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Canonical

Software Engineering Manager - Ubuntu Linux Kernel

Canonical, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

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Software Engineering Manager - Ubuntu Linux Kernel

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Canonical

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 public cloud, data science, AI, engineering, and IoT initiatives. We work with the world's leading public cloud and silicon providers and industry leaders across many sectors. Canonical is founder‑led, profitable, and growing with a distributed team of 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries and very few office‑based roles.

We are hiring Software Engineering Managers to lead technical teams in the delivery and ongoing support of all Linux kernels used in the Ubuntu distribution. The role spans a broad range of technical domains—from integrating bleeding‑edge hardware support to applying the latest fixes across more than 100 actively supported kernels during our stable release cycles.

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

Location:

Work from home worldwide. We have kernel teams and openings in every time zone, and no office pressure outside Taipei, Taiwan.

The role entails

Leading a distributed team of software engineers in your geographic region on distinct aspects of delivery for all Ubuntu Linux kernels

Taking ownership of particular aspects of Ubuntu Linux, which may include but are not limited to: Working with silicon or cloud partners to implement optimized Linux kernels for their execution environments

Ensuring Ubuntu Linux runs on a wide range of diverse hardware platforms

Defining and executing stringent quality control standards for the Ubuntu user community

Mitigating the latest security threats and exploits to the Linux kernel

Automating processes related to build, test, and delivery of the kernel

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

What we are looking for in you

Significant programming experience in C; Python, Golang, or similar languages is 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 git

Prior experience with software packaging formats, with direct Ubuntu/Debian/Snap experience 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

Experience with kernel patching and debugging

Strong grasp of device drivers, BSPs, and other low‑level system engineering

Background in driving CI/CD and process automation initiatives

Public involvement with an open source project

What we offer colleagues

Distributed work environment with twice‑yearly in‑person sprints

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 publisher of Ubuntu, Canonical is changing the world of software with a focus on AI, IoT, and cloud. We recruit globally and hold people to a very high standard for excellence.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer

We foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background creates a better environment and better products. We give fair consideration to all applicants.

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