Software Engineering Manager - Ubuntu Linux Kernel

Job Description

Software Engineering Manager – Ubuntu Linux Kernel

Join Canonical as a Software Engineering Manager – Ubuntu Linux Kernel. Canonical is the leading publisher of Ubuntu, a widely adopted open‑source operating system used across the public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT sectors. With a globally distributed workforce of 1,200+ colleagues, Canonical operates in 75+ countries and embraces a largely remote work model, meeting in person only two to four times a year.

We are hiring Engineering Managers to lead technical teams that design, deliver, and maintain all Linux kernels included with Ubuntu. The Linux kernel’s breadth means these roles span a range of technical domains—from integrating support for cutting‑edge hardware and cloud platforms to ensuring security, quality, and automated builds across 100+ active kernels.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a geographically distributed team of software engineers focused on specific aspects of Ubuntu’s kernel delivery.


• Own particular areas such as:
  
  
  
  • Working with silicon or cloud partners to implement kernel optimisations.
  
  
  • Expanding support for diverse hardware platforms.
  
  
  • Defining and enforcing quality control standards demanded by the Ubuntu community.
  
  
  • Mitigating security threats and exploits targeting the Linux kernel.
  
  
  • Driving process automation for kernel build, test, and release pipelines.
  
  
  
  


• Engage with internal teams, the open‑source community, and commercial partners to synchronize goals.

Required Qualifications

• Extensive programming experience in C; experience with Python, Go, or similar languages is a plus.


• Proved experience with operating‑system kernel internals; knowledge of Linux is highly regarded.


• Demonstrated team‑management or team‑leadership experience in software engineering.


• Ability to coordinate multiple specialised teams towards common objectives.


• Familiarity with version control, preferably Git.


• Experience with software packaging formats, particularly Ubuntu/Debian/Snap.


• Strong written and spoken English with excellent presentation skills.


• Willingness to travel internationally twice a year for company events (up to two weeks).

Nice‑to‑Have Skills

• Kernel patching and debugging experience.


• Deep knowledge of device drivers, BSPs, and low‑level system engineering.


• Background in CI/CD and process automation initiatives.


• Public involvement with an open‑source project.

Benefits

• Fully distributed work environment with twice‑yearly in‑person sprints.


• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.


• Annual compensation review and performance‑based bonus or commission.


• Recognition rewards, annual holiday leave, maternity and paternity leave.


• Team Member Assistance Program and Wellness Platform.


• Opportunities to travel to new locations and meet colleagues.


• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long‑haul company events.

About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm committed to open source. As the publisher of Ubuntu, Canonical delivers one of the most important open‑source projects to the world, empowering AI, IoT, and cloud innovation. We recruit globally, uphold a high hiring standard, and thrive on the excellence of our remote‑first culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Canonical is an equal‑opportunity employer. We foster a workplace free from discrimination and value diversity of experience, perspective, and background. All applications receive fair consideration, regardless of identity.