Senior Engineering Manager- Ubuntu

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 across sectors. The company is a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1100+ 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 an Engineering Manager to lead the engineering team that delivers the essential components of Ubuntu—our system startup, compilers, language runtimes, toolchains, as well as networking and storage configuration and management. This is a fast-paced, problem-solving, highly technical role operating at the core of Linux server systems.

As an Engineering Manager on the Foundations team, you will be at the heart of driving Ubuntu forward. Working at the intersection of the open source ecosystem and enterprise technologists, you will lead and inspire your team of engineers to elevate Ubuntu. We seek someone with a deep understanding of Linux and Ubuntu, combined with a passion for leadership. Your responsibilities will include leading, challenging, and developing strong engineers, fostering a positive culture, facilitating technical delivery, and driving strategy and execution.

Location: Globally remote

The role entails:

1. Leading and growing a team of distributed engineers
2. Demonstrating sound engineering principles through active and hands-on leadership
3. Planning, estimation, and execution responsibilities
4. Collaborating with product management to define the vision and strategy for Ubuntu
5. Working with cross-functional leadership teams
6. Driving the adoption of latest software development practices
7. Designing and promoting excellent engineering and organizational practices
8. Fostering a healthy, collaborative engineering culture aligned with company values
9. Engaging with other teams at Canonical to ensure alignment on product architecture and roadmaps
10. Participating in company sprints, typically held twice a year for 1-2 weeks, while working from home

What we are looking for in you:

1. Extensive experience with Linux distributions and packaging technologies (e.g., deb, rpm)
2. Proven experience managing or leading a team of software engineers
3. Strong knowledge in Linux system architecture, boot process, and toolchains such as Java, GCC, Python, Rust, Go; experience with ARM and/or RISC-V
4. Engagement with open source communities and processes

What we offer colleagues:

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person team sprints
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 annually
• Annual compensation review and performance-based bonuses
• Additional benefits reflecting our values and local needs
• Recognition rewards, annual leave, maternity/paternity leave, Employee Assistance Programme
• Opportunities for travel and participation in company events with travel perks

About Canonical:

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm leading the global move to open source. As the publisher of Ubuntu, a key open source platform for AI, IoT, and cloud, we are transforming software development. We recruit globally and uphold high standards for excellence. Since 2004, most colleagues have worked remotely, embracing a future of flexible work. Working at Canonical challenges you to think differently, learn continuously, and excel.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all backgrounds and perspectives are respected and considered.