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CanonicalEngineering Manager - Ubuntu Linux Kernel
This is a full-time, home-based Engineering Manager role for the people who build, maintain and tune the Linux kernel that powers Ubuntu. The role is open…
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About This Role
This is a full-time, home-based Engineering Manager role for the people who build, maintain and tune the Linux kernel that powers Ubuntu. The role is open worldwide, with kernel roles in all time zones and no expectation of office attendance. The position is a step from hands-on technical work into managing people and projects full time. The manager leads and mentors a globally distributed team and oversees how Ubuntu kernels…
Job Description
This is a full-time, home-based Engineering Manager role for the people who build, maintain and tune the Linux kernel that powers Ubuntu. The role is open worldwide, with kernel roles in all time zones and no expectation of office attendance.
The position is a step from hands-on technical work into managing people and projects full time. The manager leads and mentors a globally distributed team and oversees how Ubuntu kernels for cloud, server, desktop and IoT platforms are shipped, tested and kept up. The manager sets engineering standards for code quality, security and performance, shapes team strategy to fit company goals and product roadmaps, and collaborates with chip makers, cloud providers and internal groups so new hardware and features can be supported. The role also holds accountability for release timing and update rhythm across the team's kernel portfolio, and encourages learning, feedback and open-source collaboration.
The posting targets people who have worked as senior engineers or tech leads and who want to step into formal management. No prior direct management experience is required. Candidates should have a firm grounding in systems software and operating system concepts, including C. Kernel work on Linux or another OS is highly regarded, though not essential. Experience with software packaging formats, especially Ubuntu, Debian or Snap, is valued. Strong written and spoken English, the ability to mentor engineers, and travel internationally up to two weeks, twice a year, are also expected. Canonical describes itself as founder-led, profitable and growing.
Responsibilities
- Move from individual contribution toward managing people and projects day to day
- Guide and coach a worldwide group of Linux kernel engineers spread across time zones
- Oversee how Ubuntu kernels are shipped, tested and kept up across cloud, server, desktop and IoT
- Set standards for code quality, security and performance
- Shape team strategy to match company goals and product roadmaps
- Collaborate with chip makers, cloud providers and internal groups so new hardware and features can be supported
- Be accountable for release timing and update rhythm across the team's kernel portfolio
- Build a culture of learning, feedback and open-source collaboration
Requirements
- Background as a senior engineer, tech lead or comparable position
- Interest in moving into a formal management position, with no prior direct management required
- Firm grounding in systems software and operating system concepts, including C
- Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers or guide complex technical projects
- Clear written and spoken English, plus strong presentation skills
- Readiness to make international trips two times annually for company events lasting up to two weeks
Qualifications
- Kernel work on Linux or another OS is highly regarded
- Experience with software packaging formats, especially Ubuntu, Debian or Snap
- Past work as a scrum master, team lead or informal mentor for distributed teams
- Familiarity with continuous integration and automated testing frameworks
Core Skills
Benefits
- Annual compensation review and a performance-driven bonus or commission
- USD 2,000 each year for personal learning and development
- Twice-yearly in-person team sprints in a distributed setup
- Annual holiday leave, plus maternity and paternity leave
- Team member assistance and wellness platform
- Priority Pass access, plus upgraded seats on long-haul trips to company events
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers are based only on the employer’s listing; where it doesn’t say, neither do we.
Is this kernel Engineering Manager role remote?
Yes. The posting describes it as home-based and open worldwide, with openings in every time zone.
Is prior people management experience needed?
No. The posting states that no prior direct people management experience is required, and it looks for candidates with a strong technical foundation and leadership potential.
What technical background is required?
The posting asks for a firm grounding in systems software and operating system concepts, including C. Kernel experience is highly regarded but not essential.
Is the role full-time, and what is the salary?
The role is full-time. The posting does not specify a base salary, but it mentions a bonus or commission linked to performance.
Sample Interview Questions
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