About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world's leading open source operating system powering enterprise innovation in public cloud, data science, AI, IoT, and engineering. As a pioneer in global distributed collaboration, Canonical employs over 1200 colleagues across 75+ countries with a fully remote-first culture. Teams align through in-person strategy meetings in exciting global locations two to four times yearly. Founder-led and profitable, Canonical partners with top silicon vendors to deliver optimized Ubuntu experiences on cutting-edge hardware like x86, ARM, RISC-V, s390x, and POWER.

Role Overview

The Software Platform Engineering Manager - Ubuntu for Next-Gen Silicon role at Canonical is for passionate leaders who excel as developers and managers. You'll drive teams optimizing Ubuntu for the latest silicon platforms, ensuring seamless integration of next-gen features, performance enhancements, and a consistent user experience. This globally remote position offers influence on engineering culture, technical delivery, and strategy while representing Canonical with customers and open source communities.

Key Impact Areas

Focus on operational excellence, open source technologies, and hardware optimization to support breakthrough initiatives in cloud, AI, and high-performance computing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop engineering teams from graduates to seniors, providing career guidance and fostering talent.
• Oversee commercial engagements, ensuring timely delivery on project milestones with customers.
• Act as technical lead on complex engagements involving full system architectures.
• Implement disciplined engineering processes, including documentation, quality, and performance optimizations.
• Integrate and maintain platform software stacks, optimizing Ubuntu for x86, ARM, RISC-V, s390x, and POWER.
• Contribute to code reviews, technical documentation, and display leadership in internal and external communities.
• Collaborate with leadership on strategy, execution, and cross-team initiatives.

Qualifications & Requirements

Must-Have

• Exceptional academic record from high school and university; undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM (or compelling alternative path).
• Fluency in C, C++, and Python.
• Hands-on experience with Linux, operational systems software (kernel or user space), and Debian/Ubuntu packaging.
• Proven experience leading software engineering teams.
• Professional written and spoken English.
• Confidence in feedback, idea-sharing, thoughtfulness, self-motivation, and result-oriented drive.
• Willingness to travel internationally twice yearly for up to two weeks.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Open source community experience and licenses.
• Knowledge of x86, ARM, RISC-V, s390x computer architectures.
• Build systems, toolchains, cross-compilation.
• Customer engagement, board bring-up, validation.
• Linux virtualization, networking, graphics; Docker/OCI/K8s; confidential computing, RDMA, Infiniband, HPC.
• Performance engineering, benchmarking, profiling.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers competitive worldwide compensation based on location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews and performance-driven bonuses. Enjoy a remote-first lifestyle with flexibility across time zones, comprehensive benefits reflecting company values, and opportunities for global collaboration. Additional perks include hardware budgets, learning stipends, and wellness programs tailored to local needs.

Career Growth

As an Engineering Manager, you'll shape team culture, drive technical excellence, and advance your career through line management, customer representation, and strategic input. Canonical invests in talent development, promoting from within and providing paths to senior leadership in open source and platform engineering.

Why Join Canonical

Join a growing, profitable leader in open source where Ubuntu powers the world's most innovative tech. Work on next-gen silicon with global silicon vendors, contribute to communities, and thrive in a remote culture emphasizing autonomy, collaboration, and impact. Be part of pioneering Ubuntu for AI, cloud, and IoT revolutions.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, open in every time zone worldwide with minimal travel for team events.

What salary can I expect?

Compensation is competitive and performance-based; estimates range $150K-$250K USD annually depending on experience and location.

Do I need to be an expert coder?

Yes, managers actively review patches, designs, and contribute technically.

How does Canonical support open source?

We lead with Ubuntu, partnering on hardware optimization and community contributions.

What growth opportunities exist?

Line management, technical leadership, and strategic roles in a scaling global company.