Canonical, the publisher of Ubuntu, is growing its Linux kernel engineering team significantly. We are creating new teams in EMEA, Americas and APAC time zones that work holistically on the Ubuntu kernel and is therefore seeking multiple candidates to lead these new teams. These teams handle upstream development and the expression of new kernel capabilities in Ubuntu, they work with silicon and cloud partners to optimise the Ubuntu kernel for CPUs and hypervisors, they handle CVEs, livepatch and security updates to LTS and current release kernels, and they work with partners to ensure that Ubuntu works first time on every possible piece of hardware.  

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 it’s 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.

What your day will look like

• Lead a distributed team of engineers in your time zone

• Develop your team through coaching, mentoring, leading by example, and feedback

• Support timely delivery of core and specialised Ubuntu kernels

• Oversee commercial engagements that require custom kernel engineering

• Ensure an ongoing commitment to strict quality and reliability standards

• Engage with other teams at Canonical, the open source community and commercial partners

• Work from home with travel globally 2-3 times a year for up to two weeks, for internal and external engineering events

What we are looking for in you

• Significant programming experience in C, with Python, Golang, or other like languages also highly regarded

• Substantial experience with Linux kernel internals and concepts

• Solid understanding Linux kernel development principles

• Demonstrated experience managing or leading a team of software engineers

• Contributed to an open source project in the past

• Understanding of agile software development methodologies

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and oral