We also have teams that work with every major silicon vendor and cloud, with a particular emphasis on performance optimisation of the entire stack for that architecture, CPU family or hypervisor. Our goal is to ensure that Ubuntu users can select whatever platform they want for their workloads and know they have access to the very best performance and efficiency across the entire stack from kernel to codec.
If they wish, we will enable performance and correctness engineers to move between products every two years, so that they have the opportunity to raise the bar for performance in an array of products over time, and also that teams have the benefit of fresh eyes on their processes, thinking, harnesses, dashboards and code. Our performance and correctness leads are expected to be truly exceptional individuals, and also leaders who are confident setting expectations of change, sharing insights and skills, running initiatives and programs. There is no way to move a meaningful codebase without also moving the people behind it.
This is a career path for perfectionists and precision artists. Whether you have a particular language focus – C, C++, Rust, Golang, Python, Java, Flutter-Dart or others – or a particular love of the kernel or hardware or CPU instruction set, whether you see yourself as driving perceived user experience through performance or optimising the efficiency of data centers to reduce carbon footprint, this process is the best way to find a role at Canonical that speaks to your precision, rigour, insight and drive.
Location: We have teams in every time zone, and can accommodate applications from almost any country.
Nice-to-have skills we value
Low-level CPU insights and assembly language – understanding cache, registers, vectorization, memory
Kernel performance insights – scheduling, context switching, hardware acceleration
Distributed systems performance insights – tracing, debugging
Compiler level performance insights – profile guided optimization, inlining, assembler
Runtime performance insights – Golang, Python, JVM, NodeJS
Database performance evaluation – plans, indexing, data modelling, tracing, monitoring
Web browser performance insights – JS, web frameworks, tracing, CSS
Performance measurement tooling – profiling, eBPF, D-Trace, flamegraphs
Benchmarks and performance measurement tools – Phoronix Test Suite, others
Test harnesses and capabilities in C, C++, Rust, Python, Golang, NodeJS, JavaScript
The role entails
Drive software performance and correctness in a specific project
Collaborate with colleagues and community around the globe
Work on shared tools and infrastructure for performance measurement, analysis and reporting
Teach, train and develop skills in your team for performance culture and design
Strengthen test capabilities, harnesses and pipelines
Analyze systems and code to understand performance and scalability
Solve problems directly or through influence, leadership and skills development
Review code and technical designs
What we are looking for in you
Exceptional academic track record from both high school and university
Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Mathematics or Physics
Demonstrable personal initiatives to measure and improve performance, efficiency and correctness in code
Confidence to respectfully speak up, exchange feedback, and share ideas without hesitation
Track record of going above-and-beyond expectations to achieve outstanding results
Leadership and commitment to skills development and mentorship
Passion for technology evidenced by personal projects and initiatives
The work ethic and confidence to shine alongside motivated colleagues
Professional written and spoken English with excellent presentation skills
Experience with Linux (Debian or Ubuntu preferred)
Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability
Appreciative of diversity, polite and effective in a multi-cultural, multi-national organisation
Thoughtfulness and self-motivation
Result-oriented, with a personal drive to meet commitments
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 recognise 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
Employee Assistance Programme
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 its 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.
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