Engineering Manager - Ubuntu Linux Kernel

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 - Ubuntu Linux Kernel based in Germany.

Step into a leadership role at the intersection of software engineering, Linux kernel development, and open source technology.

You will lead a globally distributed team responsible for building, maintaining, and optimizing Linux kernels across cloud, server, desktop, and IoT environments.

The role is designed for experienced senior engineers and technical leads ready to transition into formal people and project management.

You will combine strong technical judgment with mentorship, delivery ownership, and strategic team leadership.

Your work will help shape kernel reliability, security, performance, and support for a platform used across millions of systems worldwide.

You will collaborate with hardware and cloud partners as well as engineers across a highly distributed organization.

This is an opportunity to grow into engineering management while remaining closely connected to complex systems engineering and the open source ecosystem.

Accountabilities:

• Transition from individual contribution or technical leadership into full-time people and project management, applying your technical experience to guide engineering teams effectively.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a globally distributed team of Linux kernel engineers, fostering accountability, continuous learning, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Oversee the delivery, testing, maintenance, and evolution of Linux kernels across cloud, server, desktop, and IoT platforms.
• Drive engineering excellence by maintaining high standards for software quality, security, reliability, performance, and delivery.
• Develop and execute team strategies that align engineering priorities with broader organizational objectives and product roadmaps.
• Collaborate with silicon vendors, cloud providers, and internal engineering teams to enable new hardware capabilities, platforms, and kernel features.
• Own kernel release cycles and update cadences for the team's portfolio, ensuring predictable and high-quality delivery.
• Guide complex technical projects, support architectural decisions, and help engineers resolve challenging systems-level problems.
• Foster an open source engineering culture built around constructive feedback, knowledge sharing, technical excellence, and accountability.
• Represent the team's technical and organizational priorities while helping create an environment where engineers can perform at their best.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Senior Software Engineer, Tech Lead, Team Lead, or similar technical leadership role, combined with a strong interest in transitioning into formal engineering management; prior direct people management experience is not required.
• Strong technical foundation in systems software, C programming, operating systems, or related areas.
• Direct experience with Linux or other operating system kernels is highly valued but not essential.
• Experience with software packaging formats, with Ubuntu, Debian, or Snap experience considered particularly valuable.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers, lead complex technical initiatives, influence architectural decisions, or coordinate software delivery.
• Clear leadership potential and a genuine commitment to developing technical talent through coaching and mentorship.
• Confidence communicating ideas, giving and receiving constructive feedback, and respectfully challenging assumptions when appropriate.
• Professional written and spoken English, with strong presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a globally distributed environment and collaborate across technical and organizational boundaries.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally twice a year for company events lasting up to two weeks.
• Experience as a Scrum Master, project lead, or informal mentor within remote teams is a plus.
• Contributions to or participation in the Linux kernel community are highly desirable.
• Familiarity with continuous integration and automated testing frameworks for systems software is an advantage.

Benefits:

• Globally distributed work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints.
• Compensation shaped by geographical location, experience, and performance.
• Annual compensation reviews, with additional reviews where appropriate for graduates and associates.
• Performance-driven annual bonus or commission.
• USD 2,000 annual personal learning and development budget.
• Recognition rewards for outstanding contributions.
• Annual holiday leave.
• Maternity and paternity leave.
• Team Member Assistance Program and Wellness Platform.
• Opportunities to travel to new locations and meet colleagues around the world.
• Priority Pass access and travel upgrades for long-haul company events.