Senior Software Engineer (Backend)

Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform Ubuntu is very 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 in many sectors. The company is a pioneer of global distributed collaboration with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries and very few office-based roles. Teams meet two to four times yearly in person in interesting locations around the world to align on strategy and execution.

The company is founder-led profitable and growing.

We are hiring a Senior/Staff/Lead Engineer to join the Launchpad team and take the lead in shaping the future of open-source collaboration.

Launchpad is a platform for managing open-source development projects. It includes code hosting and review bug tracking package building translations and other facilities used by free and open-source software developers.

As a senior or staff-level engineer passionate about Linux web services and scalable development platforms you’ll have the opportunity to architect and refine a mature Python-driven system that supports major projects like Ubuntu. Your work will be instrumental in maintaining business-critical services while driving innovation whether by expanding package-building capabilities enhancing developer workflows or modernizing the web UI.

In this role you’ll empower developers across the world by ensuring that Launchpad remains a well-structured high-velocity environment for open-source contribution. As part of Canonical’s globally distributed team you’ll collaborate with some of the brightest minds in open-source technology building essential infrastructure that enables the next generation of software development. If optimizing large-scale projects driving continuous improvement and supporting developers excites you this is the perfect opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Location: This is a remote role based in the EMEA region. Candidates will be expected to be located within this region.

The role entails

• 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 delivering 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 the freedom of remote work while staying globally engaged. Travelling internationally 2 to 4 times a year to collaborate in key internal discussions and industry-leading external events—expanding your network sharing expertise and shaping innovation on a global stage.

What we are looking for in you

• 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 (PostgreSQL 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 a 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 in Computer Science STEM or similar degree

What we offer colleagues

We consider geographical location experience and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually (and more often for graduates and associates) to ensure we recognize outstanding performance. In addition to base pay we offer a performance-driven annual bonus or commission. We provide all team members with additional benefits which reflect our values and ideals. We balance our programs to meet local needs and ensure fairness globally.

• Distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person

• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2000 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

About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm 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 of software. 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. Most colleagues at Canonical have worked from home since our inception in 2004.​ Working here is a step into the future and will challenge you to think differently work smarter learn new skills and raise your game.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer

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.

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