Senior Software Engineer; Backend

Senior Software Engineer (Backend)

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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 breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include the world's leading public cloud and silicon providers and industry leaders across many sectors. The company is a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries and very few office‑based roles.

We are hiring a Senior/Staff/Lead Engineer to join the Launchpad team, a platform for managing open‑source development projects. You will architect and refine a mature, Python‑driven system that supports major projects like Ubuntu, maintaining business‑critical services while driving innovation.

The role is remote, based in the EMEA region, and requires occasional travel (2–4 times a year) to collaborate in key internal and external events.

• Influencing and driving design, architecture, and feature decisions across distributed teams to ensure high‑impact solutions.
• Crafting exceptional, API‑first Python code with unit tests that deliver robust, well‑structured systems that scale.
• Diagnosing and resolving complex technical challenges, implementing high‑quality fixes that enhance performance and reliability.
• Mentoring and uplifting fellow engineers, leading code reviews that reinforce best practices and elevate team excellence.
• Enjoying remote work freedom while staying globally engaged, traveling internationally to collaborate and shape innovation.

• You love technology, working with brilliant people, and solving interesting problems.
• You are a strategic thinker who thrives on solving complex challenges and driving innovation.
• You are curious, adaptable, and articulate with strong leadership and collaboration skills.
• You have proven technical excellence in Python development and delivering high‑quality, production‑ready code.
• You have expertise in maintaining and improving large‑scale web applications and database management (Postgre
  
  SQL is a plus).
• You have a deep understanding of integration, infrastructure, and operations in distributed environments.
• You have a security‑focused mindset, ensuring robust implementation at every stage of development.
• You have familiarity with Ubuntu as a development and deployment platform.
• You have a solid grasp of software packaging systems, including Debian/Ubuntu packages.
• You have a Bachelor's or equivalent degree in Computer Science, STEM, or a similar field.

• Distributed work environment with twice‑yearly team sprints in person.
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
• Annual compensation review.
• Recognition rewards.
• Annual holiday leave.
• Maternity and paternity leave.
• Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform.
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues.
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long‑haul company events.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background creates a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.