Senior Software Engineer (Backend) - Launchpad

About the role

Canonical is hiring a Senior/Staff/Lead Engineer to join its Launchpad team, which manages open-source development projects including code hosting, review, bug tracking, package building and translations. You will shape the future of open-source collaboration by architecting and refining a mature, Python-driven system that supports major projects such as Ubuntu, while keeping business-critical services running. The role is remote, based in the EMEA region, with two to four international trips a year.

Key responsibilities

• Influence design, architecture and feature decisions across distributed teams
• Write API-first Python code with unit tests, delivering robust, scalable systems
• Diagnose and fix complex technical issues, improving performance and reliability
• Mentor engineers, lead code reviews and share knowledge
• Expand package-building capabilities, improve developer workflows and modernize the web UI

Required profile

• Proven technical excellence in Python and production-ready code
• Experience maintaining and improving large-scale web applications and databases (PostgreSQL a plus)
• Understanding of integration, infrastructure and operations in distributed environments
• Familiarity with Ubuntu and Debian/Ubuntu packaging systems
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Computer Science, STEM or similar
• Security-focused mindset and strong leadership and collaboration skills

What we offer

• Remote work with twice-yearly in-person team sprints
• Learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
• Annual compensation review, annual bonus or commission, recognition rewards and annual holiday leave
• Maternity and paternity leave, Team Member Assistance Program and wellness platform
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long-haul company events