Engineering Manager - Linux Hardware Enablement

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Engineering Manager - Linux Hardware Enablement based in New Zealand.

Lead a talented, distributed engineering team working at the intersection of Linux software and next-generation hardware.

You’ll collaborate closely with major silicon partners to optimise Ubuntu across the Linux stack, from kernel-level integration through to the desktop and broader user experience.

The role combines people leadership, technical direction, partner management, and hands-on problem solving across PC, IoT, and server-class platforms.

You’ll help bring new hardware capabilities and performance improvements to market while ensuring high standards of quality and reliability.

You’ll coach and develop engineers, influence technical strategy, and coordinate delivery across multiple teams and organisations.

This is an international, fast-paced environment where strong communication, technical curiosity, and pragmatic leadership are highly valued.

Accountabilities

• Lead a distributed team of software engineers responsible for delivering high-quality Ubuntu integrations for the latest IoT, PC, and server-class hardware platforms.
• Provide technical leadership across the Linux stack, working with engineers and technology partners to implement hardware enablement, new features, and performance improvements.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with commercial and technology partners, understanding their technical and business priorities and ensuring successful project delivery.
• Oversee partner engagements and ensure agreed milestones are delivered on time, while maintaining strong quality, reliability, and engineering standards.
• Coach, mentor, and develop engineers through regular feedback, technical guidance, career development, and leadership by example.
• Work closely with internal engineering and product teams to align technical architecture, roadmaps, priorities, and execution.
• Encourage a collaborative, high-performing engineering culture and help the team continuously improve its development practices.
• Travel internationally for team and company events, with global travel expected up to twice per year for periods of up to two weeks.

Requirements

• Professional experience working with Linux distributions, with strong knowledge of Ubuntu or Debian and Debian packaging.
• Experience with high-performance, server-class hardware and/or modern PC, IoT, or hardware platforms.
• Demonstrated experience managing or technically leading software engineering teams, including coaching, mentoring, and performance development.
• Strong software engineering background and the ability to provide credible technical leadership across complex systems.
• Experience working directly with customers or external partners, diagnosing technical challenges, understanding business needs, and communicating effective solutions.
• Understanding of agile software development methodologies and experience delivering projects in a collaborative engineering environment.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to build trust and achieve results across multiple teams and organisations.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical topics clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent university-level education, preferably in a technology-related discipline.
• A resourceful, articulate, and adaptable approach, with the ability to solve varied and challenging problems in a fast-moving environment.

Benefits

• Learning and professional development opportunities.
• Annual compensation review.
• Recognition and rewards programs.
• Annual paid leave.
• Priority Pass travel benefits.
• Remote/home-based working environment.
• International travel opportunities for team and company events.
• An inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunity and valuing diverse experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds.