About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world's leading open-source operating system powering enterprise innovation worldwide. As a pioneer in open-source software, Canonical delivers Ubuntu to global leaders in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering, and IoT. With over 1100 colleagues across 75+ countries, Canonical embodies a remote-first culture, fostering globally distributed collaboration. Teams connect through strategic in-person meetings two to four times a year in exciting global locations. Founder-led, profitable, and rapidly growing, Canonical offers a dynamic environment for engineers passionate about open source and technological breakthroughs.

Role Overview

The Senior Web Engineer position on Canonical's Web Engineering team is a leadership role focused on driving technical excellence across web development disciplines. This remote EMEA-based position empowers you to own large-scale projects, mentor peers, and shape the future of Canonical's web platforms that support Ubuntu's ecosystem. You'll identify risks, lead technical conversations, and integrate modern technologies to deliver high-impact solutions for enterprise customers in cloud, AI, and IoT sectors. With emphasis on transparency, intellectual honesty, and teamwork, this role offers deep technical growth in fast-evolving tech landscapes.

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Web Engineer, you'll take ownership of complex initiatives from specification to deployment. Key responsibilities include:

• Identifying team priorities and driving improvement initiatives.
• Designing, implementing, and documenting well-tested software.
• Debugging and resolving issues for end-users.
• Leading code and architectural reviews to uphold engineering standards.
• Contributing to world-class technical documentation.
• Seeking and implementing enhancements to engineering and operations practices.
• Deploying and operating team-developed services.
• Advocating technically for product success across Canonical.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks exceptional talent with a blend of technical prowess and soft skills. Essential qualifications include:

• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, STEM, or equivalent narrative.
• Exceptional academic record from high school and university.
• Proven track record of exceeding expectations and delivering on schedule.
• Competency in researching and integrating new technologies sustainably.
• Comprehensive code review skills for projects of any scale.
• Strong focus on accessibility, performance, and architectural design aligned with business goals.
• Experience with Linux, preferably Debian or Ubuntu.
• Excellent professional English, interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability.
• Ability to travel twice yearly for up to two weeks for company events.

Nice-to-have skills: Container technologies like LXD, Docker, Kubernetes; REST API expertise; team leadership experience; performance engineering drive.

Benefits & Perks

Joining Canonical means embracing a premium remote work lifestyle with unparalleled perks:

• Fully home-based role in EMEA with flexible global collaboration.
• Competitive compensation reflecting senior tech rates.
• Opportunities to work on Ubuntu, the backbone of enterprise open source.
• World-class in-person team summits in inspiring locations.
• Profitable, stable company with founder leadership ensuring long-term vision.
• Comprehensive support for professional development and mentorship.

Career Growth

At Canonical, Senior Web Engineers evolve into technical leaders. You'll mentor juniors systematically, represent your team cross-functionally, and drive initiatives to completion. Gain expertise in complex products across cloud, AI, and IoT. Follow industry trends, reduce complexity, and build credibility as a subject matter expert. With space to hone your craft, Canonical invests in your growth through rigorous processes, global exposure, and open-source contributions that shape your career trajectory.

Why Join Canonical

Canonical stands at the forefront of open source, powering breakthroughs with Ubuntu for the world's top cloud providers, silicon innovators, and industry leaders. Our remote-first model eliminates office constraints, enabling focus on impactful work. Be part of a passionate, enterprising team valuing soft skills alongside technical mastery. Contribute to products used in public cloud, data science, AI, and IoT. Enjoy intellectual honesty, transparency, and a culture that rewards self-starters driving real results. This is your chance to lead web engineering at a growing, profitable pioneer.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role fully remote? Yes, home-based anywhere in EMEA.

Q: What travel is required? Two company events per year, up to two weeks each.

Q: Do I need Ubuntu experience? Linux experience preferred, especially Debian/Ubuntu; training provided.

Q: What tech stack is used? Modern web technologies with focus on performance, accessibility, containers, and REST APIs.

Q: How does Canonical support career growth? Through mentorship, leadership opportunities, global projects, and technical advocacy.