Ubuntu Engineering Lead

Join to apply for the Ubuntu Engineering Lead role at 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. Our customers include the world’s leading public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders in many sectors. The company is a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ 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. The company is founder‑led, profitable and growing. We are hiring engineering 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. At Canonical, managers are expected to stay technical and close to the code, while our Senior+ engineers lead and develop software projects, as well as the processes and people around them. Key Teams 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 today You will be accountable for your technical roadmap and responsible for your team: helping them grow as engineers, do important and satisfying work, and have a great time while doing it. Technical leadership experience and a background in software engineering are necessary prerequisites for this role. You will be expected to lead, challenge, and develop strong engineers, positively influence the culture, facilitate technical delivery, and work with your team on strategy and execution. At Canonical, you will have the opportunity to engage with and contribute to the broader open source community. We’re looking for individuals who can help build a thriving community and contribute with enthusiasm and precision to a broad range of technologies. Location Remote roles open in every time zone. Responsibilities Leading teams in elevating the Linux developer and user experience Designing, building and shipping high quality, performant software in Rust, Go and Python Demonstrating sound engineering principles through architecture, development and code reviews Taking responsibility for planning, estimation and execution Working with product management to define the vision and strategy for Ubuntu Setting expectations with other engineering teams, senior management, and external stakeholders Offering coaching, mentoring, technical feedback and hands‑on career development Contributing to upstream and neighboring open source projects Optimizing the distribution for performance, reliability, and security Debugging complex system‑level issues and delivering robust solutions Authoring and improving technical and community documentation What we’re looking for in you An exceptional academic track record from both high school and university Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM, or a compelling narrative about your alternative path Ability to drive and deliver technical work streams beyond expectations Lead and coach others to deliver exceptional engineering work A demonstrated 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 a 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 What we offer you 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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr