Security Software Engineer

Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is 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 75+ 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.Canonical is a founder‑led, profitable, and growing company. We are looking for exceptional security‑focused software engineers to be integrated across product teams. While they also contribute to the product as engineers, their primary focus is to challenge the entire team to think more deeply about security through state‑of‑the‑art practices such as threat modeling, tabletop exercises, architecture and design reviews, static analysis tools, and fuzzing, among others.These roles encompass all aspects of product security, including feature development, vulnerability response, proactive security, and open source community participation. Engineers in these roles collaborate closely with other Canonical teams, customers, and partners across the open source ecosystem.Each product engineering team at Canonical reserves one or two openings for security‑oriented software engineers. We also develop a number of products driven entirely by security needs, such as our AppArmor kernel investments and the Ubuntu Security Guide (USG). As the publisher of Ubuntu, we also handle long‑term security response for the entire operating system and open source ecosystem. Working with tens of thousands of upstreams means that we need to be fluent in every major programming language and design, build, and adopt sophisticated tools that enable us to work at scale and speed with confidence.This role requires the ability to be productive in a globally distributed team through strong self‑discipline and motivation. It also involves mandatory international travel at least twice a year, typically for one week.LocationWorldwide – this is a globally remote role.What you'll doDefine, implement, and document new security featuresLead security‑focused initiatives within a product engineering teamAnalyze, fix, and test vulnerabilities in open source softwareContribute to Ubuntu and upstream open source projects to benefit the communityAudit and analyze source code for vulnerabilitiesIntegrate new tools into our security infrastructure, pipelines, and processesAchieve and retain various security certificationsExtend and enhance Linux cryptographic components to meet country‑specific compliance requirements, such as FIPS and Common Criteria (CC) certificationsWork with external partners to develop Center for Internet Security (CIS) benchmarksDesign and develop hardening automation for UbuntuStay up to date with trends and developments in the security industryDevelop, test, and maintain new software capabilitiesProvide guidance and support to other engineering teams on security best practicesWhat we are looking for in youAn exceptional academic track record from both high school and universityUndergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM, or a compelling narrative about your alternative pathA track record of going above and beyond expectationsThorough understanding of the common categories of security vulnerabilities and how to fix themKnowledge of modern software engineering techniquesFamiliarity with open source development tools and methodologiesSkill in one or more of C, C++, Python, Go, Rust, Java, Ruby, PHP, or JavaScript/TypescriptExperience as a security championExperience driving security within a wider SSDLC processProfessional written and spoken EnglishExperience with Linux (Debian or Ubuntu preferred)Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountabilityPassion, thoughtfulness, and self‑motivationExcellent communication and presentation skillsResults‑oriented, with a personal drive to meet commitmentsOptional skills we also valueClear and effective communication with both the team and Ubuntu community membersExperience working with the Linux kernelExperience 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 LibgcryptKnowledge of low‑level Linux cryptography APIsDemonstrated ability to learn quicklyPerformance engineering experienceWhat we offer youDistributed work environment with twice‑yearly team sprints in personPersonal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per yearAnnual compensation reviewRecognition rewardsAnnual holiday leaveMaternity and paternity leaveEmployee Assistance ProgrammeOpportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleaguesPriority Pass, and travel upgrades for long‑haul company eventsAbout CanonicalCanonical 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 on a daily basis. 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. Canonical has been a remote‑first company 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.Equal Opportunity StatementCanonical 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr