About Canonical

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux, stands at the forefront of open source innovation. As the publisher of Ubuntu, the world's most widely used Linux distribution, Canonical powers the security of the internet, AI, IoT, and cloud computing. Since 2004, Canonical has pioneered a remote-first culture, recruiting top global talent to drive excellence in open source projects. Ubuntu underpins critical infrastructure worldwide, and Canonical's commitment to security ensures millions of users remain protected against emerging threats. Joining Canonical means contributing to a legacy that shapes the digital landscape.

Role Overview

The Engineering Manager - AppArmor role at Canonical is pivotal in enhancing Ubuntu's security posture. AppArmor, Canonical's mandatory access control security module, confines programs and restricts access to system resources, safeguarding millions of Ubuntu users. In this leadership position, you will manage a team of security engineers, coordinate across projects, and engage with communities and customers. This home-based, worldwide remote role offers the chance to impact open source security directly, fostering innovation in Linux kernel development and application security.

Key Responsibilities

As Engineering Manager, your leadership will drive team success and product excellence:

• Lead and develop engineers from graduate to senior levels, building high-performing teams.
• Coach, mentor, and deliver career development feedback to nurture talent.
• Identify and track team health indicators to ensure sustained performance.
• Implement disciplined engineering processes for reliable delivery.
• Represent your team and AppArmor product to stakeholders, partners, and customers.
• Develop and evangelize engineering best practices organization-wide.
• Plan and manage progress on goals and projects with precision.
• Collaborate actively within the security engineering leadership team.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks exceptional leaders passionate about security and open source. Required qualifications include:

• Exceptional academic track record from high school and university.
• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM, or a compelling alternative path.
• Proven drive exceeding expectations in past roles.
• Excellent English communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Track record of developing and growing people.
• Organizational skills ensuring timely, high-quality team delivery.
• Professional demeanor with colleagues, partners, and community.
• Proficiency in C and strong Linux kernel development knowledge.
• Hands-on experience with Linux Security Modules like AppArmor.
• Deep knowledge and passion for software and application security.
• Solid agile development environment experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to continual learning.
• Ability to build trust, relationships, and confidence.
• Result-oriented mindset with personal drive to meet commitments.
• Willingness to travel twice yearly for up to two-week company events.

Optional but valued: Good understanding of containers and packaging formats.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers competitive, performance-driven compensation tailored to location, experience, and impact. Benefits include:

• Distributed work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints.
• USD 2,000 annual personal learning and development budget.
• Annual compensation reviews, plus frequent adjustments for high performers.
• Performance-driven annual bonus.
• Recognition rewards for outstanding contributions.
• Generous annual holiday leave.
• Comprehensive maternity and paternity leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme for well-being support.
• Travel opportunities to meet global colleagues, with Priority Pass and upgrades for long-haul events.

These perks reflect Canonical's values of fairness, excellence, and work-life balance in a remote-first setting.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is merit-based and boundless. As Engineering Manager, you'll receive coaching, mentorship, and resources to grow into broader leadership. The USD 2,000 learning budget supports certifications, conferences, and courses in Linux security, management, or emerging tech. Annual reviews ensure recognition of achievements, with opportunities to lead larger security initiatives or influence Ubuntu's roadmap. Canonical's remote-first model and global sprints foster networking and skill-sharing across time zones.

Why Join Canonical

Joining Canonical means working on Ubuntu, the backbone of open source security. Your work on AppArmor will protect millions, addressing real-world threats in kernel security and access control. In a remote-first company since 2004, you'll collaborate with world-class experts, innovate daily, and enjoy unparalleled flexibility. Canonical sets high standards for excellence, challenging you to think differently, work smarter, and elevate your career. As an equal opportunity employer, Canonical values diverse talent driving open source forward.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role fully remote? Yes, it's home-based worldwide with two annual in-person sprints up to two weeks each.

Q: What experience is required with AppArmor? Direct experience with Linux Security Modules like AppArmor is essential, plus C proficiency and kernel knowledge.

Q: How does Canonical handle compensation? Based on location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews and bonuses.

Q: What is the team structure? You'll manage engineers from graduate to senior, focusing on security feature development.

Q: Are there growth opportunities? Absolutely, with mentorship, learning budgets, and paths to higher leadership in security engineering.