About Canonical

Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems, powering global enterprise and technology markets with its flagship platform, Ubuntu. Ubuntu is the world's most widely deployed open source operating system, enabling breakthrough initiatives in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include top public cloud providers, silicon manufacturers, and industry leaders across sectors. As a pioneer in global distributed collaboration, Canonical employs over 1200 colleagues in more than 75 countries, with very few office-based roles. Teams align on strategy and execution through in-person meetings two to four times a year in exciting global locations. Founder-led, profitable, and growing, Canonical offers a dynamic environment for engineering leaders passionate about quality, performance, and resilience in software.

Role Overview

The Ubuntu Engineering Manager role at Canonical is a leadership position within the Ubuntu Engineering organization. Managers and Senior Managers are expected to remain technical, staying close to the code, processes, and people. You'll lead one of four key teams—Foundations, Server, Desktop, or Debcrafters—responsible for integrating the latest open source software, ensuring robust upgrade paths, and engineering Ubuntu's future. Foundations handles core architectures, package managers, compilers, and utilities; Server drives Ubuntu Server evolution; Desktop advances immutable desktops, WSL, gaming, and Flutter apps; Debcrafters maintains the vast Ubuntu archive. This remote role is open worldwide, with interviews tailored to team fits, offering accountability for technical roadmaps, team growth, and impactful work in a thriving open source community.

Key Responsibilities

As an Ubuntu Engineering Manager, you'll lead teams to elevate the Linux developer and user experience, design and ship performant software in Rust, Go, and Python, and uphold engineering principles via architecture, development, and code reviews. Responsibilities include owning planning, estimation, and execution; collaborating with product management on Ubuntu's vision and strategy; setting expectations with engineering teams, senior management, and stakeholders; providing coaching, mentoring, technical feedback, and hands-on career development; contributing to upstream and neighboring open source projects; and authoring technical and community documentation. You'll foster a positive culture, challenge engineers to excel, and ensure satisfying, high-impact work.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks candidates with an exceptional academic track record from high school and university, including an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM (or a compelling alternative narrative). Essential qualifications include the ability to drive technical work streams beyond expectations, lead and coach engineers for exceptional delivery, and a demonstrated passion for open source software. Significant experience with Rust, Go, Python, Flutter, or C/C++ is required, alongside professional written and spoken English and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. A proven track record in technical leadership, building high-performing teams, and contributing to open source projects is crucial.

Benefits & Perks

Joining Canonical as an Ubuntu Engineering Manager comes with unparalleled benefits. Enjoy fully remote work from any timezone worldwide, embracing a remote-first culture that prioritizes flexibility and global collaboration. Engage with cutting-edge technologies shaping Ubuntu's role in cloud, AI, and IoT. Benefit from a founder-led, profitable company with strong growth trajectory. Participate in in-person team meetups in interesting locations worldwide. Access opportunities for community contributions, professional development through mentoring, and hands-on technical leadership. Canonical supports work-life balance, innovation, and a thriving open source ecosystem.

Career Growth

At Canonical, engineering managers advance through a leadership track that emphasizes technical depth and people management. Stay hands-on with code while growing into senior roles, influencing Ubuntu's roadmap and open source contributions. Receive coaching, feedback, and development to build high-performing teams. Engage with global stakeholders, product management, and the broader community, expanding your expertise in Linux, cloud, and emerging tech. Canonical's distributed model fosters diverse experiences, with clear paths for promotion based on impact, innovation, and leadership.

Why Join Canonical

Canonical stands out for its remote-first culture, enabling talented engineers worldwide to contribute to Ubuntu—the platform powering millions of users from students to enterprise teams. Work on meaningful projects across Foundations, Server, Desktop, and Debcrafters, driving open source innovation. Benefit from a collaborative, high-trust environment where managers lead technically and nurture talent. With profitability and growth, Canonical offers stability and excitement in a founder-led vision. Join a community passionate about quality software, resilience, and global impact in public cloud, AI, IoT, and beyond.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role fully remote? Yes, open in every timezone worldwide with no office requirement.
Q: What teams will I lead? One of Foundations, Server, Desktop, or Debcrafters, determined post-initial interviews.
Q: Do managers code? Yes, expected to stay technical and close to the code.
Q: What languages are used? Primarily Rust, Go, Python, Flutter, and C/C++.
Q: How does hiring work? First round identifies team fits, followed by team-specific interviews.
Q: What's the company culture like? Global, distributed, open source-focused with periodic in-person alignments.