Software Engineering Manager - Ubuntu Linux Kernel

Overview

Software Engineering Manager - Ubuntu Linux Kernel

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 in many sectors. The company is a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries and very few office-based roles.

Teams meet two to four times yearly in person to align on strategy and execution.

The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing. We are hiring Software Engineering Managers to lead technical teams in the delivery and ongoing support and maintenance of all Linux kernels provided by the Ubuntu Linux distribution. The Linux kernel is broad, covering integration for bleeding-edge hardware, expanding execution environments, and applying the latest fixes and updates to all of the >100 Ubuntu Linux kernels under active support during Stable Release Update cycles.

This role would suit either an experienced manager of high performing software development teams, or a highly proficient technical lead taking on management responsibilities. You will need to be passionate about Linux and aspire to contribute to its distribution to millions of users worldwide.

As an Engineering Manager at Canonical, your primary responsibility is to your team: helping them grow as engineers, do meaningful work, and enjoy their work. Technical leadership experience and a background in software engineering are prerequisites. You will lead, challenge, and develop strong engineers, positively influence culture, facilitate technical delivery, and work with your team on strategy and execution.

Location: Working from home, worldwide. We have kernel teams and openings in every time zone and with the notable exception of Taipei, Taiwan, have no offices and therefore no pressure to work from an office.

The role entails

• Leading a distributed team of software engineers in your geographic region in distinct aspects of delivery of all Linux kernels for the Ubuntu Linux distribution
• Taking ownership of particular aspects of Ubuntu Linux which can include but not be limited to:
• Working with silicon or cloud partners to implement Linux kernels optimised for their execution environments
• Ensuring Ubuntu Linux is able to run on a wide range of diverse hardware platforms
• Definition and execution of the stringent quality control standards expected by the Ubuntu user community
• Mitigation of the latest security threats and exploits to the Linux kernel
• Strong process automation as it pertains to the build, test, and delivery of the Linux kernel
• Engagement with other teams at Canonical, the open source community and commercial partners

What we are looking for in you

• Significant programming experience in C, with Python, Golang, or other like languages is also highly regarded
• Substantial experience with operating system kernel internals and concepts;
  Linux experience is highly regarded but not essential
• Demonstrated experience managing or leading a team of software engineers
• Ability to coordinate between multiple distinct teams of differing technical focus to achieve common goals
• Familiarity with version control practices, ideally with git
• Prior experience developing with software packaging formats, with direct Ubuntu/Debian/Snap experience being highly regarded
• Professional written and spoken English with excellent presentation skills
• Ability to travel internationally twice a year for company events up to two weeks long

Nice-to-have skills

• Demonstrated experience with kernel patching and debugging
• Strong grasp of device drivers, BSPs, and other low level system engineering
• Solid background in driving CI/CD and process automation initiatives
• Prior public involvement with an open source project

What we offer colleagues

We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually to ensure we recognize outstanding performance. In addition to base pay, we…