FlexHired LogoFlexHired
Logo of Canonical

Canonical

Lead Data Governance Engineer

Job Summary

The role involves defining, monitoring, and executing data governance policies in a remote setting, with a focus on developing Python-based tools for automating data mesh operations. Candidates should have experience with data quality, governance, security processes, and tools such as Trino and Ranger. The position requires designing and maintaining tooling, deploying services, and potentially mentoring others depending on seniority. The company emphasizes a distributed work environment, professional development, and a commitment to open-source and open standards.

Required Skills

SQL
Python
Data Quality
Compliance
Open-source Tools
Automation
Data Governance
Data Security
Monitoring
Data Management
Data Privacy
Data Mesh
Data Policies
Tool Development

Benefits

Employee Assistance Program
Remote Work Flexibility
Travel Opportunities
Performance Bonus
Learning and Development Budget
Recognition Rewards
Annual holiday leave
Maternity and paternity leave

Job Description

Canonical is a leading provider of open-source software and operating systems for global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is very widely used in breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation and IoT. Our customers include the world's leading public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders in many sectors. The company is a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in more than 80 countries and very few office-based roles. Teams meet two to four times yearly in person, in interesting locations around the world, to align on strategy and execution.

The company is founder led, profitable and growing.

We are hiring a Lead Data Governance Engineer with focus on data governance policies, processes, standards, and monitoring in compliance with internal policies and applicable regulatory frameworks, e.g., GDPR, DPA, ISO, etc. A successful candidate will develop Python-based tooling to automate the operations of an internal data mesh solution such as data labeling and quality metrics in a data, access management and data security best practices.

The Data Governance team in the Commercial Systems unit has a mission to enable a secure and well-governed access to comprehensive data sets originating at many internal and external data sources formed in a data mesh. The team works with well-known open-source data governance tools such as Trino and Ranger, defines and executes data governance processes, and democratizes the data at Canonical.

Location: This role will be based remotely in the EMEA region.

The role entails

  • Define, monitor, and execute data governance policies
  • Design, implement, and maintain tooling for automated data mesh operations
  • Deploy and operate services developed by the team
  • Depending on your seniority, coach, mentor, and offer career development feedback
  • Develop and evangelize great engineering and organizational practices

What we are looking for in you

  • Exceptional academic track record from both high school and university
  • Undergraduate degree in a technical subject or a compelling narrative about your alternative chosen path
  • Track record of going above-and-beyond expectations to achieve outstanding results
  • Experience with data quality, governance, and security processes and tools
  • Experience with software development in Python and SQL
  • Professional written and spoken English with excellent presentation skills
  • Result-oriented, with a personal drive to meet commitments
  • Ability to travel internationally twice a year, for company events up to two weeks long

Nice-to-have skills

  • Performance engineering and security experience
  • Experience with Airbyte, Ranger, Superset, Temporal, or Trino

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

About Canonical

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 its 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.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer

We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.

#LI-remote

Interested in this job?

Application deadline: Open until filled

Logo of Canonical

Canonical

Canonical makes open source secure, reliable and easy to use, providing support for Ubuntu and a portfolio of enterprise-grade technologies. Founded in 2004, Canonical operates globally with team members in over 80 countries.

See more jobs
Date PostedMay 19th, 2025
Job TypeFull Time
LocationHome based - EMEA
SalaryCompetitive rates
Exciting remote opportunity (requires residency in Africa, Europe) for a Lead Data Governance Engineer at Canonical. Offering competitive salary (full time). Explore more remote jobs on FlexHired!

Safe Remote Job Search Tips

Verify Employer Thoroughly

Research the company's identity thoroughly before applying. Check for a professional website with contacts, active social media, and LinkedIn profiles. Verify details across platforms and look for reviews on Glassdoor or Trustpilot to confirm legitimacy.

Never Pay to Get a Job

Legitimate employers never require payment for applications, training, background checks, or equipment. Always reject upfront payment requests or demands for bank details, even if they claim it's for purchasing necessary work gear on your behalf.

Safeguard Your Personal Information

Protect sensitive data like SSN, bank details, or ID copies. Share this only after accepting a formal, written job offer. Ensure it's submitted via a secure company system or portal, never through insecure channels like standard email attachments.

Scrutinize Communication & Interviews

Watch for communication red flags: poor grammar, generic emails (@gmail), vague details, or undue pressure. Be highly suspicious of interviews held only via text or chat apps; legitimate companies typically use video or phone calls.

Beware of Unrealistic Offers

If an offer's salary or benefits seem unrealistically high for the work involved, be cautious. Research standard pay for similar roles. Offers that appear 'too good to be true' are often scams designed to lure you into providing information or payment.

Insist on a Formal Contract

Always secure and review a formal, written job offer or employment contract before starting work or sharing final personal details. Ensure it clearly defines your role, compensation, key terms, and conditions to avoid misunderstandings or scams.

Related Jobs

Subscribe Newsletter

Never miss a remote job opportunity. Subscribe to our newsletter today and receive exclusive job alerts, career advice, and industry insights delivered straight to your inbox.