Software Platform Engineering Manager - Ubuntu for Next-Gen Silicon

Canonical; Tacoma (WA); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative tech firm is seeking a Software Platform Engineering Manager to lead teams in optimizing Ubuntu for next-gen silicon. This role involves driving engineering practices, managing talent, and collaborating with global partners. You will influence technical delivery and culture while working remotely with a diverse team. The company offers a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth, a generous learning budget, and performance bonuses. If you are passionate about open source technologies and cutting-edge hardware, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Biannual in-person team sprints

USD 2,000 annual learning and development budget

Annual compensation review

Performance bonuses

Comprehensive benefits including leave and parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Travel opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong academic background or compelling narrative.
• Fluency in C, C++, and Python with Linux experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of engineers from graduate to senior levels.
• Oversee commercial engagements and support project milestones.
• Implement disciplined engineering processes.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Linux

Debian/Ubuntu

Leadership in Software Engineering

Professional English Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or STEM

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, as well as industry leaders across sectors. We are a pioneer in 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.

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 latest platforms, integrating next-generation features and performance enhancements while ensuring a consistent user experience.

Engineering Managers should be outstanding developers, comfortable reviewing patches and software designs. You will drive engineering practices, documentation, quality, and performance optimizations, leading your team to deliver high-quality design and code.

The role includes line management, career guidance, developing engineering talent, representing your team technically, and collaborating with other teams and customers. You will influence culture, facilitate technical delivery, and work on strategy and execution.

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

Responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing a team of engineers from graduate to senior levels
• Overseeing commercial engagements and supporting project milestones
• Participating as technical lead on complex system architecture engagements
• Implementing disciplined engineering processes
• Maintaining platform-oriented software stacks
• Optimizing Ubuntu for new hardware platforms
• Displaying technical leadership internally and externally
• Contributing to code reviews and documentation
• Collaborating with leadership teams

Qualifications:

• Strong academic background from high school and university, or an alternative compelling narrative
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or STEM, or equivalent experience
• Fluency in C, C++, and Python
• Experience with Linux and systems software
• Experience with Debian/Ubuntu or other distributions
• Leadership experience in software engineering
• Professional English communication skills
• Confidence in sharing ideas and providing feedback
• Self-motivated, thoughtful, results-driven
• 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 x86, ARM, RISC-V, s390x architectures
• Understanding build systems and cross-compilation
• Customer engagement experience
• Board bring-up and validation experience
• Experience with Linux virtualization, networking, or graphics
• Experience with Docker, K8s, or related container technologies
• Knowledge of confidential computing, RDMA, Infiniband, HPC
• Performance engineering and benchmarking skills

What we offer:

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person team sprints
• USD 2,000 annual learning and development budget
• Annual compensation review and performance bonuses
• Comprehensive benefits including leave, parental leave, Employee Assistance Program, travel opportunities, and more

About Canonical:

Canonical is a pioneering open source tech firm, publisher of Ubuntu, and leader in AI, IoT, and cloud platforms. We operate globally with high standards, fostering a remote-first 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, providing fair consideration regardless of background or identity.