Software Engineering Manager - Ubuntu Linux Kernel

Canonical; London; Remote; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading open source software company in London is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to lead teams in delivering and maintaining Linux kernels for Ubuntu. This role demands strong technical leadership and management skills, alongside expertise in programming, particularly in C. You will manage a distributed team and coordinate with various stakeholders while embracing a culture of collaboration and innovation. A passion for Linux and the open source community is essential as this role impacts millions of users worldwide.

Benefits

Performance-driven annual bonus

Personal learning and development budget

Maternity and paternity leave

Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform

Opportunity to travel to meet colleagues

Qualifications

• Significant programming experience in C with knowledge of Python or Golang.
• Substantial experience with operating system kernel internals, preferably in Linux.
• Demonstrated experience managing or leading a software engineering team.

Responsibilities

• Lead a distributed team of engineers in delivery of Linux kernels.
• Collaborate with silicon or cloud partners for optimized Linux execution.
• Mitigate security threats and apply stringent quality control standards.

Skills

Programming in C

Python

Golang

Operating system kernel internals

Version control with git

Software packaging formats (Ubuntu/Debian/Snap)

Excellent English presentation skills

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:

7

Posted:

12.08.2025

Expiry Date:

26.09.2025

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Job Description:

Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is very 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 + 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 > 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

We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually (and more often for graduates and associates) to ensure we recognize outstanding performance. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus or commission. We provide all team members with additional benefits which reflect our values and ideals. We balance our 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, 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