About this role
Canonical is seeking senior software engineers, tech leads, or team leads who are ready to transition into engineering management. As a Kernel Engineering Manager, you will lead engineers who build, maintain, and optimize the Linux kernel powering millions of systems globally. Working from home worldwide, you’ll collaborate with leading public cloud and silicon providers to deliver a world-class operating system.
What You'll Do
- Lead and mentor a globally distributed team of Linux kernel engineers.
- Manage the delivery, testing, and maintenance of Ubuntu kernels across cloud, server, desktop, and IoT platforms.
- Drive engineering excellence, ensuring code quality, security, and performance standards are met.
- Develop and execute team strategies, aligning with broader company goals and product roadmaps.
- Collaborate with silicon vendors, cloud partners, and internal Canonical teams to enable new hardware and features.
- Own the release cycles and update cadence for your team's kernel portfolios.
- Foster a culture of continuous learning, feedback, open-source collaboration, and accountability within the team.
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience as a Senior Software Engineer, Tech Lead, or similar role with a strong desire to transition into a formal management position (no prior direct management experience required).
- Solid technical background in systems software, C programming, or operating systems concepts.
- Direct experience with the Linux kernel or other operating system kernels would be highly regarded, but is not essential.
- Prior experience developing with software packaging formats, with direct Ubuntu/Debian/Snap experience being highly regarded.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers, guide complex technical projects, or drive architectural decisions.
- Leadership potential.
Nice to Have
- Direct experience with Linux kernel would be highly regarded.
- Ubuntu/Debian/Snap experience.