Senior Software Developer (12 months)

CIRA; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

CIRA is seeking a senior software developer to advance Canada’s cybersecurity and DNS infrastructure from Ottawa. You will design, build, and secure backend services for XDR and DNS‑based products, guiding implementation from requirements to scalable solutions.

You will mentor colleagues, participate in architecture discussions, and ensure secure coding practices in a collaborative, hybrid work environment. A strong background in cybersecurity and DNS is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, software engineering or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of professional software development experience.
• Proficiency in Java (Spring or Play) or Python.
• Proficiency in Linux environments and Bash scripting.
• Strong knowledge of secure design, threat mitigation and authn/authz mechanisms.
• Experience building and supporting CI/CD pipelines (GitLab CI, Jenkins, TeamCity).
• Familiarity with cloud-native development, Docker, and IaC tools (Terraform/Ansible).
• Understanding of DNS, networking and internet infrastructure.
• Experience with relational and non-relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, DynamoDB).
• Knowledge of cybersecurity concepts including EDR, XDR, vulnerability scanners, firewalls, MITRE ATT&CK.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of XDR and DNS-based cybersecurity products and backend services.
• Translate security and business requirements into secure, scalable software solutions.
• Implement secure coding practices aligned with industry standards (OWASP).
• Perform code reviews and mentor junior and intermediate developers.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity analysts, DevOps and infrastructure teams.
• Support CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, deployment and monitoring in cloud/hybrid environments.
• Investigate and resolve complex performance, security and interoperability issues.
• Participate in architecture and design discussions to guide system evolution.
• Write and maintain clear technical documentation.
• Participate in a rotating 24/7 on-call schedule for uptime and incident response.

Skills

Java/Python

Linux Bash

CI/CD

Docker

Terraform/Ansible

Cloud-native

DNS/Networking

Secure design

Code reviews/mentoring

Security basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related

Tools

GitLab CI

Jenkins

TeamCity

Kubernetes

Terraform

Ansible

Job description

Join the Cyber-DNS team at CIRA and play a key role in advancing Canada’s cybersecurity and DNS infrastructure! Our Cyber-DNS team is dedicated to protecting Canadians online by delivering cutting‑edge solutions.

Who You Are

You're a passionate software developer who wants your work to make a difference. You have a strong background in cybersecurity and an interest in DNS and networking technologies. You’re motivated by the real‑world impact of keeping Canadians safe online, stay current on emerging threats, and are excited to apply innovative and creative solutions to this mission.

You thrive in a collaborative environment that values open discussion, shared problem solving and diverse perspectives. You enjoy tackling complex problems as a team and learning from your colleagues. Beyond your technical skills, you actively share your knowledge, mentor those around you and champion initiatives to improve our software quality, resiliency and security.

What You'll Do

• Lead the design and development of extended detection and response (XDR) and DNS-based cybersecurity products and backend services using modern programming languages and frameworks.
• Turn security and business requirements into secure, scalable software solutions.
• Implement secure coding practices aligned with industry standards such as the Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP).
• Perform code reviews and mentor junior and intermediate developers to uphold software quality and security standards.
• Work closely with cybersecurity analysts, DevOps and infrastructure teams across CIRA.
• Support continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, along with automated testing, deployment and monitoring in cloud and hybrid environments.
• Investigate and resolve complex issues related to application performance, security vulnerabilities and system interoperability.
• Participate in architecture and design discussions to inform system evolution and technical decision-making.
• Write and maintain clear technical documentation for systems, processes and deployments.
• Participate in a rotating 24/7 on-call schedule to support service uptime and incident response.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of professional experience in software development.
• Advanced proficiency in programming languages such as Java (Spring or Play Framework) or Python.
• Proficiency in Linux environments and scripting with Bash for automation and troubleshooting.
• Strong knowledge of secure application design, threat mitigation and authentication and authorization mechanisms.
• Experience building and supporting CI/CD pipelines using tools such as GitLab CI, Jenkins or TeamCity.
• Familiarity with cloud-native development, containerization technologies such as Docker and infrastructure‑as‑code tools such as Terraform or Ansible.
• Understanding of DNS, networking protocols and their role in internet infrastructure.
• Experience working with relational and non‑relational databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, DynamoDB or similar technologies.
• Understanding of cybersecurity concepts and technologies, including endpoint detection and response (EDR), extended detection and response (XDR), vulnerability scanners, firewalls and frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK.

Who We Are

At CIRA, we’re driven by a passion to make a positive impact on Canada’s digital future. We’re not just asking, ‘What more can we do?’—we’re actively exploring new frontiers to enhance and secure the internet for all Canadians. Our recognition as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers for ten years is a testament to our vibrant culture. We believe in fostering an environment where collaboration and candour are second nature and where diverse perspectives are integral to our success, because we know that great ideas come from everywhere. If you’re passionate about innovation and ready to make a difference in a dynamic field, join us and help shape the future of the internet!

CIRA embraces a blend of remote and IRL in‑office work to keep our team connected and engaged. Our Ottawa headquarters is a hub for regular events and social activities that bring our team together, encouraging a strong sense of community within our organization. No matter where you work from, you'll always feel part of our vibrant team and our shared mission.

At CIRA, people remain at the centre of our recruitment process. While CIRA uses recruitment platforms that include artificial intelligence‑enabled features, which may be used to support administrative processes or skills‑based assessments, these features are intended to assist our recruitment activities and do not replace human judgment. All applicant screenings, interviews, evaluations and selection decisions are conducted by our staff. Artificial intelligence is not used to make autonomous or final hiring decisions.

This posting is for an existing vacancy. CIRA is committed to fair, inclusive and accessible recruitment practices. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment, assessment and selection process. If you require any assistance or accommodation, please contact us at [e-mail].