Ubuntu Engineering Lead

Ubuntu Engineering Lead

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 breakthrough initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation and IoT. With more than 1200 colleagues in 75+ countries, Canonical is a pioneer of global distributed collaboration. We recruit on a global basis and set a very high standard for people joining the company.

• Foundations
  : maintaining foundational software, architectures, package managers, compilers, tool chains, bootloaders, file systems and core utilities.
• Server
  : leading the design, evolution and future of our Ubuntu Server distribution.
• Desktop
  : driving Ubuntu Desktop, the future immutable desktop, Ubuntu Core Desktop, WSL, gaming technology and a suite of modern applications for the desktop crafted with Flutter.
• Debcrafters
  : a new team responsible for the forward movement, maintenance and overall health of the Ubuntu archive.

• Leading their teams in elevating the Linux developer and user experience.
• Designing, building and shipping high‑quality, performant software in Rust, Go and Python.
• Demonstrating sound engineering principles through architecture, development and code reviews.
• Taking responsibility for planning, estimation and execution.
• Working with product management to define the vision and strategy for Ubuntu.
• Setting expectations with other engineering teams, senior management and external stakeholders.
• Offering coaching, mentoring, technical feedback and hands‑on career development.
• Contributing to upstream and neighboring open‑source projects.
• Optimizing the distribution for performance, reliability and security.
• Debugging complex system‑level issues and delivering robust solutions.
• Authoring and improving technical and community documentation.

• An exceptional academic track record from both high school and university.
• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM, or a compelling narrative about your alternative path.
• Ability to drive and deliver technical work streams beyond expectations.
• Lead and coach others to deliver exceptional engineering work.
• A demonstrated passion for open‑source software.
• Significant experience with Rust, Go, Python, Flutter or C/C++.
• Professional written and spoken English.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Result‑oriented, with a personal drive to meet commitments.
• Ability to travel twice a year, for company events up to two weeks each.

• Experience contributing to or leading open‑source projects.
• Experience with Linux distributions/distribution engineering.
• Experience with software packaging and distribution mechanisms.
• Performance or Security Engineering experience.

• Distributed work environment with twice‑yearly team sprints in person.
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
• Annual compensation review.
• Recognition rewards.
• Annual holiday leave.
• Maternity and paternity leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues.
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long‑haul company events.

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the company that publishes Ubuntu, one of the most important open‑source projects and the platform for AI, IoT and the cloud, we are changing the world daily. Canonical has been a remote‑first company since 2004 and embraces a future‑oriented culture.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives and background creates a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, your application will receive fair consideration.

Seniority level:
Mid‑Senior level

Employment type:

Full‑time
Job function:
Engineering and Information Technology
Industries:
Software Development