Engineering Manager - Ubuntu Linux Kernel

Responsibilities

• Transition from individual contribution into full-time people and project management
• Lead and mentor a globally distributed team of Linux kernel engineers
• Manage delivery, testing, and maintenance of Ubuntu kernels across cloud, server, desktop, and IoT
• Drive engineering excellence, ensuring code quality, security, and performance
• Develop and execute team strategies aligned with company goals and product roadmaps
• Collaborate with silicon vendors, cloud partners, and internal teams to enable new hardware and features
• Own release cycles and update cadence for kernel portfolios
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, feedback, open-source collaboration, and accountability

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Senior Software Engineer, Tech Lead, or similar role
• Strong desire to transition into formal management (prior direct management not required)
• Solid technical background in systems software, C programming, or operating systems
• Experience with software packaging formats; Ubuntu/Debian/Snap experience highly regarded
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers and guide complex technical projects
• Professional written and spoken English with excellent presentation skills
• Ability to travel internationally twice a year for company events up to two weeks long

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a scrum master, project lead, or informal mentor for remote teams
• Direct experience contributing to the Linux kernel community
• Familiarity with continuous integration and automated testing frameworks for systems software

Benefits

• Distributed work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
• Annual compensation review and performance-driven bonus
• Annual holiday leave, maternity and paternity leave
• Team Member Assistance Program and Wellness Platform
• Travel opportunities including Priority Pass and upgrades for long-haul company events

About the Company

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the publisher of Ubuntu, one of the most important open-source projects and the platform for AI, IoT, and the cloud, the company is changing the world of software. Canonical recruits globally and sets a very high standard for people joining the company. Most colleagues have worked from home since Canonical's inception in 2004.