Software Development Manager - Linux Core on IBM Z

Introduction IBM Z is the gold standard for security, resiliency, and enterprise-scale computing. Linux on IBM Z brings the power of open technology to the world’s most trusted platform. We are looking for a highly motivated and technically strong Manager for the Linux Core Engineering team who will lead network, storage and systems engineers responsible for core Linux enablement on IBM Z.

This is a key leadership role driving upstream Linux contributions and platform innovation for future IBM Z systems.

Your Role And Responsibilities As a Software development manager, you will provide both technical direction and people leadership to drive contributions to upstream Linux, ensure robust enablement of new IBM Z hardware capabilities, and deliver a world‑class enterprise Linux experience on the platform.

This role blends deep technical understanding , strategic thinking , and strong execution , and is ideal for leaders who enjoy building high‑performing engineering teams working close to the hardware.

Key Responsibilities Leadership & People Management

• Lead and mentor Linux core engineers; drive team performance, growth, and technical excellence.
• Set clear priorities and ensure predictable, high‑quality delivery across multiple release cycles.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative engineering culture.

Technical Ownership

• Oversee development and upstream contribution of core Linux network and storage features for IBM Z.
• Drive enablement of new processor, memory, I/O, and security capabilities in next‑gen IBM Z hardware.
• Ensure platform stability, performance, and serviceability for enterprise Linux distributions.
• Guide debugging and resolution of complex kernel, virtualization, and hardware-interaction issues.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with firmware, hardware, virtualization (z/VM, KVM), compiler, and performance teams.
• Coordinate delivery with Linux distribution partners (Red Hat, SUSE, Ubuntu).
• Represent Linux Core in architecture discussions, customer escalations, and release planning.

Preferred Education Master's Degree

Required Technical And Professional Expertise

• 10+ years of systems software or Linux development experience.
• Solid understanding of Linux internals (network, storage, memory mgmt., virtualization).
• Experience leading or managing engineering teams.
• Ability to drive technical strategy and collaborate across diverse global teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience

• Prior contributions to the upstream Linux kernel or major open‑source projects.
• Experience with enterprise architectures (IBM Z, Power, ARM, x86 server-class).
• Experience working in distributed, cross‑geo engineering environments.