Software Engineering Manager - Desktop and Embedded Linux Optimisation

SupportFinity™; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning & development

Compensation review

Recognition rewards

Annual leave

Priority travel pass

Job summary

Canonical in Portland is seeking an Software Engineering Manager to lead a distributed team focused on desktop and embedded Linux optimization for Ubuntu on the latest silicon and hardware. You will drive architecture decisions, coach engineers, and coordinate with partner teams to deliver high‑quality results.

The role demands strong leadership, deep Linux knowledge, and the ability to manage complex projects across the stack from kernel to GUI.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a software engineering team.
• Experience with Linux and hardware platforms.
• Strong communication with customers and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of agile software development methodologies.
• Ability to collaborate across multiple teams and drive results.

Responsibilities

• Lead distributed engineers to design and implement the best Ubuntu integration for latest IoT/server-class hardware.
• Engage with commercial partners to deliver an optimized Ubuntu experience on their platforms.
• Develop the team through coaching, mentoring, and feedback.
• Oversee engagements and ensure timely delivery of milestones.
• Maintain strict quality and reliability standards.
• Collaborate with other Canonical teams on architecture and roadmaps.
• Work from home with travel up to twice a year for two weeks.

Skills

Linux distributions

Debian packaging

High performance hardware

Team leadership

English communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in technology field

Job description

Software Engineering Manager - Desktop and Embedded Linux Optimisation

Canonical |

Canonical | Posted Mar 16

Full-time

Portland

Unknown

Negotiable

We work closely with major silicon companies to optimise Ubuntu for their latest hardware.

As a software engineering manager you need to bring both technical and management skills to the leadership of your team. You will be leading an engineering team that works across the full Linux stack from kernel to GUI, to optimise Ubuntu, the world's most widely used Linux desktop and server, for the latest silicon.

You will also represent the team in direct partner engagement as well as ensuring timely delivery on agreed project milestones.

As an engineering manager at Canonical your primary responsibility is to the people you support: ensuring that they are growing as engineers, doing valuable work, and generally having a great time at Canonical.

As a lead for strong engineers, technical leadership and a solid background in software development is a must, so that you're able to challenge and grow your team members. You will have the opportunity to influence the culture, facilitate technical delivery, and work with your team on strategy and execution.

What you'll do

• Lead a team of distributed engineers to design and implement the best Ubuntu integration for the latest IoT and server-class hardware platforms and software stacks
• Engage with commercial partners to deliver a delightful, optimised, first class Ubuntu experience on their platforms
• Develop your team through coaching, mentoring, leading by example, and feedback
• Oversee commercial engagements and support timely delivery on agreed project milestones
• Ensure an ongoing commitment to strict quality and reliability standards
• Engage with other teams at Canonical to ensure alignment on product architecture and roadmaps
• Work from home with global travel up to twice a year for up to two weeks

Who you are

• You have worked with Linux distributions, debian packaging and high performance, server-class hardware
• You have experience working directly with customers, resolving their technical issues, interpreting their business challenges and effectively communicating how your solution will meet their needs
• You have demonstrated experience managing or leading a team of software engineers
• You have understanding of agile software development methodologies
• You collaborate effectively across multiple internal teams, building trust and delivering results
• You have effective communications skills in English, both written and oral
• You have a bachelor's (or equivalent university level) degree, preferably in a technology field

What Canonical offers

• Learning and Development opportunities
• Annual Compensation Review
• Recognition Rewards
• Annual Leave
• Priority Pass for travel

We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity we will give your application fair consideration

About the company

Canonical