Student, Software Engineer - Security (Winter 2027)

Sun Life Financial; Canada; Hybrid; CAD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Sun Life Financial is seeking a software engineer student for a hybrid, in-person/remote co-op in Corporate IT, focused on building secure APIs and data-driven platforms. You will work under a Senior Engineer, contributing to API development, testing and deployment while embedding security into design and code.

The role emphasizes learning, collaboration in an Agile pod, and exposure to ML/AI use cases, cloud/DevOps practices, and modern tech like Azure DevOps, MongoDB, Kafka, Docker and

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity or a related technology discipline.
• Strong coding, debugging and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of an object-oriented programming language such as C# or Java.
• Familiarity with Python, .NET Core, .NET, Java Springboot framework.
• Familiarity with SQL for relational or NoSQL databases.
• Demonstrated interest in cybersecurity and secure software engineering, with an understanding of common application, API, cloud or DevOps security risks.

Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of a Senior Engineer, contribute to the development, testing and deployment of APIs.
• May assist in gathering functional requirements, developing technical specifications and test plans with internal team members and external partners.
• Work within an Agile pod to enable ML/AI/Gen AI Use Cases and experiments, build core data and analytics platforms, applications and self-service capabilities.
• Apply secure software development practices when designing, coding, testing and deploying APIs and applications, including identifying and helping remediate security vulnerabilities.
• Support security control testing by documenting results, identifying gaps and helping align solutions with recognized industry practices and frameworks such as NIST.
• Research emerging security technologies and contribute to the evaluation of security tools, processes and engineering approaches for cloud, API, DevOps, data and AI solutions.
• Support in system or project documentation.
• Work in a cross-functional Agile Scrum team.
• Learn new technologies and tools related to Gen AI, ML/AI, data integration and warehousing.

Skills

API development

Object-oriented programming

C# or Java

Python

SQL

Azure DevOps

MongoDB

Kafka

Docker

Kubernetes

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science/Software Engineering/C/Cybersecurity

Tools

Azure DevOps

MongoDB

Kafka

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

At Sun Life,we’redriven by our Purpose: helping our Clientsachieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. Our values shape how we work: caring, authentic, bold, inspiring, and impactful. Our student and new graduate programs offer a chance to explore Sun Life from the inside. You’ll make a difference in the lives of our customers and communities, while building the skills and experience that allow you to grow in a meaningful and rewarding way.

Job Description: HYBRID

This co-op opportunity is in person, remote or hybrid. For remote or hybrid, you will be required to work within the province. Remote work outside of the province will not be a possibility. This role requires Reliability Status Clearance. In addition to a law enforcement inquiry and a credit check, as part of your application, the Government of Canada will ask if you lived or travelled outside of Canada for 6-consecutive months during the last 5 years, and you must account for all activities during this time. Important: Obtaining Reliability Status Clearance within a reasonable amount of time is a condition required to start employment for this role at Sun Life. You will be joining one of our exciting teams in Corporate IT. At Corporate IT, our team is focused on enabling technology at Sun Life by delivering robust, scalable, secure and reusable platforms and services that operate within our Enterprise Cloud, API and DevOps environments. In this role, you will contribute as a software engineer while helping embed security practices into the design, development, testing and operation of project solutions.

What will you do?

• Under the guidance of a Senior Engineer, contribute to the development, testing and deployment of APIs
• May assist in gathering functional requirements, developing technical specifications and test plans with internal team members and external partners
• Work within an Agile pod to enable ML/AI/Gen AI Use Cases and experiments, build core data and analytics platforms, applications and self-service capabilities
• Apply secure software development practices when designing, coding, testing and deploying APIs and applications, including identifying and helping remediate security vulnerabilities
• Support security control testing by documenting results, identifying gaps and helping align solutions with recognized industry practices and frameworks such as NIST
• Research emerging security technologies and contribute to the evaluation of security tools, processes and engineering approaches for cloud, API, DevOps, data and AI solutions
• Support in system or project documentation
• Work in a cross-functional Agile Scrum team
• Learn new technologies and tools related to Gen AI, ML/AI, data integration and warehousing

What do you need to succeed?

• Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity or a related technology discipline.
• Enthusiasm, professionalism, and willingness to learn.
• Fast learner with a keen interest in picking up new technologies.
• Strong coding, debugging and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of an object-oriented programming language such as C# or Java.
• Familiarity of Python, Microsoft .Net core, .Net, Java Springboot framework.
• Familiarity with SQL for relational or NoSQL databases.
• Demonstrated interest in cybersecurity and secure software engineering, with an understanding of common application, API, cloud or DevOps security risks.
• Familiarity with security testing, vulnerability management, threat modelling, security controls or industry frameworks such as NIST is considered an asset.
• A graduation date of April 2027 or later is required.

What is in it for you?

• A friendly, collaborative, and inclusive culture where you’re an innovator and trusted partner.
• An environment of continuous learning and improvement.
• We’re honoured to be recognized as a 2023 Best Workplaces in Canada by Great Place to Work® Canada.
• Gain experience with a development team that uses some of the cutting‑edge development technologies such as Azure DevOps, MongoDB, Kafka, Docker and Kubernetes, Gen AI/ML.
• The Base Pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted for.
• The Base Pay which you will be considered for will vary depending on the Campus program you are selected for.
• Eligible Sun Life employees for various Campus Graduate programs will also participate in various incentive plans, payment under which is discretionary and subject to individual and company performance.
• Diversity and inclusion have always been at the core of our values at Sun Life.
• A diverse workforce with wide perspectives and creative ideas benefits our Clients, the communities where we operate and all of us as colleagues.
• We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.
• Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e-mail a request to [e-mail].
• We are proud to be a hybrid organization that offers our employees the choice and flexibility to work from both the office and virtually based on the needs of the business, our Clients and you.
• We may use artificial intelligence to support candidate sourcing, screening, interview scheduling.
• We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Category: Temporary Employee Posting End Date: 01/11/2026

Shine together At Sunlife, you can be your most brilliant self. Our supportive, flexible, and inclusive work environment is one where you - and your career - can thrive. Whatever your aspirations, collaborative leaders and colleagues are ready to help you learn, grow, and succeed. Make life brighter We’re a global company with a passion for people. Our purpose is to help Clients build lifetime financial security and lead healthier lives. As a team of 68,000 across 28 markets, our impact is far-reaching, and locally relevant. There’s power in numbers. As part of Sunlife’s growing team, you have an impact on people in your community and around the world. Shape the future With an optimistic eye on a brighter future, we drive to innovate. Be part of leading change, push boundaries and try new ways of working. Use data to drive bold actions. Be agile and pivot as we test and learn. At Sunlife, we’re driving transformation, sustainability and innovation for our Clients, employees, partners, and communities. Join us. Together, we can make the future brighter. Join a top employer for a brighter future.