About Canonical

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux, stands at the forefront of the open source revolution. As the publisher of Ubuntu—one of the world's most widely used open source platforms powering AI, IoT, cloud computing, and enterprise infrastructure—Canonical is transforming how businesses operate software globally. Founded in 2004, Canonical has pioneered a remote-first culture that attracts top talent from every corner of the world. Our mission is to deliver the world's best open source solutions, including comprehensive multi-cloud and on-premise data platforms that make it seamless to run any database anywhere. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and community-driven development, Canonical sets the standard for what modern tech companies can achieve.

Role Overview

The Engineering Manager - Data Platform role at Canonical is a leadership position within our cutting-edge data solutions team. We are building fault-tolerant, mission-critical distributed systems spanning big data, NoSQL, caching layers, analytics, and SQL engines like Postgres and MySQL. This role focuses on leading teams specialized in Big Data and MySQL databases, ensuring scalable operations on Kubernetes and cloud environments. You'll write Python code, champion modern DevOps practices, and drive the delivery of products that enterprises rely on worldwide. Fully remote and available across European, Middle Eastern, African, and American time zones, this position offers the flexibility to work from anywhere while contributing to Canonical's vision of the ultimate data platform.

Key Responsibilities

As an Engineering Manager, your impact will be profound. You'll lead distributed teams in crafting scalable data solutions optimized for Kubernetes and multi-cloud deployments. Day-to-day, expect to hire exceptional talent, coach and mentor engineers, deliver constructive feedback, and lead by example through hands-on coding in Python. You'll set clear expectations with cross-functional teams, senior leadership, and stakeholders, while advocating for agile methodologies and engineering best practices. Fostering a culture of quality, performance, and collaboration is key—ensuring your team ships products users love. Participate actively in Canonical's leadership forums, grow a healthy team environment aligned with our values, and embrace biannual global sprints for in-person collaboration.

Daily Leadership Impact

From strategic planning to tactical execution, you'll balance people management with technical contributions, pushing the boundaries of data infrastructure innovation.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks proven leaders with a strong software engineering foundation. Essential qualifications include a background in Python and preferably Golang, hands-on experience running Big Data or MySQL systems at production scale, and exceptional judgment in assessing team members' motivations, skills, and growth potential. You must have a track record of building high-quality open source software, enforcing rigorous performance and quality standards, and demonstrating an open-minded passion for emerging technologies. A deep love for developing people, coupled with proven success in mentorship, is non-negotiable. Knowledge of Kubernetes, cloud operations, and distributed systems is crucial, as is the ambition to redefine software and infrastructure operations globally.

Additional Expertise

Specialist knowledge in Spark, Superset, MySQL, or similar technologies, plus prior open source contributions, will set you apart.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers a compensation package designed for equity across our global workforce, with base pay tailored to experience, location, and skills—plus potential bonuses and incentives. Beyond competitive salary, enjoy a fully remote environment since 2004, a $2,000 USD annual personal learning budget, annual compensation reviews, recognition rewards, generous holiday leave, parental leave, and an Employee Assistance Programme. Travel perks include Priority Pass, upgrades for long-haul trips, and biannual sprints to connect with colleagues worldwide. These benefits underscore our investment in your success and well-being.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by merit and impact. As an Engineering Manager, you'll join a leadership track with opportunities to influence company-wide strategy, mentor future leaders, and shape Ubuntu's data ecosystem. Our remote-first model, combined with structured development budgets and regular reviews, ensures continuous growth. Many leaders started as individual contributors, advancing through demonstrated excellence in open source innovation and team building. Expect challenges that sharpen your skills in scalable systems, people leadership, and emerging tech like AI-integrated data platforms.

Why Join Canonical

Joining Canonical means stepping into the future of open source. Work on Ubuntu, the backbone of cloud-native data solutions, in a company that's remote-first by design. Collaborate with brilliant minds globally, contribute to projects that power enterprises everywhere, and enjoy unparalleled work-life balance. Our culture emphasizes excellence, agility, and community—perfect for ambitious engineers who thrive on building what others only dream of. With Canonical, you're not just employed; you're part of a movement redefining technology.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, Canonical has been fully remote since 2004, with optional biannual travel for team sprints.

What time zones are supported?

European, Middle East, African, and American regions/time zones.

Do I need open source experience?

Proven ability to build high-quality open source software is required; community contributions are a plus.

What technologies will I work with?

Primarily Python, Kubernetes, cloud platforms, Big Data tools, and MySQL.

How is compensation determined?

Based on experience, skills, location, with annual reviews and potential bonuses for equity across our global team.