Senior Software Engineer; Backend

Senior Software Engineer (Backend)

Canonical is a leading provider of open‑source software and operating systems to global enterprises and technology markets. Our flagship platform, Ubuntu, powers breakthrough initiatives in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering, and IoT. With more than 1,200 colleagues worldwide, Canonical thrives on distributed collaboration and innovation.

We are hiring a Senior/Staff/Lead Engineer to join the Launchpad team, which manages open‑source development projects such as code hosting, code review, bug tracking, package building, translations, and more. Launchpad is a Python‑driven, high‑throughput system that supports major projects like Ubuntu.

As a senior or staff‑level engineer passionate about Linux, web services, and scalable development platforms, you will architect and refine Launchpad’s architecture. Your work will sustain business‑critical services while driving innovation, whether by expanding package‑building capabilities, enhancing developer workflows, or modernizing the web UI.

In this role you will empower developers worldwide by ensuring Launchpad remains a well‑structured, high‑velocity environment for open‑source contribution. You will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in open‑source technology as part of Canonical’s globally distributed team.

• Influence and drive design, architecture, and feature decisions across distributed teams to ensure high‑impact solutions.
• Craft exceptional, API‑first Python code with unit tests, delivering robust, well‑structured systems that scale.
• Diagnose and resolve complex technical challenges, implementing high‑quality fixes that enhance performance and reliability.
• Mentor and uplift fellow engineers, leading code reviews that reinforce best practices and elevate team excellence.
• Enjoy the freedom of remote work while staying globally engaged. Travel internationally 2–4 times a year to collaborate in key internal discussions and industry‑leading external events.

• 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 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 hold a Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in Computer Science, STEM, or a related field.

Location: Remote role based in the EMEA region – candidates must be located within this region.

We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. Compensation is reviewed annually (and more often for graduates and associates). In addition to base pay, you can earn a performance‑driven annual bonus or commission.

• Distributed work environment with twice‑yearly in‑person team sprints.
• 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 a pioneering tech firm that publishes Ubuntu, one of the most important open‑source projects and the platform for AI, IoT, and cloud. We recruit on a global basis and set a high standard for excellence. Most colleagues work from home, and we continually challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer. We 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.