About Canonical

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux, is at the forefront of the open source revolution transforming enterprise computing. As the leading provider of Ubuntu, the world's most popular Linux distribution, Canonical powers everything from cloud infrastructure and data centers to edge devices and desktops. Our mission is to make open source software easier, more reliable, and more secure for deployment and development worldwide. We deliver 'most software to most companies' through innovative products in areas like kernel development, servers, data infrastructure, and product security.

With a remote-first culture spanning all time zones, Canonical attracts brilliant engineers passionate about pushing open source boundaries. Our engineering teams collaborate globally on mission-critical software that runs hyperscale clouds, AI workloads, and IoT ecosystems. Joining Canonical means contributing to projects that shape the future of technology while enjoying unparalleled autonomy and impact.

Role Overview

The Software Engineering Director at Canonical is a senior leadership position overseeing multiple engineering teams across projects that span time zones and disciplines. This role is perfect for exceptional developers ready to transition into strategic leadership, managing engineering managers and staff engineers on high-impact products. Directors set the technical vision, pace, and culture for teams building everything from Python/Golang web services to C/Rust kernel components and Flutter desktop applications.

Canonical's products are developed collaboratively under single directors who ensure seamless delivery. Post-initial interviews, you'll be matched to domains like data infrastructure, SAAS microservices, graphics, silicon enablement, or product security based on your expertise. This home-based, worldwide remote role requires occasional global travel twice per year for up to two weeks, fostering deep connections in our distributed leadership model.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead diverse engineering teams from graduates to seniors, spanning multiple time zones.
• Develop engineering managers while upholding Canonical's high-performance culture.
• Hire specialized staff engineers for performance, quality, and key technical roles.
• Coach, mentor, and provide career feedback to drive individual growth.
• Track and improve team health, productivity, and delivery metrics.
• Ensure comprehensive delivery including documentation and community engagement.
• Implement and defend rigorous engineering processes for speed and reliability.
• Set benchmark goals for efficiency and measure progress rigorously.
• Represent your product to stakeholders, partners, and customers effectively.
• Evangelize best practices in engineering and organization design.
• Plan projects, manage timelines, and collaborate with peer leaders.

Qualifications & Requirements

Essential Experience

Candidates must demonstrate an exceptional academic background from high school and university, typically with an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or a related STEM field—or a compelling alternative path backed by proven achievements. Extensive management experience is crucial, with confidence in setting and enforcing high expectations for work ethic, consistency, and learning.

An outstanding track record in Linux-based software engineering is non-negotiable, including hands-on expertise in relevant languages and genres like web services, system daemons, desktop apps, or distributed systems. You must excel in driving testing, benchmarking, and code quality while leading by example as an active coder.

Key Personal Traits

Seek result-oriented leaders with drive exceeding expectations, excellent English communication, public speaking skills, and a passion for people development. Proficiency in agile environments, continual learning, and building trust is essential. Organized self-starters who deliver high-quality results on schedule, with professional interactions across colleagues, partners, and communities, will thrive.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers a premium remote-first experience tailored for global talent. Enjoy complete location flexibility worldwide, supported by tools for seamless collaboration across time zones. Competitive compensation reflects senior leadership impact, with opportunities for equity and performance bonuses.

Team members access world-class resources for professional growth, including leadership training and conferences. Twice-yearly global travel builds lasting relationships and strategic alignment. Health, wellness, and family benefits are comprehensive, adapted to your location. Contribute to iconic open source projects like Ubuntu, gaining recognition in the global tech community.

Career Growth

At Canonical, Engineering Directors are groomed for even greater impact within our leadership structure. Expect mentorship from top executives, exposure to C-level strategy, and pathways to VP or CTO roles. Our culture emphasizes developing others—many managers you've coached will become Canonical's next generation of leaders. With a track record of internal promotions, your success directly accelerates your trajectory in open source innovation.

Why Join Canonical

Canonical isn't just a company; it's the vanguard of open source enterprise adoption. Ubuntu runs millions of servers, desktops, and devices, powering AWS, Azure, and beyond. As a Director, you'll shape products that enterprises rely on for security, performance, and scalability. Our remote-first model eliminates commutes, enabling focus on what matters: breakthrough engineering.

Join a community of brilliant minds united by passion for open source. Experience the pride of delivering software that transforms industries, backed by a company investing heavily in Ubuntu's future—from AI robotics to confidential computing. If you love Linux, leadership, and legacy-building, Canonical is your platform.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, 100% remote worldwide, with all time zones supported. Expect two weeks of global travel per year.

What domains can I lead?

Python/Golang, C/C++/Rust, data infra, web/JS/React, Flutter, kernel, servers, graphics/desktop, embedded, security—and more.

Do I need to code daily?

Directors lead by example, staying technically sharp to guide code quality and architecture.

What's the interview process?

Initial screens lead to domain matching, followed by leadership and technical deep dives.

How does Canonical support growth?

Through coaching, goal-setting, and collaboration in a high-trust, high-expectation environment.