Software Engineering Manager - Ubuntu Linux Kernel

We are hiring Software Engineering Managers to lead technical teams in the delivery, ongoing support, and maintenance of all Linux kernels provided by the Ubuntu Linux distribution. The Linux kernel is broad, with challenges ranging from integrating support for new hardware into the latest Ubuntu kernels, to expanding execution environments, to applying the latest fixes and updates to all of the >100 Ubuntu Linux kernels under active support during Stable Release Update cycles.

This role suits either an experienced manager of high-performing software development teams or a very proficient technical lead taking on a management role. You will need to be passionate about Linux and aspire to contribute to its distribution to millions of users worldwide.

As an Engineering Manager at Canonical, your primary responsibility is to your team: helping them grow as engineers, do important and satisfying work, and have a great time while doing it. Technical leadership experience and a background in software engineering are prerequisites. You will be expected to lead, challenge, and develop strong engineers, positively influence the culture, facilitate technical delivery, and work with your team on strategy and execution., Location: Working from home, worldwide. We have kernel teams and openings in every time zone and, with the notable exception of Taipei, Taiwan, have no offices and therefore no pressure to work from an office.

• Leading a distributed team of software engineers in your geographic region in distinct aspects of delivery of all Linux kernels for the Ubuntu Linux distribution

• Taking ownership of particular aspects of Ubuntu Linux which can include but not limited to:

• Working with silicon or cloud partners to implement Linux kernels optimized for their execution environments

• Ensuring Ubuntu Linux is able to run on a wide range of diverse hardware platforms

• Definition and execution of the stringent quality control standards expected by the Ubuntu user community

• Mitigation of the latest security threats and exploits to the Linux kernel

• Strong process automation as it pertains to the build, test, and delivery of the Linux kernel

Engagement with other teams at Canonical, the open source community and commercial partners

• Significant programming experience in C, with Python, Golang, or other like languages is also highly regarded
• Substantial experience with operating system kernel internals and concepts; Linux experience highly regarded but not essential
• Demonstrated experience managing or leading a team of software engineers
• Ability to coordinate between multiple distinct teams of differing technical focus to achieve common goals
• Familiarity with version control practices, ideally with git
• Prior experience developing with software packaging formats, with direct Ubuntu/Debian/Snap experience being highly regarded
• Professional written and spoken English with excellent presentation skills
• Ability to travel internationally twice a year for company events up to two weeks long

Nice-to-have skills

• Demonstrated experience with kernel patching and debugging
• Strong grasp of device drivers, BSPs, and other low level system engineering
• Solid background in driving CI/CD and process automation initiatives
• Prior public involvement with an open source project

We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We offer a base pay with a performance-driven annual bonus or commission, plus additional benefits that reflect our values. We balance 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
• Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
• Travel upgrades for long-haul company events

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 enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering, and IoT. Our customers include leading public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders in many sectors. The company is a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries and very few office-based roles. Teams meet two to four times per year in person, in various locations around the world, to align on strategy and execution. The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing., Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. We recruit on a global basis and set a very high standard for people joining the company. Most colleagues have worked from home since our 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.