Software Engineering Manager - Ubuntu Linux Kernel

Software Engineering Manager - Ubuntu Linux Kernel

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Canonial 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 public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Canonical has 1,200+ colleagues in 75+ countries, mostly remote, meeting 2–4 times a year in person.

We are hiring Software Engineering Managers to lead technical teams that deliver and maintain all Linux kernels provided by the Ubuntu Linux distribution—over 100 kernels under active support. You will guide the integration of bleeding‑edge hardware, expand Ubuntu’s execution environments, and apply fixes and updates across the entire kernel ecosystem.

This role suits an experienced manager or a technical lead ready to take on management responsibilities. You must be passionate about Linux and eager to contribute to its distribution worldwide.

Location: Working from home, worldwide. We have kernel teams across all time zones; no office pressure.

• Leading a distributed team of software engineers in your geographic region on 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 runs on a wide range of hardware platforms
  • Defining and executing stringent quality control standards expected by the Ubuntu user community
  • Mitigating the latest security threats and exploits to the Linux kernel
  • Driving process automation for build, test, and delivery of the Linux kernel
• Engaging with other teams at Canonical, the open source community, and commercial partners

• Significant programming experience in C, with Python, Golang, or related languages highly regarded
• Substantial experience with OS kernel internals and concepts (Linux experience a plus)
• Demonstrated experience managing or leading software engineering teams
• Ability to coordinate across multiple distinct technical teams to achieve common goals
• Familiarity with version control practices, ideally with git
• Experience developing with software packaging formats; direct Ubuntu/Debian/Snap experience valued
• Professional written and spoken English with excellent presentation skills
• Willingness to travel internationally twice a year for up to two weeks at company events

• Experience with kernel patching and debugging
• Strong grasp of device drivers, BSPs, and low‑level system engineering
• Background in driving CI/CD and process automation initiatives
• Public involvement with an open source project

• Distributed work environment with twice‑yearly in‑person team sprints
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
• Annual compensation review and performance‑driven bonus
• Recognition rewards and annual holiday leave
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long‑haul events

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of open source. As the publisher of Ubuntu—the platform for AI, IoT, and cloud—canonical changes the world of software. We recruit globally and set a high standard for excellence and innovation.

Canonical fosters a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspective, and background creates a better working environment and better products. Whatever your identity, your application will receive fair consideration.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Engineering and Information Technology

Software Development

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