Software Platform Engineering Manager - Ubuntu for Next-Gen Silicon

Canonical; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Software Platform Engineering Manager to lead teams optimizing Ubuntu for cutting-edge hardware. This role offers the chance to work with leading silicon vendors, drive engineering practices, and influence technical delivery. As part of a globally distributed team, you will engage in exciting projects while enjoying a competitive compensation package and benefits. If you are passionate about open source technologies and operational systems, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

USD 2,000 annual learning and development budget

Annual compensation review

Recognition rewards

Annual leave

Parental leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Travel opportunities for company events

Qualifications

• Strong background in C, C++, and Python programming.
• Experience with Linux operational systems and software development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of engineers across various levels.
• Oversee project milestones and ensure timely delivery.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Linux

Leadership in software engineering

Professional English communication

Self-motivation

Result orientation

Education

Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM

Strong academic background from high school

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Debian/Ubuntu packaging

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, and industry leaders across sectors. We are a pioneer of global distributed collaboration with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries, with few office-based roles. Teams meet 2-4 times yearly in interesting 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 engineering teams that enable and optimize Ubuntu for the latest x86, ARM, RISC-V, s390x, and POWER systems.

We partner with leading silicon vendors to optimize Ubuntu on their platforms, integrating new features and performance enhancements while ensuring a consistent user experience.

Engineering Managers should be outstanding developers, comfortable reviewing patches and design specs. They will drive engineering practices, documentation, quality, and performance, leading their teams to deliver high-quality code and design.

The role involves line management, career guidance, talent development, technical representation, and collaboration with other teams and customers. You will influence culture, facilitate technical delivery, and work on strategy and execution.

Location: This is a globally remote role, with open positions in every time zone.

What your day will look like

• Lead and develop a team of engineers, from graduate to senior levels
• Oversee commercial engagements and support timely delivery of project milestones
• Participate as technical lead on complex customer projects involving system architectures
• Implement disciplined engineering processes
• Maintain platform-oriented software stacks
• Optimize Ubuntu for latest hardware platforms
• Display technical leadership internally and externally
• Contribute to code reviews and documentation
• Collaborate with leadership teams

What we are looking for in you

• Strong academic background from high school and university
• Undergraduate 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 distro packaging
• Leadership experience in software engineering
• Professional English communication skills
• Confidence in sharing ideas and feedback
• 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 board bring-up
• Knowledge of Linux virtualization, networking, or graphics stacks
• Experience with Docker, OCI containers, Kubernetes
• Experience with confidential computing, RDMA, Infiniband, high-performance computing
• Performance engineering, benchmarking, profiling

What we offer you

We offer a globally competitive package considering location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews and bonuses, along with benefits aligned to our values. Benefits include:

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person team sprints
• USD 2,000 annual learning and development budget
• Annual compensation review
• Recognition rewards
• Annual leave, parental leave, Employee Assistance Programme
• Travel opportunities and upgrades for company events

About Canonical

Canonical pioneers open source, publishing Ubuntu—the platform for AI, IoT, and cloud. We recruit globally, uphold high standards, and have been remote-first since 2004. Working here challenges you to think differently, learn continuously, and excel.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to fair consideration of all applications.

Additional Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Engineering and IT
• Industry: Software Development