Software Engineering Manager (Backend SaaS) (Chicago)

Job Description

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 enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include leading public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders across sectors. The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing.

We are hiring an engineering manager to lead the reboot of our Landscape systems management solution for Ubuntu.

Ubuntu is expanding rapidly in the enterprise, from cloud to bare metal servers, vSphere clusters, desktops, and devices. While easy to deploy individually, managing large estates in terms of policy, compliance, patch management, and access control is complex. Ubuntu is now an official platform for many companies, which increases the demand for effective estate management tools.

We have an existing Landscape system serving thousands of deployments. This role involves leading a team to give it a significant new direction, refining its features, and embracing new priorities. This is a key engineering leadership position.

Currently, our technology stack includes Python, PostgreSQL, RabbitMQ, HAProxy, and ReactJS, with some projects using Golang. The new Landscape engineering efforts aim to advance SaaS and on-premises solutions, focusing on architecture, patterns, and operations. The goal is to enable enterprises to manage their Ubuntu estates globally, with clear policy application and status awareness across diverse versions and configurations.

As an engineering manager at Canonical, you will bring both technical expertise and management skills. You will collaborate with product managers, develop an engineering roadmap, grow your team, and coordinate with other teams and stakeholders. You will be responsible for fostering a high-performing, collaborative engineering culture, ensuring quality practices, and technical excellence, including code reviews and architectural leadership.

Required technical skills include fluency in Python and Golang, understanding of system architecture, and experience with the technologies used by your team. You will also be responsible for documentation, performance optimization, and team management.

Key responsibilities

• Build and lead a regional engineering team
• Develop talent through coaching and mentorship
• Contribute technically to team goals
• Manage expectations with stakeholders
• Promote agile development practices
• Maintain a healthy engineering culture
• Participate in leadership and cross-team collaboration
• Build reliable image delivery and testing pipelines
• Engage with open source and partners
• Travel 4-6 weeks annually for events

Valued skills and experience

• Passion for mentoring and team development
• Strong software development background
• Focus on successful, high-quality delivery
• Experience with agile methodologies
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field
• Development experience in Python or Golang
• Excellent communication skills
• Practical Linux system administration experience

What we offer colleagues

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person sprints
• USD 2,000 annual learning budget
• Annual compensation reviews
• Recognition rewards, holiday leave, parental leave
• Wellness programs and travel opportunities

About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering open source tech firm, publisher of Ubuntu, and leader in AI, IoT, and cloud platforms. We recruit globally, uphold high standards, and embrace remote work since 2004. Working here challenges you to innovate and grow.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer

We value diversity and are committed to a workplace free from discrimination. We consider all applications fairly regardless of background.

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