Senior Software Engineer (Backend)

Canonical Group Ltd; Emea; Hybrid; IDR 1.312.982.000 - 1.969.474.000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology firm is seeking a Senior/Staff/Lead Engineer to shape the future of open-source collaboration within a remote role in the EMEA region. This role involves developing and refining a robust Python-driven system for managing open-source projects, requiring technical excellence in Python and experience in leading distributed teams. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and will enjoy the freedom and engagement of remote work while collaborating globally.

Benefits

Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year

Annual compensation review

Recognition rewards

Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform

Opportunity to travel to meet colleagues

Qualifications

• Proven technical excellence in Python development and delivering high-quality code.
• Familiarity with software packaging systems, including Debian/Ubuntu packages.
• Experience in maintaining large-scale web applications.

Responsibilities

• Drive design, architecture, and feature decisions across distributed teams.
• Craft API-first Python code with unit tests.
• Mentor and uplift fellow engineers by leading code reviews.

Skills

Python development

Leadership skills

Curiosity and adaptability

Problem-solving

Database management

Security-focused mindset

Education

Bachelor’s or equivalent in Computer Science or STEM

Tools

PostgreSQL

Ubuntu

Job description

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 cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. We are a globally distributed team 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.

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, 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 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 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 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

About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the company that publishes Ubuntu, we are changing the world of software. We recruit on a global basis and set a high standard for people joining the company. Most colleagues work from home, and working here is a step into the future that challenges you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer