Linux Cryptography and Security Engineer

Canonical; Wellington; Remote; NZD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled software engineer with expertise in cryptography and Linux security. In this pivotal role, you will enhance the Ubuntu distribution, ensuring compliance with international security standards. Collaborate with a dedicated team to develop automation tools for auditing systems and contribute to open source projects that benefit the wider community. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence security culture and drive innovation in a remote-first environment, with competitive compensation and a commitment to professional growth.

Benefits

Remote work environment

Annual learning and development budget

Performance bonuses

Employee Assistance Programme

Travel opportunities

Holiday leave

Maternity and paternity leave

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with low-level Linux cryptography APIs and debugging.
• Excellent software engineering fundamentals, including prior experience with C development.
• Knowledge of security and cryptography fundamentals, plus experience writing secure code.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers to achieve and retain various Security certifications.
• Extend Linux cryptographic components for FIPS and CC certification.
• Work with partners to develop security hardening benchmarks for Ubuntu.

Skills

Linux Cryptography APIs

C Development

Linux System Administration

Shell Scripting

Secure Code Writing

Open Source Development

Communication Skills

Tools

OpenSSL

Libgcrypt

GnuTLS

Python

Ansible

Job description

This is a unique opportunity to use your software engineering and cryptography skills to build and maintain the security foundation that enables Ubuntu and its users to operate securely and remain compliant with international information security standards such as FIPS 140-3 and Common Criteria.

You will use your applied cryptography, Linux Security, and coding skills to enhance the Ubuntu distribution and work with organizations such as DISA and CIS to draft and implement security hardening benchmarks for Ubuntu.

As a member of the Security Hardening team, you will work with and develop automation tooling to audit deployed systems for DISA-STIG and CIS benchmark compliance. You will interact with internal and external stakeholders to identify gaps in our frameworks, and develop new solutions to address these challenges. In this role, you will have the opportunity to influence team and security culture, facilitate technical delivery, and help drive team direction and execution. You'll collaborate closely with Canonical's kernel team as well as the wider engineering organization to drive features impacting all Ubuntu users.

Day-to-day responsibilities

1. Collaborate with other engineers in the Security Hardening team to achieve and retain various Security certifications.
2. Extend and enhance Linux cryptographic components (OpenSSL, Libgcrypt, GnuTLS, and others) with the features and functionality required for FIPS and CC certification.
3. Collaborate with external security consultants to test and validate kernel and crypto module components.
4. Work with external partners to develop security hardening benchmarks and automate audit + remediation for Ubuntu.
5. Contribute to Ubuntu mainline and upstream projects to land solutions and benefit the community.
6. Communicate and collaborate within and outside Canonical to identify opportunities to improve our security posture, resolve issues, and deliver high-quality solutions on schedule.

What we are looking for in you

1. Hands-on experience with low-level Linux cryptography APIs and debugging.
2. Excellent software engineering fundamentals, including prior experience with C development.
3. Hands-on experience with Linux system administration and shell scripting.
4. Knowledge of security and cryptography fundamentals, plus experience writing secure code and implementing best practices.
5. Development experience with open source libraries.
6. Excellent communication skills for collaboration in a remote environment.

Additional Skills That You Might Also Bring

1. Experience with FIPS/Common Criteria certified products and standards.
2. Experience with DISA-STIG or CIS benchmarks, including audit + remediation tooling.
3. Experience working directly with Linux Kernel.
4. Knowledge of Python, OVAL, and Ansible.
5. Contributions to open source projects.

What we offer you

We offer competitive compensation based on location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews and performance bonuses. Our benefits reflect our values and include:

• Remote work environment with biannual in-person team sprints.
• USD 2,000 annual learning and development budget.
• Annual compensation review, recognition rewards, holiday leave, maternity and paternity leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme, travel opportunities, and travel upgrades for company events.

About Canonical

Canonical is a leading open source tech company, publisher of Ubuntu, and innovator in AI, IoT, and cloud platforms. We are committed to excellence, diversity, and a remote-first work culture since 2004. Join us to challenge yourself and shape the future of digital business.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer, fostering a workplace free from discrimination, valuing diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds.