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Security Software Engineer

This is a general track for security-focused engineering in every team at Canonical, across all levels of seniority. Apply here if you are already an exceptional security-focused software engineer.Most product engineering teams at Canonical include one or two spaces for dedicated security-oriented software engineers. Their role is to challenge the entire team to think more deeply about security. They contribute to the product as engineers too, but their primary focus is to improve security through state of the art practices - from table-top threat model exercises to architecture reviews, from extended security testing with fuzzers and static analysis tools to external security analyst liaison.We also build a number of products that are entirely motivated by security technology and requirements, such as our AppArmor kernel investments and our hardening, compliance and certification toolkits for Ubuntu.As the publisher of Ubuntu we also handle long-term security response and hardening for the entire operating system and open source universe. 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.These roles encompass all aspects of product security, including feature development, vulnerability response, proactive security and open source community participation. All security roles interact closely with many of the other Canonical engineering and development teams, Canonical customers and our partners across the open source community.Location: We have open roles for security specialist software engineers in every timezone.What you'll doSecurity roles might tackle any of the following:• Define, implement and document new security features• Lead security-oriented thinking in a product engineering team• Analyze, fix, and test vulnerabilities in Canonical and open source Software• Contribute to Ubuntu and upstream projects to benefit the community• Audit and analyze source code for vulnerabilities• Integrate new tools in our security infrastructure, pipelines and processes• Achieve and retain various security certifications• Extend and enhance Linux cryptographic components - specifically with modules such as OpenSSL/Libgcrypt - with the features and functionality required for country-specific compliance such as FIPS and CC certification• Work with external partners to develop CIS benchmarks• Design and develop hardening automation for Ubuntu• Monitor the security industry for new developments• Develop, test and maintain new software capabilities• Provide guidance and support to other engineering teamsWhat we are looking for in you• An exceptional academic track record from both high school and university• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM, or a compelling narrative about your alternative path• Drive and a track record of going above-and-beyond expectations• A thorough understanding of the common categories of security vulnerabilities• Modern engineering techniques to find and fix them• Familiarity with open source development tools and methodologies• Skill in one or more of C, Python, Go, Rust, Java, Ruby or PHP• Experience as a security champion• Experience driving security within a wider SDLC 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• Result-oriented, with a personal drive to meet commitments• Ability to travel twice a year, for company events up to two weeks eachOptional skills we also value• Clear and effective communication with the team and Ubuntu community members• Experience working with Linux Kernel• Security Certification experience and knowledge in FIPS and/or CC• Experience with OVAL (Open Vulnerability Assessment Language)• Knowledge of and familiarity with low-level Linux cryptography APIs• Demonstrated high learning ability• Performance engineering experienceWhat we offer youWe consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually (and more often for graduates and associates) to ensure we recognise outstanding performance. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus. We provide all team members with additional benefits, which reflect our values and ideals. We balance our programs to meet local needs and ensure fairness globally.• Distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person• 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• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues• Priority 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.Canonical is an equal opportunity employerWe 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.
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What You Should Know About Security Software Engineer, Canonical

Join Canonical as a Security Software Engineer and become a vital part of our dynamic team based in Boston, MA! At Canonical, we believe in embedding security at every layer of our software engineering process. As a Security Software Engineer, you will be instrumental in guiding our product engineering teams to think critically about security throughout the entire development lifecycle. Your role is not just limited to security; you will also contribute as a software engineer by developing and implementing robust security features and conducting thorough analysis to address vulnerabilities in both Canonical and open-source software. Imagine utilizing state-of-the-art tools like fuzzers and static analysis tools, collaborating with external security analysts, and making a tangible impact on the security landscape of Ubuntu and beyond. Your responsibilities will also include auditing source code for vulnerabilities, monitoring industry developments, and providing security guidance to other engineering teams. At Canonical, you will work in an innovative environment, where your expertise will help us achieve and maintain security certifications and enhance Linux cryptographic components. If you have a passion for security and a drive to push boundaries in software engineering, we invite you to be part of our mission to shape the future of open-source software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Security Software Engineer Role at Canonical
What are the key responsibilities of a Security Software Engineer at Canonical?

A Security Software Engineer at Canonical is responsible for various key tasks, including defining, implementing, and documenting new security features, leading security discussions in product teams, analyzing and fixing vulnerabilities in Canonical and open-source software, and auditing source code for security weaknesses. Additionally, they play a crucial role in integrating new security tools into our processes and achieving security compliance across our projects.

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What qualifications are required to become a Security Software Engineer at Canonical?

To be a successful Security Software Engineer at Canonical, you should have an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or a related STEM field, or a compelling alternative path. Candidates need a strong understanding of security vulnerabilities, experience with programming languages such as C, Python, or Go, and familiarity with open-source development methodologies. Excellent communication skills and experience with Linux (ideally Ubuntu) are also essential.

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How does Canonical support the professional growth of Security Software Engineers?

Canonical prioritizes the professional development of its Security Software Engineers with a personal learning budget of USD 2,000 per year, regular annual compensation reviews, and opportunities for recognition rewards. The company also fosters a distributed work environment, facilitating collaboration and growth among its remote teams.

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What tools and techniques do Security Software Engineers at Canonical use?

Security Software Engineers at Canonical utilize modern engineering techniques and tools such as static analysis tools, fuzzers, and various security frameworks. They are actively involved in implementing security features, monitoring the security industry for developments, and working with external partners to establish security benchmarks that align with compliance requirements.

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What is the work culture like for Security Software Engineers at Canonical?

The work culture at Canonical emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and flexibility. Security Software Engineers can expect to work in a remote-first environment where they are encouraged to think creatively and engage with their peers across the globe. Canonical values diversity and fosters a workplace that supports individuals of all backgrounds, creating an enriching environment for all its employees.

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Common Interview Questions for Security Software Engineer
Can you explain your experience with security vulnerabilities in software development?

To effectively answer this question, share specific examples of vulnerabilities you've encountered in past projects. Discuss how you identified the vulnerabilities, the steps you took to remediate them, and any tools or methodologies you employed. Highlight your understanding of the importance of security in the software lifecycle and how this experience has shaped your approach to secure coding.

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What programming languages are you most comfortable with, and how have you applied them to enhance security in your projects?

When responding, emphasize your proficiency in languages like Python, Go, or C. Use examples from your previous work to illustrate how you've utilized these languages to implement security features, automate security testing, or integrate with security tools. Show how your programming skills contribute to your overall effectiveness as a Security Software Engineer.

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How do you stay updated on the latest security trends and threats?

Describe the resources you use to stay informed, such as cybersecurity blogs, forums, webinars, and industry conferences. Emphasize your proactive approach to professional development by mentioning any recent certifications or training. Discuss how this continuous learning enables you to better protect products and contribute to security best practices.

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Describe your experience with open-source software development.

Share specific instances where you have contributed to open-source projects, focusing on any security-related contributions. Talk about how participating in the open-source community has enhanced your skills and understanding of collaborative development practices. Illustrate both your commitment to the open-source ethos and the importance of security in these projects.

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Can you give an example of a time you led a team in implementing security best practices?

When answering this question, provide a detailed account of a specific project where you took on a leadership role. Discuss the security practices you implemented, the challenges you faced, and how you guided your team to overcome them. Highlight the positive outcomes and any measures taken to ensure the practices became part of the company's culture.

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What tools do you consider essential for vulnerability assessment and why?

Discuss the tools you have experience with, such as dynamic application security testing (DAST) and static application security testing (SAST) tools. Explain why you find them effective in identifying vulnerabilities and how you have utilized them in your work. Focus on your understanding of the security assessment process and the role these tools play in it.

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How would you approach integrating security into a product's development lifecycle?

Explain your approach by outlining key steps, such as conducting security training for engineers, performing threat modeling sessions at the beginning of the project, and establishing a culture of security where team members regularly communicate about security concerns. Emphasize the importance of continuous assessment and involvement throughout each development phase.

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What is your experience with compliance standards like FIPS or CC?

Highlight any experience you have working with compliance standards, discussing specific projects where you needed to implement or maintain compliance. Offer details about how you navigated the complexities of these standards, the tools you used, and the impact on your team or organization. Demonstrate your knowledge of how compliance relates to security best practices.

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Can you discuss a time when you responded to a security incident?

Provide a clear narrative of a security incident you were involved in, discussing the incident's detection, your role in the response, and the measures taken to remediate the situation. Focus on the lessons learned and how this experience has influenced your approach to security in future projects.

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Why do you want to work as a Security Software Engineer at Canonical?

Your answer should reflect your passion for security, your admiration for Canonical's commitment to open-source software, and the innovative environment they offer. Share how your values align with their mission and your eagerness to tackle challenging security problems within their diverse product offerings.

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Canonical was created alongside Ubuntu to help it reach a wider market. Our services help governments and businesses the world over with migrations, management and support for their Ubuntu deployments. Together with our partners, we ensure that Ub...

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DATE POSTED
December 13, 2024

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