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Software Engineering Manager, Ubuntu Gaming

Canonical Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Posted: 03 Jul 2025

Financial

  • Estimate: $120k - $150k*
  • Zero income tax location

Accessibility

  • Fully Remote
  • Apply from abroad
  • Visa Provided

Requirements

  • Experience: Senior
  • English: Professional

Position

Canonical is a leading provider of open-source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is widely used in breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Canonical is a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with over 1100 colleagues in more than 75 countries, operating mainly through remote roles. Teams meet in person two to four times a year in various locations worldwide to align on strategy and execution.

As the Software Engineering Manager for Ubuntu Gaming, your mission is to enhance the gaming experience on Ubuntu. This involves optimizing performance, implementing robust anti-cheat mechanisms, and ensuring full device support. You will work collaboratively with open-source projects and partners to contribute to both Ubuntu and the wider Linux gaming ecosystem.

Location: Jiddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia (Remote)

Work Conditions:

  • Full-time
  • Remote position based in the Americas or EMEA region
  • Opportunity to travel twice a year for company events (up to two weeks long)

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead your team in optimizing and expanding the Ubuntu gaming experience, focusing on the Steam Snap.
  • Manage project timelines, balancing feature improvements with deadlines.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure alignment with other teams and company objectives.
  • Conduct code reviews with an emphasis on quality, performance, and modern design principles.
  • Collaborate with upstream projects like Proton and partners like Unity to enhance Ubuntu's gaming capabilities.
  • Drive performance improvements across various hardware types.
  • Engage actively with the open-source and gaming community for feedback and collaboration.

Qualifications:

  • An undergraduate degree in a technical subject or a compelling narrative about your alternative chosen path.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively with upstream projects and partners.
  • Familiarity with the Linux graphics stack, including user-space components and low-level kernel drivers.
  • Exceptional software project management skills, including risk assessment and resource allocation.
  • Ability to balance technical leadership with effective team management.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for internal and external interactions.
  • Robust planning skills demonstrated through managing multi-cycle improvements.
  • English language proficiency is required.

Nice-to-Have Skills:

  • A passion for technology and gaming.
  • Initiative in identifying opportunities and solving challenges.
  • Curiosity, flexibility, and a strong sense of accountability.
  • Focus on soft skills such as passion, enterprise, and self-motivation.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive compensation based on geographical location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews.
  • Performance-driven annual bonus or commission.
  • Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
  • Annual holiday leave, maternity and paternity leave, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Opportunities to travel to new locations for team meetings and events.
  • Recognition rewards and benefits that reflect company values and ideals.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Apply now

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About Canonical

We deliver open source to the world faster, more securely and more cost effectively than any other company. We're also the publishers of Ubuntu, the world’s most popular enterprise Linux from cloud to edge, together with a passionate global community of 200,000+ contributors.