About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering technology company at the forefront of the global shift to open source software. As the publisher of Ubuntu, one of the most influential open-source projects worldwide, Canonical powers enterprise initiatives in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include leading public cloud providers, silicon manufacturers, and industry giants across sectors. With over 1200 colleagues in more than 75 countries, Canonical embodies a founder-led, profitable, and rapidly growing organization. We champion a remote-first culture, with teams collaborating globally and meeting in person two to four times a year in exciting locations to align on strategy and execution.

Role Overview

Canonical is seeking an Engineering Manager - Python and K8s to spearhead the transformation of our corporate information systems into a world-class DevOps powerhouse. This role focuses on productizing internal business workloads for real-time automated operations on Kubernetes, mirroring the open source solutions we deliver to customers. Based remotely in the APAC region, you will lead a local time zone team dedicated to ensuring Ubuntu, Canonical services, and global operations remain highly available. With up to 20% global travel for events, this position blends hands-on technical leadership, team development, and strategic collaboration in a fully distributed environment.

Key Responsibilities

As Engineering Manager, you will drive technical excellence and cultural transformation within your team. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading a team focused on productizing business workloads for Kubernetes deployment.
• Building and managing a regional engineering team in your local time zone.
• Developing engineers through coaching, mentoring, and structured feedback.
• Contributing directly to code and architecture to model engineering best practices.
• Setting realistic schedules with estimation feedback loops and managing stakeholder expectations.
• Advancing modern agile practices, quality standards, and engineering excellence.
• Fostering a collaborative culture aligned with Canonical's values.
• Participating actively in the broader leadership team for organizational strategy.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this role, you bring a strong blend of technical expertise and leadership prowess:

• Proven experience in Docker and Kubernetes operations.
• Solid software engineering background with extensive Python experience, including framework development and stable API design.
• Demonstrated track record of developing and growing high-performing engineering teams.
• Knowledge of agile development environments and passion for software quality, testing, and documentation.
• Enthusiasm for emerging technologies and building products that revolutionize software and infrastructure operations.
• Experience in distributed, remote-first teams is highly valued.

Canonical values engineers who challenge norms, embrace innovation, and thrive in a global, collaborative setting.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers competitive, performance-based compensation tailored to location, experience, and impact, with annual reviews and bonuses. Beyond base pay, enjoy:

• Fully distributed work with biannual in-person team sprints in global destinations.
• USD 2,000 annual personal learning and development budget.
• Comprehensive leave policies including annual holiday, maternity, and paternity leave.
• Team Member Assistance Program and Wellness Platform.
• Recognition rewards for outstanding contributions.
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for company events, with up to 20% travel.

Our benefits ensure fairness across regions while supporting work-life balance and professional growth.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by impact and initiative. As an Engineering Manager, you will gain exposure to executive leadership, influence product strategy, and mentor the next generation of Ubuntu innovators. With annual compensation reviews, learning budgets, and global networking opportunities, we invest in your long-term success. Many leaders started as individual contributors, advancing through demonstrated excellence in remote, open source environments.

Why Join Canonical

Joining Canonical means contributing to Ubuntu's legacy in open source, powering mission-critical infrastructure worldwide. Work on cutting-edge Kubernetes and Python projects that directly impact global enterprises. Our remote-first model offers flexibility, while in-person sprints build deep connections. Be part of a profitable, growing company shaping the future of cloud, AI, and IoT. With a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration, Canonical is where passionate engineers thrive.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role fully remote? Yes, it's home-based in APAC with up to 20% travel for events and sprints.

Q: What experience level is required? Mid-to-senior level with Python/K8s expertise and proven team leadership.

Q: How does Canonical support professional development? Through a USD 2,000 learning budget, mentoring, and annual reviews.

Q: What makes this role unique? Transforming internal IS into product engineering, directly contributing to Canonical's open source ecosystem.

Q: How is compensation structured? Competitive base with performance bonuses, reviewed annually for fairness.