Ubuntu Engineering Lead

Canonical Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is widely used in breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation and IoT. We are a pioneer of global distributed collaboration with 1,200+ colleagues in 75+ countries and very few office‑based roles. Teams meet two to four times yearly in person in interesting locations around the world to align on strategy and execution. We are hiring engineering leaders to work across the breadth of our Ubuntu Engineering organisation – leaders who care deeply for quality, performance and resilience in software and who have a proven track record for building, nurturing and developing high performing engineering teams. This leadership track includes roles for managers and senior+ engineers alike. Managers are expected to stay technical and close to the code, and senior+ engineers lead and develop software projects and the processes and people around them. Teams that ship Ubuntu Foundations: maintaining foundational software: architectures, package managers, compilers, toolchains, bootloaders, filesystems and core utilities Server: leading the design, evolution and future of our Ubuntu Server distribution Desktop: driving Ubuntu Desktop, our future immutable desktop: Ubuntu Core Desktop, WSL, gaming technology, and a suite of modern applications for the desktop crafted with Flutter Debcrafters: a new team responsible for the forward movement, maintenance and overall health of the Ubuntu archive, one of the most abundant repositories of open source software available today Role responsibilities Lead teams in elevating the Linux developer and user experience Design, build and ship high‑quality, performant software in Rust, Go and Python Demonstrate sound engineering principles through architecture, development and code reviews Take responsibility for planning, estimation and execution Work with product management to define the vision and strategy for Ubuntu Set expectations with other engineering teams, senior management and external stakeholders Offer coaching, mentoring, technical feedback and hands‑on career development Contribute to upstream and neighbouring open source projects Optimize the distribution for performance, reliability and security Debug complex system‑level issues and deliver robust solutions Author and improve technical and community documentation Qualifications Exceptional academic track record from high school and university Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM, or alternative path with a compelling narrative Proven ability to drive and deliver technical work streams beyond expectations Experience leading and coaching others to deliver exceptional engineering work Passion for open source software Significant experience with Rust, Go, Python, Flutter or C/C++ Professional written and spoken English Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Result‑oriented with personal drive to meet commitments Ability to travel twice a year for company events up to two weeks each Nice‑to‑have skills Experience contributing to or leading open source projects Experience with Linux distributions / distribution engineering Experience with software packaging and distribution mechanisms Performance or security engineering experience Benefits and compensation We consider geographical location, experience and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually (and more often for graduates and associates) to ensure we recognise outstanding performance. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance‑driven annual bonus. All team members receive additional benefits, including: Distributed work environment with twice‑yearly team sprints in person Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year Annual compensation review Recognition rewards Annual holiday leave Maternity and paternity leave Employee Assistance Programme Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long‑haul company events Location Remote roles are open in every time zone. Equal Opportunity Employer Canonical is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration. Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Canonical by 2×. #J-18808-Ljbffr