Senior Software Engineer

Join to apply for the Senior Software Engineer (Backend) role at CanonicalCanonical 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 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.ResponsibilitiesInfluencing 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.QualificationsYou love technology, working with brilliant people, and solving interesting problemsYou are a strategic thinker who thrives on solving complex challenges and driving innovationYou are curious, adaptable, and articulate with strong leadership and collaboration skillsYou have proven technical excellence in Python development and delivering high‑quality, production‑ready codeYou 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 environmentsYou have a security‑focused mindset, ensuring robust implementation at every stage of developmentYou have a familiarity with Ubuntu as a development and deployment platformYou have a solid grasp of software packaging systems, including Debian/Ubuntu packagesYou have a Bachelor's or equivalent in Computer Science, STEM or similar degreeBenefitsDistributed work environment with twice‑yearly team sprints in personPersonal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per yearAnnual compensation reviewRecognition rewardsAnnual holiday leaveMaternity and paternity leaveTeam Member Assistance Program & Wellness PlatformOpportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleaguesPriority Pass and travel upgrades for long‑haul company eventsAbout 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 employerWe 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.Seniority level Mid‑Senior levelEmployment type Full‑timeJob function Engineering and Information Technology#J-18808-Ljbffr