Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is very widely used in breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include the world's 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, in interesting locations around the world, 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 various aspects of the delivery and ongoing support and maintenance of all Linux kernels provided by the Ubuntu Linux distribution. As the Linux kernel itself is now quite broad, so are the technical domains and challenges involved, ranging from integrating support for bleeding-edge hardware into the latest Ubuntu kernels, to expanding the range of execution environments available to Ubuntu, to the complexities inherent in applying the latest fixes and updates to all of the >100 Ubuntu Linux kernels under active support during our Stable Release Update cycles.
This role would suit either an experienced manager of high performing software development teams, or a very proficient technical lead who is excited to take on a management responsibility. You will need to be passionate about Linux and aspire to be an integral part in 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 important and satisfying work, and have a great time while doing it. Technical leadership experience and a background in software engineering are necessary prerequisites for this role. You will be expected to lead, challenge, and develop strong engineers, positively influence the 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 would be 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, BSP’s, 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 (and more often for graduates and associates) to ensure we recognize outstanding performance. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus or commission. We provide all team members with additional benefits which reflect our values and ideals. We balance our programs to meet local needs and ensure fairness globally.
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
Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform
Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long-haul company events
About Canonical
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 of software. We recruit on a global basis and set a very high standard for people joining the company. We expect excellence; in order to succeed, we need to be the best at what we do. Most colleagues at Canonical have worked from home since our inception in 2004. Working here is a step into the future and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.
Canonical is an equal opportunity employer
We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.
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