Lead Data Governance Engineer

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Canonical is a leading provider of open-source software and operating systems for global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is widely used in enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include top public cloud and silicon providers, as well as industry leaders across sectors. The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing.

We are hiring a Lead Data Governance Engineer focused on data governance policies, processes, standards, and monitoring to ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory frameworks like GDPR, DPA, ISO, etc. The successful candidate will develop Python-based tools to automate internal data mesh operations, including data labeling and quality metrics, following best practices in data, access management, and data security.

The Data Governance team in the Commercial Systems unit aims to enable secure, well-governed access to comprehensive data sets from various sources within a data mesh. The team utilizes open-source tools such as Trino and Ranger, defines data governance processes, and democratizes data at Canonical.

Location: This role is remote within the EMEA region.

Responsibilities include:

1. Define, monitor, and execute data governance policies
2. Design, implement, and maintain tooling for automated data mesh operations
3. Deploy and operate team-developed services
4. Mentor and provide career development guidance based on seniority
5. Promote best engineering and organizational practices

Qualifications:

• Strong academic background from high school and university
• Degree in a technical field or a compelling alternative narrative
• Proven track record of exceeding expectations
• Experience with data quality, governance, and security tools
• Proficiency in Python and SQL software development
• Excellent English communication and presentation skills
• Result-oriented with personal drive
• Willingness to travel internationally twice a year for up to two weeks

Nice-to-have skills:

• Performance engineering and security experience
• Experience with Airbyte, Ranger, Superset, Temporal, or Trino

What we offer:

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person team sprints
• USD 2,000 annual learning and development budget
• Annual compensation review and performance bonuses
• Comprehensive benefits including leave, parental leave, Employee Assistance Program, and travel opportunities

About Canonical:

Canonical pioneers open source technology, publishing Ubuntu, a key platform for AI, IoT, and cloud. We hire globally, uphold high standards, and foster a remote-first culture since 2004. Working here challenges you to think differently and grow your skills.

Equal Opportunity:

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, providing fair consideration regardless of background or identity.