Senior Software Engineer (Backend) – Remote at Canonical

Canonical – We deliver open source to the world faster, more securely, and more cost-effectively than any other company. We develop Ubuntu, the world’s most popular enterprise Linux from cloud to edge, together with a passionate global community of 200,000 contributors. Ubuntu means ‘humanity to others. We chose it because it embodies the generosity at the heart of open source, the new normal for platforms and innovation. Together with a community of 200,000, we publish an operating system that runs from the tiny connected devices up to the world’s biggest mainframes, the platform that everybody uses on the public cloud, and the workstation experience of the world’s most productive developers. Secure and reliable, elegant and intuitive, and open for innovation – Ubuntu is the future of open source, which is why it’s the fastest-growing Linux in the world despite already being the most widely deployed.

Job Title: Senior Software Engineer (Backend)

Location: Lagos (Remote)

Job Summary

• 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.

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.

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 recognise 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
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
• Priority Pass, and travel upgrades for long haul company events.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should Click here to apply online