Software Engineering Manager - Ubuntu Linux Kernel

Canonical; London; Remote; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Canonical, the publisher of Ubuntu, is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to lead and develop teams responsible for the Ubuntu Linux kernel. This role requires passion for Linux, significant technical leadership experience, and a commitment to high-quality software delivery. Applicants will have programming experience in C and familiarity with the Linux kernel, ideally contributing to open source projects. The role offers a chance to work with a global team in a fully remote environment.

Benefits

Fully remote working environment

Personal learning and development budget

Annual compensation review

Recognition rewards

Annual holiday leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Opportunity to travel to new locations

Priority Pass for travel upgrades

Qualifications

• Significant programming experience in C, Python, Golang, or similar languages.
• Experience managing or leading a team of software engineers.
• Contributed to an open source project in the past.

Responsibilities

• Lead a distributed team of engineers in your time zone.
• Develop your team through coaching and mentoring.
• Support timely delivery of core and specialized Ubuntu kernels.

Skills

C programming

Python

Golang

Linux kernel internals

Agile methodologies

Communication

Job description

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Software Engineering Manager - Ubuntu Linux Kernel, London

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Client:

Canonical

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

db2ba9e253b1

Job Views:

5

Posted:

02.06.2025

Expiry Date:

17.07.2025

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Job Description:

Canonical, the publisher of Ubuntu, is growing its Linux kernel engineering team significantly. We are creating new teams in EMEA, Americas and APAC time zones that work holistically on the Ubuntu kernel and is therefore seeking multiple candidates to lead these new teams. These teams handle upstream development and the expression of new kernel capabilities in Ubuntu, they work with silicon and cloud partners to optimise the Ubuntu kernel for CPUs and hypervisors, they handle CVEs, livepatch and security updates to LTS and current release kernels, and they work with partners to ensure that Ubuntu works first time on every possible piece of hardware.

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 it’s 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.

What your day will look like

• Lead a distributed team of engineers in your time zone
• Develop your team through coaching, mentoring, leading by example, and feedback
• Support timely delivery of core and specialised Ubuntu kernels
• Oversee commercial engagements that require custom kernel engineering
• Ensure an ongoing commitment to strict quality and reliability standards
• Engage with other teams at Canonical, the open source community and commercial partners
• Work from home with travel globally 2-3 times a year for up to two weeks, for internal and external engineering events

What we are looking for in you

• Significant programming experience in C, with Python, Golang, or other like languages also highly regarded
• Substantial experience with Linux kernel internals and concepts
• Demonstrated experience managing or leading a team of software engineers
• Contributed to an open source project in the past
• Understanding of agile software development methodologies
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and oral

What we offer you

Your base pay will depend on various factors including your geographical location, level of experience, knowledge and skills. In addition to the benefits above, certain roles are also eligible for additional benefits and rewards including annual bonuses and sales incentives based on revenue or utilisation. Our compensation philosophy is to ensure equity right across our global workforce.

In addition to a competitive base pay, we provide all team members with additional benefits, which reflect our values and ideals. Please note that additional benefits may apply depending on the work location and, for more information on these, you can ask in the later stages of the recruitment process.

• Fully remote working environment - we’ve been working remotely since !
• Personal learning and development budget of 2,USD per annum
• Annual compensation review
• Recognition rewards
• Annual holiday leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues at ‘sprints’
• Priority Pass for travel and travel upgrades for long haul company events