Software Engineering Manager - Ubuntu Linux Kernel

Job Description

Software Engineering Manager – Ubuntu Linux Kernel

Join to apply for the Software Engineering Manager – Ubuntu Linux Kernel role at Canonical

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 customers include the world’s 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 yearly in person, in interesting locations around the world, to align on strategy and execution.

The company is founder‑led, profitable, and growing.

We are hiring Software Engineering Managers to lead technical teams in the various aspects of the delivery and ongoing support and maintenance of all Linux kernels provided by the Ubuntu Linux distribution. As the Linux kernel itself is now quite broad, so are the technical domains and challenges involved, ranging from integrating support for bleeding‑edge hardware into the latest Ubuntu kernels, to expanding the range of execution environments available to Ubuntu, to the complexities inherent in applying the latest fixes and updates to all of the >100 Ubuntu Linux kernels under active support during our Stable Release Update cycles.

This role would suit either an experienced manager of high‑performing software development teams, or a very proficient technical lead who is excited to take on a management responsibility. You will need to be passionate about Linux and aspire to be an integral part in 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 necessary prerequisites for this role. 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.

The role entails

• 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 be limited to:
  
  
  
  • Working with silicon or cloud partners to implement Linux kernels optimised 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

What we are looking for in you

• 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 would be 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, BSP's, and other low level system engineering


• Solid background in driving CI/CD and process automation initiatives


• Prior public involvement with an open source project

What we offer colleagues

• 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


• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long‑haul company events

About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the company that publishes Ubuntu, one of the most important open‑source projects and the platform for AI, IoT, and the cloud, we are changing the world of software. We recruit on a global basis and set a very high standard for people joining the company. We expect excellence; in order to succeed, we need to be the best at what we do. Most colleagues at Canonical 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.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer
We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.