The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a new capability in Windows that opens up new possibilities for Linux development and operations in Windows environments. WSL is not a virtual machine system like Hyper-V, nor an operations capability like Docker or Kubernetes, nor a cloud simulator like Multipass. Instead, WSL offers a specific set of capabilities from a Linux environment across to the Windows desktop, allowing for interesting new kinds of integration to take place at that boundary. Use your Windows editors and version control, compile and test on Linux, for example.

We are excited to explore the forefront of these possibilities, helping to shape the future of Windows-and-Linux development. We work closely with the WSL team to ensure that the latest capabilities in WSL are usable and well integrated with Ubuntu. We work with other developer communities, such as those at Nvidia, to ensure that the cross-over of their needs and the Windows platform takes advantage of WSL.

Canonical is a growing international software company that works with the open-source community to deliver Ubuntu, “the world’s best free software platform”. Our mission is to realise the potential of free software in the lives of individuals and organisations. Our services help individuals and businesses worldwide to reduce costs, improve efficiency and enhance security with Ubuntu.

As a developer advocate for Ubuntu on WSL, you will be instrumental in delivering the best Linux experience on WSL to a huge audience. You will have direct influence over the roadmap for Ubuntu on WSL by engaging with other leaders such as tech leads, engineering managers, product managers and external partners.

You will have the opportunity to speak at conferences about your work on WSL, and interact with a very enthusiastic community.

The successful candidate will be passionate about the future of Ubuntu, mindful of the dynamics of the open source ecosystem, and equally aware of the needs of large organisations. Strong communication and relationship skills are as important as superb technical skills. This job involves international travel several times a year, usually for one week at a time.

Key areas of accountability and responsibility 

• Become an expert in Ubuntu on WSL with a deep understanding of the various features that WSL offers.
• Engage with the Ubuntu and WSL communities through various means, including Ubuntu.com, IRC, Slack, Twitter, YouTube, industry events, and others.
• Create materials for experienced technical users as well as those who may be new to Ubuntu on WSL. Material will consist of installation guides, system administration guides, release notes, technical papers, tutorials, and knowledge-base articles.
• Collaborate with software developers, product managers, other writers, information architects, quality assurance engineers, and technical support engineers to develop documentation.
• Read design documents and specifications, build, install, and use pre-release software to assist in generating proper instructions.
• Structure the documentation to target the different audiences to aid in documentation discoverability.

Essential skills and expertise 

• BS/BA or equivalent in Technical Communication, English, Computer Science, or related field
• Ability to rapidly assimilate technical information from a variety of sources.
• Must be flexible and enjoy working with new technology in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with command line UNIX/Linux.
• Experience of working effectively as part of a distributed team.
• Confidence in using Ubuntu as well as Windows.
• Familiarity with using Git or other version control systems. 
• Basic scripting programming skills using Python, Bash, or other suitable language.

Desired skills and expertise

• Knowledge of HTML, Markdown and other documentation technologies.
• Knowledge of video creation and production.
• Experience working with WSL.
• Experience engaging with open source communities.
• Additional language skills.