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. Our clients include the world's leading public cloud and silicon providers, and we pride ourselves on our global distributed collaboration with 1200+ colleagues across 75+ countries and minimal office-based roles.
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We are hiring Software Engineering Managers to lead technical teams in delivering and maintaining all Linux kernels provided by the Ubuntu Linux distribution. The role involves a wide range of technical domains and challenges—including integrating support for cutting-edge hardware, expanding execution environments, and applying the latest fixes and updates to the numerous Ubuntu Linux kernels.
As an Engineering Manager, your primary responsibility is to support your team: helping them grow as engineers, engage in meaningful work, and enjoy their roles. You will need to bring technical leadership experience and a background in software engineering. Success in this role requires leading, developing strong engineers, influencing culture, facilitating technical delivery, and aligning your team on strategy and execution.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead a distributed team of software engineers in delivering all Linux kernels for Ubuntu.
- Take ownership of collaborative projects with silicon and cloud partners to optimize Linux kernels.
- Ensure Ubuntu Linux runs on a diverse range of hardware platforms.
- Define and execute quality control standards for the Ubuntu user community.
- Address security threats to the Linux kernel and drive process automation for development.
Requirements:
- Significant programming experience in C; proficiency in Python, Golang, or similar languages is a plus.
- Substantial experience with operating system kernel internals, with a preference for Linux.
- Demonstrated experience in managing or leading a team of software engineers.
- Ability to coordinate across multiple teams with varying technical focuses.
- Familiarity with version control practices, ideally using Git.
- Experience with software packaging formats, specifically Ubuntu/Debian/Snap, is preferred.
- Professional written and spoken English with excellent presentation skills.
- Ability to travel internationally twice a year for company events lasting up to two weeks.
Nice-to-Have Skills:
- Experience with kernel patching and debugging.
- Knowledge of device drivers, BSPs, and low-level system engineering.
- Strong background in CI/CD and process automation initiatives.
- Prior public involvement with an open-source project.
What We Offer:
- Competitive compensation which is reviewed annually.
- Performance-driven annual bonus or commission.
- Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
- Recognition rewards.
- Annual holiday leave, maternity and paternity leave.
- Team Member Assistance Program and Wellness Platform.
- Opportunities to travel for team events.
About Canonical:
Canonical is dedicated to pioneering the global shift to open source. As a leader in publishing Ubuntu, a key open-source platform for AI, IoT, and cloud technologies, we transform the software landscape. Committed to a diverse and equitable work environment, we welcome applications from all identities and backgrounds.
