage and fix issues reported by users and upstream communities; participate in code and architectural reviews.
• Collaborate with internal teams, community contributors and partners to define technical specifications and delivery plans.
• Contribute to deploying and operating services built by your team where required and promote best engineering practices.

What we are looking for in you

• Exceptional academic track record or equivalent experience and an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, STEM or compelling alternative background.
• Proven experience designing and writing high-quality Rust software on Linux and enthusiasm for system-level engineering.
• Deep familiarity with Linux at the system level and experience across low-level components, distributions or system services.
• For senior roles: experience building, deploying and operating distributed systems and APIs.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, professional written and spoken English, and ability to work in a distributed, remote-first environment.
• Organised, self-motivated, result-oriented, and able to deliver to schedule while mentoring others and advocating technical direction.
• Willingness to travel twice a year for company events (up to two weeks each).

Nice-to-have skills we would value

• Experience developing for Ubuntu, knowledge of LXD, MicroK8s, SnapD, IoT, Juju, Ubuntu Core or Ubuntu Pro.
• Background in performance engineering, security, or experience migrating/rewriting C/C++ code to Rust.
• Upstream open source contributions and experience collaborating with large open ecosystems.

What we offer colleagues

Canonical operates a globally distributed, remote-first culture. Compensation is adjusted by geography, experience and performance. Eligible roles may receive an annual performance-driven bonus. We support professional development and offer a comprehensive benefits package locally adjusted.

• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
• Twice-yearly in-person team sprints and company retreats.
• Annual compensation review, recognition rewards, holiday leave and paid parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellness support; travel benefits such as Priority Pass for long-haul events.

About Canonical

Canonical publishes Ubuntu, a widely used open-source platform for cloud, edge and IoT. We are founder-led, profitable and globally distributed, partnering with cloud and silicon vendors and contributing to critical open source ecosystems. Working at Canonical means building software that impacts millions worldwide.

Logistics & application

Open roles exist across time zones. After initial interviews we will route you to the product team that best matches your expertise and interests.

#LI-remote

Requisition ID: 1172

How to apply

Apply via Canonical’s careers site: https://canonical.com/careers/5833620