Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the company that publishes Ubuntu, one of the most important open-source projects and the platform for AI, IoT, and the cloud, we are changing the world of software. We recruit on a global basis and set a very high standard for people joining the company. We expect excellence; in order to succeed, we need to be the best at what we do. Most colleagues at Canonical have worked from home since our inception in 2004. Working here is a step into the future and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Senior Software Engineer (Backend)
Location: Lagos
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.
This is a remote role based in the EMEA region. Candidates will be expected to be located within this region.
Responsibilities
The role entails:
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.
Requirements
What we are looking for in you:
You have a Bachelor’s or equivalent in Computer Science, STEM or similar degree
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
What we offer colleagues
We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually (and more often for graduates and associates) to ensure we recognize outstanding performance.
In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus or commission. We provide all team members with additional benefits which reflect our values and ideals. We balance our programs to meet local needs and ensure fairness globally.
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