Senior Software Engineer (Backend)

Canonical; United States; Remote; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Canonical, a leader in open-source software, is seeking a Senior/Staff/Lead Engineer to drive architecture and feature decisions for Launchpad, a robust Python-driven platform used by major OSS projects like Ubuntu. You will craft API-first Python code, mentor engineers, and raise the bar for performance and reliability while enabling a global remote team.

The role emphasizes distributed systems, Ubuntu packaging familiarity, and operating within a security-conscious mindset, with travel 2-4

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or equivalent in Computer Science, STEM or similar degree.

Responsibilities

• Influencing and driving design, architecture, and feature decisions across distributed teams.
• Crafting API-first Python code with unit tests for scalable systems.
• Diagnosing and resolving complex technical challenges to improve performance and reliability.
• Mentoring engineers and leading code reviews to uphold best practices.

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.