About Canonical

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux, is a global leader in open source software innovation. Since its inception, Canonical has pioneered the development of Ubuntu, the world's most popular Linux distribution for desktops, servers, and cloud environments. Our mission is to deliver real value to all users through accessible, secure, and reliable open source solutions. With a remote-first culture established in 2004, Canonical empowers engineers worldwide to collaborate seamlessly on transformative projects that power modern infrastructure.

Our work spans cloud-native technologies, Kubernetes orchestration, and enterprise-grade database solutions. We're committed to creating tools that give users full control over their deployments, whether on public clouds, private data centers, or hybrid environments. Joining Canonical means contributing to the open source ecosystem that underpins millions of servers, desktops, and IoT devices globally.

Role Overview

As a Senior Software Engineer - Python/MongoDB, you'll play a pivotal role in building Canonical's fully managed MongoDB solution powered by Juju. We're crafting the world's best open source alternative to proprietary services like MongoDB Atlas or Amazon DocumentDB. This solution enables high-performing, rock-solid MongoDB deployments across any cloud, platform, Kubernetes cluster, VM, or on-premise infrastructure.

The MongoDB team is small and elite, ensuring your contributions have immediate and significant impact. You'll leverage your Python expertise to develop automation, operations tools, and deployment charms that prioritize reliability, security, and scalability. This home-based role in EMEA offers the flexibility to work where you live while shaping the future of open source databases.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement Python-based tools for MongoDB cluster management and deployment using Juju.
• Ensure seamless MongoDB operations on diverse environments including public clouds, Kubernetes, VMs, and bare metal.
• Optimize for performance, security, and high availability in mission-critical production settings.
• Develop and maintain automated testing frameworks to uphold the highest quality standards.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to integrate MongoDB solutions into Canonical's broader ecosystem.
• Contribute to open source charms and operators that empower users with full ownership and control.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this role, you should be an accomplished senior Python programmer with hands-on experience operating MongoDB clusters. Familiarity with modern infrastructure automation tools like Juju, Ansible, or Terraform is essential, alongside traditional Linux systems administration, operations, and package management skills.

You thrive in challenging, mission-critical projects and have a genuine passion for quality, automatic testing, and cutting-edge technology. Experience with cloud platforms, Kubernetes, and open source contributions will set you apart. Above all, you love working with brilliant people and share Canonical's dedication to open source excellence.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers a premium compensation package tailored for top talent. Enjoy a competitive salary estimated at €85,000-€130,000 annually, reflecting senior-level expertise in EMEA tech markets. Our fully remote-first model provides unparalleled flexibility—work from anywhere in EMEA without relocation.

Additional perks include collaboration with industry pioneers from engineer to CTO and CEO levels, exclusive focus on impactful open source projects, and a workplace free from discrimination. We foster diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds to build better products for our global users.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by impact, not hierarchy. As a key contributor to our MongoDB team, you'll gain visibility across the organization and opportunities to lead major initiatives. Our engineers advance through technical expertise, mentorship, and contributions to Ubuntu and related projects.

Professional development includes access to conferences, training in emerging technologies, and pathways to senior staff, principal engineer, or management roles. Many team members evolve into open source maintainers, shaping Canonical's product roadmap and the broader Linux ecosystem.

Why Join Canonical

Canonical stands at the forefront of open source, with Ubuntu powering everything from personal computing to hyperscale clouds. Our remote-first culture, honed over two decades, eliminates geographical barriers and emphasizes results. You'll work exclusively on projects that matter—delivering controlled, secure MongoDB deployments that challenge vendor lock-in.

Join a company where diversity drives innovation, and your code impacts millions. Be part of the Ubuntu story, collaborating with brilliant minds in a supportive, high-trust environment.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role fully remote? Yes, it's home-based anywhere in EMEA, aligning with our remote-first culture since 2004.

Q: What tech stack will I use? Primarily Python, MongoDB, Juju for deployments, with Linux, Kubernetes, and cloud integrations.

Q: Do I need MongoDB certification? No, but proven experience operating production clusters is required.

Q: What's the team size? Small and high-impact, giving you significant ownership.

Q: How does Canonical support open source? We invest heavily in Ubuntu and related projects, ensuring all work is openly licensed and community-driven.