About Canonical

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux, stands at the forefront of open source software innovation. As a leading provider of enterprise-grade operating systems, Canonical powers breakthrough initiatives in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering, and IoT. Ubuntu, our flagship platform, is trusted by the world's top public cloud providers, silicon manufacturers, and industry leaders across sectors. With over 1200 colleagues spanning 75+ countries, Canonical pioneers global distributed collaboration. Our founder-led, profitable, and growing organization emphasizes a remote-first culture, with teams uniting for strategy sessions in exciting global locations two to four times a year.

Canonical's commitment to open source drives us to deliver secure, reliable solutions that redefine technology landscapes. From embedded systems to desktops, we shape the future of Linux, enabling developers and enterprises to build robust, scalable applications.

Role Overview

Canonical seeks a technical Engineering Manager to lead the Ubuntu Core team, redefining the embedded Linux experience for the IoT market. Ubuntu Core is the smallest, most secure, and reliable operating system designed for edge devices, appliances, and critical infrastructure. In this role, you'll spearhead development across ARM, RISC-V, and x86 architectures, focusing on containers, security, and developer tools.

This position demands a blend of deep technical expertise and leadership prowess. You'll inspire a distributed team of elite software developers, influence product roadmaps, and collaborate with stakeholders to deliver mission-critical solutions for IoT, automotive, aviation, and beyond. As a remote role based in the Americas, it offers flexibility while contributing to Canonical's global impact on open source Linux.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership and Development

Build and lead a high-performing, distributed team through strategic hiring, coaching, mentoring, and career growth initiatives. Foster a collaborative environment aligned with Canonical's values, providing hands-on feedback to drive individual and team excellence.

Technical Contribution and Delivery

Demonstrate engineering leadership by directly contributing code and designs to achieve team goals. Prioritize stakeholder requests, plan roadmaps, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality Ubuntu Core software using agile methodologies.

Stakeholder Management and Culture

Set and manage expectations across engineering teams, senior leadership, and external partners. Advocate for modern development practices, evangelize engineering excellence, and actively participate in Canonical's leadership forums to shape organizational strategy.

Qualifications & Requirements

Essential Skills

Candidates must exhibit proven competencies in embedded software development, with strong proficiency in Golang, C++, and Shell scripting. A deep understanding of Linux, particularly modern distributions like Debian or Ubuntu, is crucial. You'll need a demonstrated track record in people development, agile planning, and executing high-quality software deliveries on schedule.

An exceptional academic background from high school and university, coupled with an undergraduate degree in a technical field (or a compelling alternative path), is required. Excellent professional written and spoken English, including presentation skills, are non-negotiable.

Nice-to-Have Expertise

Familiarity with immutable Linux distributions like Ubuntu Core, multi-architecture experience (ARM, RISC-V), and knowledge of Linux native containerization and security will set you apart.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers competitive, performance-based compensation tailored to location, experience, and impact, with annual reviews and bonuses. Beyond base pay, enjoy a remote-first distributed work environment featuring twice-yearly in-person team sprints in inspiring locations worldwide.

• USD 2,000 annual personal learning and development budget
• Recognition rewards for outstanding contributions
• Generous annual holiday leave
• Comprehensive maternity and paternity leave
• Team Member Assistance Program and Wellness Platform
• Opportunities for global travel and collaboration

Our benefits ensure fairness globally while addressing local needs, reflecting Canonical's values of inclusivity and excellence.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by performance and impact. As Engineering Manager, you'll gain exposure to senior leadership, influence Ubuntu's roadmap, and mentor the next generation of open source talent. With regular reviews, learning stipends, and cross-team projects, you'll advance in a meritocratic culture that rewards innovation and results. Many leaders started as individual contributors, growing through hands-on contributions and strategic influence.

Why Join Canonical

Join a profitable, growing company shaping open source's future. Work on Ubuntu Core, the gold standard for secure embedded Linux, impacting IoT revolutions worldwide. Our remote-first model offers unparalleled work-life balance, global camaraderie, and the chance to travel for sprints. Be part of a collaborative, values-driven culture where your technical leadership drives real-world change in cloud, edge, and beyond.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, it's home-based in the Americas, with occasional in-person team sprints (2-4 times yearly).

What architectures will I work with?

Primarily ARM, RISC-V, and x86 for Ubuntu Core on embedded systems.

Do I need prior management experience?

A track record of developing and growing people is essential, alongside technical depth.

How does compensation work?

Based on experience and performance, with annual reviews, bonuses, and global equity.

What is Ubuntu Core?

An immutable, secure Linux OS for IoT and embedded devices, featuring snap-based updates and robust recovery mechanisms.