Senior Build Systems Backend Engineer

Summary

Join Canonical's Launchpad team as a Senior/Staff/Lead Engineer and shape the future of open-source collaboration. This remote role, based in the EMEA region, involves architecting and refining a Python-driven system supporting major projects like Ubuntu. You will maintain business-critical services, drive innovation, and empower developers worldwide. Collaborate with a globally distributed team, travel internationally 2-4 times a year, and enjoy the freedom of remote work. The ideal candidate is passionate about Linux, web services, and scalable development platforms, possessing proven technical excellence in Python and experience with large-scale web applications. Canonical offers competitive compensation, a performance-driven bonus, and various benefits.

Requirements

• 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

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

Benefits

• 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