Senior Software Engineer (Backend) - remote job

Canonical is hiring a Senior Software Engineer (Backend) - a senior role, so the employer expects you to make the calls yourself. The role sits in IT and programming and is fully remote. The company hires candidates based in Europe.

The advert singles out Python, so experience with that one tool is what will decide it.

The employer did not publish a figure; that is settled at interview. The advert sets no condition on working hours.

This vacancy passed an automated check: the list excludes any advert requiring a foreign work permit, visa sponsorship, a particular citizenship, or residence in a specific country.

Canonical stands as a leading innovator in open-source software and operating systems, serving a global audience in the enterprise and technology sectors. Our flagship product, Ubuntu, is widely deployed in cutting-edge enterprise projects such as public cloud, data science, artificial intelligence, engineering, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Our customer roster includes the world's foremost public cloud and silicon providers, as well as industry leaders across multiple sectors. The company champions global collaboration, with a diverse team of 1200+ colleagues spread across 75+ countries, with minimal office-based roles. Team gatherings occur two to four times a year at interesting locations worldwide to align on strategy and execution.

The company is independently owned, profitable, and in growth mode. We are seeking a Senior/Staff/Lead Engineer to join our Launchpad team and drive the future of open-source collaboration. Launchpad is a platform designed for managing open-source development projects, featuring code hosting and review, bug tracking, package building, translations, and other essential tools used by free and open-source software developers. As a senior or staff-level engineer with a passion for Linux, web services, and scalable development platforms, you will have the chance to design and refine a mature, Python-driven system that supports major initiatives like Ubuntu. Your contributions will be vital for maintaining critical services while fostering innovation, whether by enhancing package-building capabilities, improving developer workflows, or modernizing the web interface. In this role, you will empower developers globally by ensuring that Launchpad remains a structured, high-velocity environment for open-source contributions. As part of Canonical’s distributed team, you will collaborate with leading open-source technologists, 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 position based in the EMEA region. Candidates must reside within this region. The role includes:

- Influencing and guiding design, architecture, and feature decisions across distributed teams to ensure impactful solutions. - Writing high-quality, API-first Python code with comprehensive unit tests, delivering robust, well-structured systems that scale. - Addressing 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 performance. - Enjoying the flexibility of remote work while maintaining global engagement. You will travel internationally 2 to 4 times a year to participate in key internal discussions and industry-leading external events, expanding your network, sharing expertise, and shaping global innovation.

What we are looking for in you:

- A passion for technology, working with brilliant people, and tackling interesting problems. - A strategic mindset that thrives on solving complex challenges and driving innovation. - Curiosity, adaptability, and strong leadership and collaboration skills. - Proven technical excellence in Python development and delivering high-quality, production-ready code. - Expertise in maintaining and improving large-scale web applications and database management (PostgreSQL is a plus). - A deep understanding of integration, infrastructure, and operations in distributed environments. - A security-focused mindset, ensuring robust implementation at every stage of development. - Familiarity with Ubuntu as a development and deployment platform. - A solid grasp of software packaging systems, including Debian/Ubuntu packages. - A Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in Computer Science, STEM, or a related field.

What we offer colleagues:

- A distributed work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints. - A personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year. - Annual compensation reviews. - Recognition and rewards. - Generous annual holiday leave. - Maternity and paternity leave. - The Team Member Assistance Program and wellness platform. - Opportunities to travel to new locations to meet colleagues. - Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long-haul company events.

About Canonical: Canonical is a trailblazer in the tech industry, driving the global shift to open source. As the publisher of Ubuntu, one of the most significant open-source projects, we are transforming the landscape of software. We recruit globally and maintain high standards for our employees. We expect excellence, and to succeed, we must 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, challenging you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game. Canonical is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will consider your application fairly.