System Software Engineer - Java Runtimes, Tooling and Ecosystem at Canonical

System Software Engineer - Java Runtimes, Tooling and Ecosystem

Location: Home based - APAC (remote; candidate must be located in the APAC region)

Role overview

Canonical is expanding its Ubuntu Foundations team to deliver world-class Java runtimes, developer tooling and ecosystem integration on Ubuntu. As a System Software Engineer focused on the Java ecosystem you will help package, integrate and maintain JVMs, frameworks and tooling so that mission-critical Java applications run securely and efficiently on Ubuntu across cloud, containers and on-premise deployments.

The role entails

• Collaborate proactively with a distributed team to select, integrate and package best-of-breed Java runtimes, frameworks and tooling for Ubuntu.
• Write high-quality, well-tested code to add features or fix bugs in runtime integrations and tooling.
• Debug complex issues across JVMs, libraries, packaging and system interactions; produce robust fixes and upstream contributions.
• Package software for Debian/Ubuntu (deb/snaps) and ensure reliable delivery across images, containers and cloud images.
• Review code written by other engineers, participate in design and architecture discussions, and mentor junior colleagues.
• Work with adjacent teams to ensure runtime and tooling choices improve overall Ubuntu performance, security and developer experience.
• Participate in customer and community engagements and travel internationally 2–4 weeks per year for sprints and events.

What we are looking for in you

• Relevant experience with Java runtimes and the JVM ecosystem, ideally in cloud-native or large-scale Linux environments.
• Experience packaging and distributing software for Debian/Ubuntu and familiarity with snaps and system integration concerns.
• Strong Linux systems knowledge and comfort troubleshooting across OS, container and runtime boundaries.
• Excellent software engineering fundamentals and a track record of shipping high-quality code.
• Exceptional academic record or equivalent professional experience; undergraduate degree in a technical subject preferred.
• Clear communication skills, a collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively in a distributed, remote-first team.
• Willingness to travel internationally twice a year for company events up to two weeks each.

Technical skills & interests

We value engineers who care about runtimes, tooling and the developer experience on Linux. Familiarity with cloud-native Java frameworks (GraalVM, Spring Boot Native, Quarkus, Micronaut), container workflows and build systems is beneficial.

What we offer colleagues

Canonical is a remote-first employer that compensates according to geography, experience and performance. We provide benefits adjusted to local markets and support career development.

• Fully remote role in APAC with twice-yearly global sprints in person.
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
• Annual compensation review, recognition rewards, holiday leave and paid parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing support and travel benefits such as Priority Pass for long-haul events.

About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, a leading open-source platform for cloud, edge and IoT. We partner with cloud and silicon providers and contribute to major open source ecosystems. Working at Canonical offers the chance to influence infrastructure used by millions worldwide.

Application notes

Please indicate your relevant experience with Java runtimes, packaging and Linux when applying. Include examples of past contributions or projects. Recruitment Privacy Notice and Privacy Policy apply. Requisition ID: 933

How to apply

Apply via Canonical's careers site for this role: https://canonical.com/careers/7028481