Technical Manager – Automotive and Industrial

Remote from
🌐 Anywhere
Annual salary
Undisclosed
Salary information is not provided for this position. Check our Salary Directory to estimate the average compensation for similar roles.
Employment type
Full Time,
Job posted
Apply before
21 Aug 2026
Experience level
Midweight
Views / Applies
42 / 1

About Canonical Ltd.

Trusted open source for enterprises

Actively Hiring
Verified job posting
This job post has been manually reviewed for authenticity and compliance.

AI Summary

Canonical is seeking a Technical Manager to lead a globally distributed team focused on adapting Ubuntu and open-source products for automotive and industrial applications. This role involves representing Canonical in industry consortia, driving compliance with functional safety standards like ISO 26262 and IEC 61508, and executing a technical roadmap. The ideal candidate has a strong background in Linux, embedded systems, and C/C++/Python, plus experience managing engineers and navigating automotive certification processes. This remote position offers the opportunity to shape the future of open source in mission-critical industries.

Role DNA

Job Complexity
Easy Hard
Pace & Pressure
Relaxed Fast-paced
Autonomy Level
Guided Full Ownership
Communication Load
Independent Highly Collaborative
AI Insight This role demands deep expertise in both open-source software and stringent automotive/industrial standards (e.g., ISO 26262, ASPICE), plus proven leadership of distributed teams. Navigating regulatory complexity while delivering high-quality software makes this a highly challenging position.

Salary Analysis

Median Market Rate
$160,000
US Market
$130k – 200k
0 $220k
AI Insight The job listing does not specify a salary, but based on the senior technical manager role in the US market, the median total compensation is approximately $160,000. This aligns with roles requiring deep automotive and open-source expertise, though the actual offer may vary by location and experience.

Dear Hiring Team,

I am thrilled to apply for the Technical Manager position at Canonical. With over a decade of experience leading cross-functional teams in embedded systems and open-source software, I am confident I can drive Canonical's automotive and industrial strategy. My background includes spearheading ISO 26262 compliance for a major automotive OEM, ensuring functional safety while integrating Linux-based platforms. I have also mentored globally distributed engineers, fostering agile practices and a culture of innovation.

At my previous role, I led the delivery of an open-source middleware stack that reduced certification costs by 30%. I actively participate in standard bodies like AUTOSAR, which aligns perfectly with Canonical's goal to influence industry consortia. I am passionate about bridging the gap between open-source flexibility and industrial rigor, and I look forward to contributing to Canonical's vision.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

How would you prioritize competing requirements from automotive safety standards and the need for fast feature delivery?
I would establish a risk-based framework where critical safety features are mandatory for every release, while non-safety features can be delivered iteratively. For instance, using ASPICE to manage traceability and ISO 26262 for safety case updates, we can maintain compliance without slowing innovation.
Describe your experience leading a globally distributed engineering team. How do you ensure alignment and productivity?
I implement daily stand-ups across time zones, weekly syncs with clear OKRs, and use tools like Jira and Slack for transparency. I also conduct quarterly in-person sprints to build cohesion and resolve blockers.
How would you approach contributing to and influencing automotive standards consortia like AUTOSAR or ISO?
I would first research current proposals and identify areas where Ubuntu can add value, then propose concrete modifications. Building relationships with key members and preparing well-reasoned technical positions is crucial. I would also leverage Canonical's contributions to upstream projects as evidence of our expertise.
Explain how you would ensure the Ubuntu distribution meets functional safety requirements like ASIL D.
This requires rigorous process adherence: using a certified RTOS or hypervisor, implementing redundant safety mechanisms, and maintaining an auditable development chain. I would work with safety engineers to perform hazard analysis and ensure that every component's failure mode is documented and mitigated.
What strategies do you use to mentor senior engineers while also holding them accountable for delivery?
I set clear goals with measurable milestones and provide regular feedback through one-on-ones. For senior engineers, I encourage them to lead technical design reviews and give them ownership of key modules. I also create opportunities for them to present to leadership, fostering professional growth while ensuring accountability.

We have created a role for a Technical Manager, Automotive and Industrial with a passion for open source and precision engineering. Today, Canonical is providing secure and reliable products to our industrial and automotive partners. Our solutions are bridging the gap between Open-Source innovation and industry specific requirements represented by stringent certification processes. Our goal is to enable industries such as automotive to leverage our open source portfolio. From the factory to the cloud by way of the car, we are committed to providing the most secure and advanced platform for automotive innovation. 

Your role will include the ability to grow, lead a team of dedicated engineers aiming at adapting our products to automotive and industrial specific requirements. You will represent Canonical and Ubuntu in the industrial and automotive community and standards consortia. You and your team will make sure our Linux distribution and products, as well as ways of working, are supporting standards addressing processes, cyber-security and safety concerns such as described by (but not limited to) IEC 61508, ISO9001 and Automotive specific ISO 21434 UNECE R155 & R156, ISO26262 ASIL (from B to D) or ASPICE. At the same time, we aim at enhancing the delivery quality, security and developer experience where you will be expected to lead, challenge, and positively influence the culture and work with your team on strategy and execution. You will report directly to our Vice President of Engineering Excellence and work closely with the Automotive Product Manager to define and execute a vision and roadmap for automotive at Canonical.

Location: This is a Globally remote role

What you’ll do

  • Work with Product Management to refine the vision and strategy for automotive at Canonical
  • Define and execute an engineering roadmap for the automotive team at Canonical
  • Represent Ubuntu and Canonical in the automotive community, in front of customers, partners and consortia
  • Lead our Linux distribution and open source software strategy in Automotive 
  • Build and lead a globally distributed team of engineers and coordinate, guide and oversee their work
  • Develop skills through coaching, feedback and hands-on technical leadership
  • Set and manage expectations with other engineering teams, senior management, and external stakeholders
  • Advocate and advance modern, agile software development practices
  • Help develop and evangelize great engineering and organizational practices
  • Grow a healthy, collaborative engineering culture in line with the company values
  • Work from home with international travel twice a year, up to two weeks at a time, for company events

Who you are

  • You have a strong software engineering, Linux, and open source background
  • You have in-depth knowledge in Linux packages and embedded development
  • You have knowledge of automotive and industry standards such as ISO21434, ISO26262, SOTIF, IEC 61508, and ideally have led product development initiatives that fulfilled compliance with one or more of the mentioned standards
  • You have experience in C/C++ and Python programming
  • You have practical experience in automotive, including functional safety, embedded systems, cloud and related software trends
  • You have experience leading, managing, coaching and mentoring software developers
  • You have a track record of timely delivery and high quality software
  • You love developing and growing people and have a track record of doing it
  • You have experience working in an agile development environment

What we offer you

Your base pay will depend on various factors including your geographical location, level of experience, knowledge and skills. In addition to the benefits below, certain roles are also eligible for additional benefits and rewards including annual bonuses and sales incentives based on revenue or utilisation. Our compensation philosophy is to ensure equity right across our global workforce.

In addition to a competitive base pay, we provide all team members with additional benefits, which reflect our values and ideals. Please note that additional benefits may apply depending on the work location and, for more information on these, please ask your Talent Partner.

  • Fully remote working environment – we’ve been working remotely since 2004!
  • Personal learning and development budget of 2,000USD per annum
  • Annual compensation review
  • Recognition rewards
  • Annual holiday leave
  • Parental Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues at ‘sprints’
  • Priority Pass for travel and travel upgrades for long haul company events

About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm that is at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the company that publishes Ubuntu, one of the most important open source projects and the platform for AI, IoT and the cloud, we are changing the world on a daily basis. We recruit on a global basis and set a very high standard for people joining the company. We expect excellence – in order to succeed, we need to be the best at what we do.

Canonical has been a remote-first company since its inception in 2004.​ Work at Canonical is a step into the future, and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game. Canonical provides a unique window into the world of 21st-century digital business.

We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity we will give your application fair consideration.

#LI-REMOTE

Apply now >

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