Remote opportunity at
CanonicalSenior Software Engineer (Backend)
Canonical is seeking a senior- or staff-level backend engineer for its Launchpad team. The job is remote and full-time, and candidates must live within the EMEA…
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About This Role
Canonical is seeking a senior- or staff-level backend engineer for its Launchpad team. The job is remote and full-time, and candidates must live within the EMEA region. Launchpad is the platform open source developers use to run projects: it offers source hosting with review tooling, issue tracking, package builds, translation and similar features. It is an established Python application that carries major projects such as Ubuntu, and the engineer will…
Job Description
Canonical is seeking a senior- or staff-level backend engineer for its Launchpad team. The job is remote and full-time, and candidates must live within the EMEA region. Launchpad is the platform open source developers use to run projects: it offers source hosting with review tooling, issue tracking, package builds, translation and similar features. It is an established Python application that carries major projects such as Ubuntu, and the engineer will help chart its direction.
The engineer shapes design, architecture and feature choices across distributed teams, writes Python built around APIs with unit tests, diagnoses and fixes intricate technical problems, improves speed and dependability, and mentors peers through code reviews that set the bar. Work might involve extending package building, refining developer workflows or updating the web interface. Travel is needed two to four times a year for internal discussions and external industry events.
Deep Python ability and experience running large web apps and databases are at the heart of the role. Knowledge of Ubuntu and Debian packaging, a security-conscious outlook, and PostgreSQL experience (an advantage) are sought. The position suits a strategic, curious and articulate engineer who enjoys solving interesting problems with clever colleagues.
Responsibilities
- Shape the design, architecture and feature calls made by distributed teams
- Write API-first Python with unit tests
- Diagnose and solve complex technical problems
- Mentor engineers and lead reviews that raise standards
- Improve performance and reliability
- Extend package building, developer workflows or the web interface
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent in computing, STEM or a similar field
- Demonstrated Python skill and delivery of production-ready code
- Experience maintaining and improving large web applications and databases
- Grasp of how integration, infrastructure and operations interact in distributed setups
- Security-minded approach at every stage
- Comfortable working on Ubuntu, both to build and to ship software
- Understanding of packaging systems, including Debian and Ubuntu packages
- Able to travel two to four times a year for internal and external events
Qualifications
- PostgreSQL experience
- Strategic outlook plus leadership and teamwork skills
- Curious, adaptable and articulate communication
Core Skills
Benefits
- Bonus or commission tied to yearly performance
- USD 2,000 annual learning and development budget
- Annual pay review and recognition awards
- Annual leave and maternity and paternity leave
- Team member assistance and wellness platform
- Two in-person team sprints per year
- Opportunities to visit new locations, Priority Pass and upgraded long-haul travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers are based only on the employer’s listing; where it doesn’t say, neither do we.
Who can apply?
The posting says candidates are expected to be located in the EMEA region.
What is Launchpad?
A hosted workspace for open source project management, covering source hosting, issue tracking, package builds and translations.
What experience is required?
Strong Python, experience with large web applications and databases, and familiarity with Ubuntu and Debian packaging.
Is pay listed?
No. The posting gives no salary and refers to location, experience and performance.
Sample Interview Questions
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