Security Software Engineer
Security Software Engineer
Join Canonical as a Security Software Engineer and help shape the security of our open source products, including Ubuntu.
Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems for global enterprise and technology markets. We publish Ubuntu, the platform behind public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT.
What you'll do
- Define, implement, and document new security features
- Lead security‑focused initiatives within a product engineering team
- Analyze, fix, and test vulnerabilities in open source software
- Contribute to Ubuntu and upstream open source projects to benefit the community
- Audit and analyze source code for vulnerabilities
- Integrate new security tools into our infrastructure, pipelines, and processes
- Achieve and retain various security certifications
- Extend and enhance Linux cryptographic components to meet country‑specific compliance requirements, such as FIPS and Common Criteria (CC) certifications
- Work with external partners to develop Center for Internet Security (CIS) benchmarks
- Design and develop hardening automation for Ubuntu
- Stay up to date with trends and developments in the security industry
- Develop, test, and maintain new software capabilities
- Provide guidance and support to other engineering teams on security best practices
What we are looking for in you
- Exceptional academic track record from high school and university
- Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM, or a compelling narrative about an alternative path
- Track record of going above and beyond expectations
- Thorough understanding of the common categories of security vulnerabilities and how to fix them
- Knowledge of modern software engineering techniques
- Familiarity with open‑source development tools and methodologies
- Skill in one or more of C, C++, Python, Go, Rust, Java, Ruby, PHP, or JavaScript/TypeScript
- Experience as a security champion
- Experience driving security within a wider SSDLC process
- Professional written and spoken English
- Experience with Linux (Debian or Ubuntu preferred)
- Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability
- Passion, thoughtfulness, and self‑motivation
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Results‑oriented, with a personal drive to meet commitments
Optional skills we also value
- Clear and effective communication with both the team and Ubuntu community members
- Experience working with the Linux kernel
- Experience with security certifications and knowledge of FIPS and/or Common Criteria (CC)
- Experience with OVAL (Open Vulnerability Assessment Language)
- Knowledge of cryptographic modules such as OpenSSL and Libgcrypt
- Knowledge of low‑level Linux cryptography APIsDemonstrated ability to learn quickly
- Performance engineering experience
What we offer you
- Distributed work environment with twice‑yearly on‑site team sprints
- 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 Programme
- Opportunities to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
- Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long‑haul company events
Employment details
- Seniority level: Entry level
- Employment type: Full‑time
- Job function: Engineering and Information Technology / Software Development
- Location: Worldwide – this is a globally remote role
- Travel: Mandatory international travel at least twice a year, typically for one week
About Canonical
Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global shift to open source. As the publisher of Ubuntu, the core platform for AI, IoT, and the cloud, we are changing the world every day. Canonical has been a remote‑first company since its inception in 2004.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.