Engineering Manager - Ubuntu Linux Kernel

Canonical, the company behind the Ubuntu Linux distribution, is searching for highly skilled senior software engineers, tech leads, or team leads who are ready to take the next step in their careers by transitioning into engineering management.

As a Kernel Engineering Manager, you will step into a pivotal leadership role overseeing the engineers who build, maintain, and optimize the Linux kernel that powers millions of systems globally. Our platform, Ubuntu, is in widespread use in breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. You will collaborate closely with the world's leading public cloud and silicon providers to deliver a world-class operating system.

We do not require prior direct people management experience for this role. Instead, we are looking for individuals who possess a solid technical foundation, a proven track record of technical leadership or project delivery, and a strong desire to learn how to lead complex, system-level projects and the engineers who build them.

The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing, making this an exceptional opportunity to grow your career into the core of open-source technology leadership.

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

Transition from individual contribution or technical leadership into full-time people and project management.

Lead and mentor a globally distributed team of talented Linux kernel engineers.

Manage the delivery, testing, and maintenance of Ubuntu kernels across various platforms (cloud, server, desktop, and IoT).

Drive engineering excellence, ensuring code quality, security, and performance standards are met consistently.

Develop and execute team strategies, aligning with broader company goals and product roadmaps.

Collaborate with silicon vendors, cloud partners, and internal Canonical teams to enable new hardware and features.

Own the release cycles and update cadence for your team's kernel portfolios.

Foster a culture of continuous learning, feedback, open-source collaboration, and accountability within the team.

What we are looking for in you

Proven experience as a Senior Software Engineer, Tech Lead, or similar role with a strong desire to transition into a formal management position (no prior direct management experience required).

Solid technical background in systems software, C programming, or operating systems concepts. Direct experience with the Linux or other operating system kernels would be highly regarded, but is not essential.

Prior experience developing with software packaging formats, with direct Ubuntu/Debian/Snap experience being highly regarded.

Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers, guide complex technical projects, or drive architectural decisions.

Leadership potential and a commitment to skills development and mentorship.

Confidence to respectfully speak up, exchange feedback, and share ideas without hesitation.

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