Graduate Software Engineer, Open Source and Linux, Canonical Ubuntu

Company: Canonical –

WebSite: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Job Description:**Job Description**

This role requires a candidate to contribute to the strategic direction of the product roadmap during bi-annual global sprints. The successful applicant will prioritize design and user experience, encompassing developer tooling and command-line applications. Responsibilities include developing high-quality, resilient, and performant code capable of serving a large user base. Continuous improvement in key programming languages and Linux system administration is expected. The role involves engaging with users and the open-source community through code reviews and issue tracking systems, addressing customer issues with urgency, and developing a comprehensive understanding of enterprise requirements. Furthermore, the candidate will develop skills in secure software design and implementation.

**Qualifications**

Candidates should possess an exceptional academic record from secondary and higher education, including an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Business Informatics, Mathematics, or another STEM field with relevant programming coursework. Demonstrated proficiency in at least one of the following programming languages is essential: Python, Rust, C/C++, Golang, JavaScript, or Java. Experience with Ubuntu or another Linux distribution is required. The ideal candidate will have a proven history of exceeding expectations and consistently delivering outstanding results. Candidates must be result-oriented, organized, and dedicated to meeting commitments, and have a portfolio of personal technology and software engineering projects beyond academic coursework. Professional fluency in written and spoken English, excellent interpersonal skills, intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and a strong sense of accountability are essential. Personal responsibility, a reflective mindset, and the capacity for continuous self-improvement are also necessary. The candidate must be able to travel internationally twice per year for company events, with trips lasting up to two weeks.

**Desired Skills**

Upstream open-source contributions, experience with packaging and Linux distribution contributions (e.g., Debian, Fedora, Arch, Nix), leadership and organizational abilities, strong presentation and writing skills, and an interest in business and commercial aspects are considered advantageous.

**Compensation and Benefits**

Compensation is determined by geographical location, experience, and performance, and is reviewed annually (and more frequently for graduates and associates) to recognize outstanding contributions. In addition to a base salary, the company offers a performance-based annual bonus or commission. A comprehensive benefits package is provided to all team members, reflecting the company’s values and commitment to fairness and equity. Benefits include:

* Distributed work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints
* 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 leading technology company driving the global adoption of open source. As the publisher of Ubuntu, a prominent open-source project and platform for AI, IoT, and cloud computing, Canonical is transforming the software landscape. The company adheres to a rigorous global hiring process, selecting individuals who demonstrate excellence. Canonical fosters a work environment where innovation and continuous learning are prioritized, encouraging employees to challenge conventional thinking, improve efficiency, acquire new skills, and achieve professional growth.

**Equal Opportunity Employer**

Canonical is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that is free from discrimination. The company values diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds, believing that this leads to a more effective work environment and superior products. All applications will receive fair consideration regardless of identity.

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