Engineering Manager, Ubuntu Server - cloud-init

Canonical; Detroit (MI); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead a globally distributed team focused on cloud-init for Ubuntu Server. This role offers the chance to influence product evolution, foster a collaborative culture, and engage with the open source community. With a strong emphasis on leadership, coaching, and agile practices, you will guide talented professionals in delivering high-quality software solutions. Enjoy a flexible work environment with travel opportunities and a commitment to professional development. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to open source innovation and make a significant impact in the tech landscape.

Benefits

Annual learning and development budget

Generous leave policies

Employee Assistance Programme

Travel opportunities

In-person team sprints

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience leading and mentoring developers.
• Strong focus on timely, high-quality software delivery.
• Experience in agile development environments.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a globally distributed engineering team.
• Collaborate with Product Management to define vision and strategy.
• Oversee quality of Ubuntu Server image family.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Agile Development

Software Development

Cloud Computing

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Computer Science

STEM Degree

Tools

Microsoft Azure

Google Cloud

AWS

GNU/Linux

Job description

Join to apply for the Engineering Manager, Ubuntu Server - cloud-init 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 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 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries, and few office-based roles. Teams meet 2-4 times a year in interesting locations worldwide to align on strategy and execution.

The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing. Ubuntu Server is the world's most popular Linux distribution on cloud and bare metal. In this role, you will manage the team delivering cloud-init, the standard for customizing cloud instances, to the world.

Cloud-init supports various distributions and platforms, offering opportunities to work with:

• Cloud providers to add features/integration and improve efficiency.
• The cloud-init community, from individual users to major contributing companies.
• Distributions to update builds and coordinate needs.

You will own the product, influencing its evolution and collaborating with teams and partners on new features, enhancements, and integrations.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about cloud-init, aware of the open source ecosystem dynamics, and understand the needs of large, innovative customers.

This is an exciting leadership opportunity for those passionate about strong teams, open source, and Ubuntu. Build a rewarding career with talented professionals at Canonical.

What you'll do

• Build and lead a globally distributed engineering team.
• Develop talent through coaching, mentoring, feedback, and career development.
• Collaborate with Product Management to define vision and strategy.
• Manage expectations with engineering teams, management, and stakeholders.
• Promote modern, agile software development practices.
• Implement and advocate for excellent engineering and organizational practices.
• Foster a healthy, collaborative engineering culture aligned with company values.
• Participate in leadership and collaborate across teams.
• Engage in engineering reviews of code and architecture.
• Work with teams at Canonical, the open source community, and partners.
• Oversee quality of Ubuntu Server image family.
• Plan and deliver Ubuntu Server features.
• Work remotely with up to 6 weeks of global travel annually.

Who you are

• You love developing people and have a proven track record.
• You are passionate about software development.
• You have 3+ years of experience leading, managing, coaching, and mentoring developers; distributed team experience is a plus.
• You focus on success and timely, high-quality software delivery.
• You have experience in agile development environments.
• You hold a Bachelor's or equivalent in Computer Science, STEM, or similar.
• You have strong English communication skills.
• You are experienced with modern GNU/Linux distributions, preferably Debian or Ubuntu.
• You have practical experience with at least one of Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, or AWS.

What we offer you

• 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 Programme and travel opportunities.

About Canonical

Canonical pioneers in open source, publishing Ubuntu, a key platform for AI, IoT, and cloud. We hire globally, uphold high standards, and have been remote-first since 2004. Working here challenges you to think differently and grow professionally.

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and fairness in our hiring process.