Software Engineering Manager, Ubuntu Gaming

Software Engineering Manager, Ubuntu Gaming

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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 enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include leading public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders across sectors. We are a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1100+ colleagues in 75+ countries and few office-based roles. Teams meet 2-4 times annually in interesting locations worldwide to align on strategy and execution.

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

As the Software Engineering Manager for Ubuntu Gaming, your mission is to make gaming on Ubuntu first-class. This involves enhancing compatibility tools like Proton, optimizing performance, ensuring robust anti-cheat mechanisms, supporting full device compatibility, and facilitating content creation, sharing, and discovery. You will collaborate with open-source projects and partners to contribute to Ubuntu and the wider Linux gaming ecosystem.

Location: This role is remote, based in the Americas or EMEA region.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading your team to optimize and expand the Ubuntu gaming experience, focusing on the Steam Snap.
• Managing project timelines, balancing feature development with deadlines.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to align team efforts with company objectives.
• Conducting code reviews focusing on quality, performance, and modern design principles.
• Working with upstream projects like Proton and partners such as Unity to improve Ubuntu's gaming capabilities.
• Ensuring a cohesive Ubuntu experience by collaborating with other teams.
• Driving performance improvements across hardware.
• Engaging with the open-source and gaming communities for feedback and collaboration.

Candidate requirements:

• An undergraduate degree in a technical field or equivalent experience.
• Proven ability to collaborate with upstream projects and partners.
• Experience with the Linux graphics stack, including user-space components and kernel drivers.
• Strong project management skills, including risk assessment and resource allocation.
• Technical leadership with effective team management skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Robust planning skills for multi-cycle improvements.
• Willingness to travel twice a year for up to two weeks.

Nice-to-have skills:

• Passion for technology and gaming.
• Proactive in identifying opportunities and solving challenges.
• Curiosity, flexibility, and accountability.
• Strong soft skills, including passion, enterprise, and self-motivation.

What we offer:

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person team sprints.
• USD 2,000 annual learning and development budget.
• Annual compensation review and recognition rewards.
• Generous leave policies, including maternity and paternity leave.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Opportunities to travel and meet colleagues.
• Travel upgrades for company events.

About Canonical:

Canonical is a pioneering open-source tech firm, publisher of Ubuntu, and leader in AI, IoT, and cloud platforms. We recruit globally, uphold high standards, and promote a remote work culture since 2004. Working here challenges you to think differently, learn new skills, and excel.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring fair consideration regardless of background or identity.