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CanonicalEngineering Manager - Distributed Systems, Python / Go
Canonical creates open-source software and operating systems utilized across the technology and enterprise sectors, including the Ubuntu platform used in cloud computing, data science, artificial intelligence,…
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About This Role
Canonical creates open-source software and operating systems utilized across the technology and enterprise sectors, including the Ubuntu platform used in cloud computing, data science, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things projects. The company operates globally with a distributed workforce and minimal office presence. Canonical is currently seeking an Engineering Manager for Distributed Systems Testing to lead a team focused on the quality engineering platform that tests and deploys distributed systems…
Job Description
Canonical creates open-source software and operating systems utilized across the technology and enterprise sectors, including the Ubuntu platform used in cloud computing, data science, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things projects. The company operates globally with a distributed workforce and minimal office presence. Canonical is currently seeking an Engineering Manager for Distributed Systems Testing to lead a team focused on the quality engineering platform that tests and deploys distributed systems throughout the company portfolio.
This position combines people management with technical software engineering responsibilities. The selected candidate will mentor software and quality engineers, establish robust engineering standards, and help shape technical strategy alongside senior staff. While the primary focus involves team growth and execution, the role requires direct technical contributions such as code reviews, software design evaluations, and architecture discussions. The ideal candidate blends strong technical judgement in distributed systems with leadership capabilities to deliver automated testing tools and infrastructure that support other engineering groups.
Responsibilities
- Manage, mentor, and develop a team of software and quality engineers ranging from entry to senior levels
- Establish clear performance goals, strengthen engineering workflows, and drive timely product delivery
- Collaborate with senior engineers to define technical strategies, architectural standards, and roadmaps
- Supervise the creation of automated testing infrastructure focused on system reliability, resilience, and interoperability
- Enhance CI pipelines, reporting tools, and testing mechanisms across bare-metal, private cloud, and public cloud settings
- Provide hands-on technical leadership through code reviews, design evaluations, and debugging activities
- Represent the testing team in cross-functional collaborations with stakeholders across the organization
Requirements
- Proven background in coaching, mentoring, and leading software engineering teams
- Professional programming expertise using Python or Go
- Demonstrated experience in quality engineering, cloud infrastructure, or distributed systems
- Familiarity with modern software testing strategies, processes, and automation techniques
- Working knowledge of Linux, with a preference for Ubuntu or Debian
- Strong communication and presentation skills in professional English
- Ability to travel internationally twice a year for company events lasting up to two weeks
Qualifications
- Exceptional academic background from high school and university
- Experience with cloud technologies such as Kubernetes, OpenStack, Juju, Terraform, AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure
- Background in designing test strategies specifically for cloud-native or distributed architectures
- Experience building or operating large-scale test infrastructure and CI/CD pipelines
- Familiarity applying artificial intelligence or machine learning to test analysis and engineering workflows
- Experience operating, deploying, or debugging distributed computing systems
- Previous experience managing globally distributed teams
Core Skills
Benefits
- Compensation determined by geographic location, performance, and experience with annual reviews
- Performance-driven annual bonus structure
- Distributed work model supplemented by twice-yearly in-person team sprints
- Annual personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000
- Recognition rewards and annual holiday leave
- Maternity and paternity leave provisions
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellness support
- Travel upgrades and Priority Pass access for long-haul company events
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers are based only on the employer’s listing; where it doesn’t say, neither do we.
What is the remote work policy for this role?
The posting indicates this is a globally remote role where team members typically concentrate within a major time zone such as the Americas or EMEA, featuring twice-yearly in-person team sprints.
What programming languages are required?
Candidates must have professional software engineering experience using either Python or Go.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, team members are required to travel twice a year for company events that can last up to two weeks each.
What is the salary for this position?
The job posting does not specify a salary amount.
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