Software Platform Engineering Manager - Ubuntu for Next-Gen Silicon

Canonical; Baltimore (MD); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Software Platform Engineering Manager to lead teams optimizing Ubuntu on next-gen silicon. This globally remote role offers an exciting opportunity to influence culture and technical delivery while collaborating with top-tier silicon vendors. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in software engineering, operational systems, and open source technologies. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, you will guide your team in delivering high-quality code and designs, contributing to the evolution of cutting-edge hardware platforms. Join a dynamic environment that values diversity and fosters professional growth.

Benefits

Distributed work environment

USD 2,000 annual learning and development budget

Recognition rewards

Holiday leave

Maternity/paternity leave

Employee assistance programs

Travel opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong academic background with a degree in Computer Science or STEM.
• Leadership experience in software engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of engineers, from junior to senior levels.
• Oversee commercial engagements and support timely project delivery.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Linux

Operational Systems Software

Leadership in Software Engineering

Education

Degree in Computer Science or STEM

High School Diploma

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Software Platform Engineering Manager - Ubuntu for Next-Gen Silicon

Join to apply for the Software Platform Engineering Manager - Ubuntu for Next-Gen Silicon 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, industry leaders, and more. We are a pioneer in global distributed collaboration with over 1200 colleagues in 75+ countries, with few office-based roles. Teams meet 2-4 times a year in various locations worldwide to align on strategy and execution.

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

We are hiring engineering managers passionate about operational systems, open source technologies, and cutting-edge hardware to lead teams enabling and optimizing Ubuntu on the latest x86, ARM, RISC-V, s390x, and POWER systems.

In partnership with leading silicon vendors, we optimize Ubuntu on their platforms, integrating new features and performance enhancements while maintaining a consistent user experience.

Engineering Managers should be excellent developers, capable of reviewing patches and design specs. They will promote healthy engineering practices, documentation, quality, and performance optimizations, and lead their teams to deliver high-quality code and designs.

Responsibilities include line management, career guidance, developing engineering talent, representing the team technically, and collaborating across teams and with customers. You will influence culture, facilitate technical delivery, and work on strategy and execution.

Location: This is a globally remote role, with open positions across all time zones.

What your day will look like

1. Lead and develop a team of engineers, from junior to senior levels.
2. Oversee commercial engagements and support timely project delivery.
3. Participate as technical lead on complex system architecture projects.
4. Implement disciplined engineering processes.
5. Maintain platform-oriented software stacks.
6. Optimize Ubuntu for the latest hardware platforms.
7. Display technical leadership internally and externally.
8. Contribute to code reviews and documentation.
9. Collaborate with leadership and other teams.

What we are looking for in you

• Strong academic background from high school and university.
• Degree in Computer Science or STEM, or an alternative compelling narrative.
• Fluency in C, C++, and Python.
• Experience with Linux and operational systems software.
• Experience with Debian/Ubuntu or other distributions.
• Leadership experience in software engineering teams.
• Proficiency in professional English communication.
• Confidence in sharing ideas and feedback respectfully.
• Thoughtfulness, self-motivation, and result orientation.
• Willingness to travel internationally twice a year for up to two weeks.

Nice-to-have skills

• Experience with open source communities and licenses.
• Knowledge of computer architecture (x86, ARM, RISC-V, s390x).
• Understanding build systems and cross-compilation.
• Experience working with customers and in board bring-up/validation.
• Familiarity with Linux virtualization, networking, or graphics stacks.
• Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, or related technologies.
• Knowledge of confidential computing, RDMA, Infiniband, HPC, and performance engineering.

What we offer you

We offer competitive global compensation, annual reviews, a performance bonus, and benefits reflecting our values. Our perks include:

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person team sprints.
• USD 2,000 annual learning and development budget.
• Recognition rewards, holiday leave, maternity/paternity leave.
• Employee assistance programs and travel opportunities.

About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneer in open source, publisher of Ubuntu, and a leader in AI, IoT, and cloud platforms. We hire globally, uphold high standards, and have been a remote-first company since 2004. Working here challenges you to think differently, learn new skills, and excel.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace free from discrimination. We consider all applications fairly, regardless of background or identity.