Ubuntu Engineering Lead - Canonical

About the Role

Canonical is seeking experienced Engineering Leads to join our Ubuntu Engineering organization. We are looking for leaders who prioritize software quality, performance, and resilience, and who have a proven track record of building and nurturing high-performing teams. In this role, you will remain technical and close to the code while driving strategy, execution, and team development.

Key Engineering Teams

• Foundations: Maintaining core software including architectures, package managers, compilers, toolchains, bootloaders, and filesystems.
• Server: Leading the design and evolution of the Ubuntu Server distribution.
• Desktop: Driving Ubuntu Desktop, including immutable desktop initiatives, WSL, gaming technology, and Flutter-based applications.
• Debcrafters: Responsible for the maintenance and health of the Ubuntu archive.

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.
• Manage planning, estimation, and execution of technical roadmaps.
• Collaborate with product management to define vision and strategy.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and hands-on career development for team members.
• Contribute to upstream and neighboring open-source projects.
• Debug complex system-level issues and improve technical documentation.

Requirements

• Exceptional academic track record (University degree in CS/STEM or equivalent experience).
• Proven ability to drive technical work streams and coach others.
• Demonstrated passion for open-source software.
• Significant experience with Rust, Go, Python, Flutter, or C/C++.
• Professional proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel twice a year for company events (up to two weeks each).

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Experience leading open-source projects.
• Background in Linux distribution engineering or packaging mechanisms.
• Performance or Security Engineering experience.

Benefits

• Distributed work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints.
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
• Annual compensation review and performance-driven bonus.
• Comprehensive leave policies (holiday, maternity, and paternity).
• Employee Assistance Programme and travel upgrades for company events.