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. Canonical is founder‑led, profitable and growing. We are hiring engineering leaders to work across the breadth of the Ubuntu Engineering organisation – leaders who care deeply for quality, performance and resilience in software, and have a proven track record for building, nurturing and developing high‑performing engineering teams. Our four key teams that ship Ubuntu are: 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 Responsibilities Lead and elevate 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 Plan, estimate and execute engineering work streams 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 a compelling narrative about an alternative path Ability to drive and deliver technical work streams going above and 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 Benefits 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 open in every time zone. Canonical is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives and backgrounds create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration. #J-18808-Ljbffr