Join to apply for the Product Manager - Networking role at Canonical.
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 major public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders across sectors. We are a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries and minimal office-based roles. Teams meet a few times a year in interesting locations worldwide to align on strategy and execution.
The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing.
Our product management team comprises technologists passionate about delivering products that shape market demands and promote open source software globally. This application is for a product management position focused on Networking. Apply if you excel in leadership, communication, and technical vision, and can drive product strategy for future business needs.
We believe open source is transforming enterprise solutions and will continue to expand into specialized vertical markets. Our goal is to make open source easier, more reliable, and more secure. We aim to provide 'most software to most companies,' starting with Ubuntu and expanding across applications and computing environments. We select product managers for their intellect and drive to advance the open source community, focusing on improving quality, outreach, and impact. They set vision and direction, ensuring timely delivery of the right products in the right markets, pushing technological boundaries, and identifying new opportunities.
Smart Network Interface Cards (Smart NICs, including DPU, IPU, etc.) are gaining functionality and processing power to offload workloads such as networking, storage, and security from hosts. Simultaneously, proprietary network operating systems are being replaced by Linux-based NOS on whitebox hardware, driven by scalability and performance needs. Linux, especially with real-time extensions, is ideal as a kernel and platform for this ecosystem. Leveraging Ubuntu, Ubuntu Core, OpenStack, Kubernetes, and Juju, Canonical is creating products addressing security, device management, and orchestration challenges related to Smart NICs and ToR switches. This role involves leadership in product and go-to-market strategies within this sector, requiring an analytical storyteller with a strong messaging sense and understanding of leveraging Smart NIC and ToR technologies with Linux. We prefer experienced software engineering managers aspiring to become business leaders and entrepreneurs, defining product strategy and engagement, and contributing to the open source community and industry partners.
This role is an exceptional opportunity for a technology leader in Networking to:
* Lead Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core integration as the OS for innovative Smart NIC products
* Shape development roadmaps for Smart NIC and ToR switch features
* Engage with the ecosystem and key customers
* Drive commercial success and product direction
* Lead go-to-market strategy and execution
The role involves product leadership and go-to-market strategy, translating vision into plans, overseeing product lifecycle, and staying ahead of market demands. Product managers identify opportunities, bridge technology and business, and analyze user perceptions to ensure product success, collaborating with engineering, design, marketing, sales, and management. Ideal candidates combine technical expertise, strategic thinking, project management, and effective communication, with a background in software engineering and aspirations for executive roles.
Location: Remote within the EMEA region, with expected regional residence.
The role entails:
* Leading product development lifecycle and setting priorities
* Collaborating with cross-functional teams
* Addressing challenges, aligning priorities, and enabling decisions
* Conducting market research and analyzing trends
* Communicating vision and updates
* Conducting usability testing and iterating
* Developing go-to-market strategies and supporting sales
What we look for in you:
* Excellent academic results at high school and university
* Understanding of Linux and open source community
* Passion for technology writing and landscape
* Strong work ethic and alignment with open source values
* Product management experience in software (for senior roles)
* Deep understanding of hyperscale and enterprise data centers
* Knowledge of network protocols and hardware/software optimization
* Understanding of computer architectures: x86, ARM, RISC-V
* Familiarity with Smart NIC and ToR switch software, standards, and market trends
* Experience with Linux networking distributions like SONiC, FRRouting, etc.
* Experience in large-scale network design and operation
* Continuous learning mindset, ownership, problem-solving, and innovation
* Outstanding English communication skills
* Ability to travel internationally up to four times a year for up to two weeks
Nice-to-have skills include familiarity with specific verticals, cloud-native technologies, and embedded systems.
What we offer:
* Distributed work environment with biannual in-person sprints
* USD 2,000 annual learning budget
* Annual pay review and recognition rewards
* Holiday, parental leave, and employee assistance programs
* Travel opportunities and company event upgrades
About Canonical: Canonical pioneers open source, publishing Ubuntu, a key platform for AI, IoT, and cloud. We hire globally, uphold high standards, and promote excellence. Most employees work remotely, fostering a future-focused work environment that encourages innovation and skill development.
Canonical is an equal opportunity employer, valuing diversity and inclusion.
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