Remote opportunity at
CanonicalLinux Cryptography and Security Engineer
Canonical seeks a Linux Cryptography and Security Engineer to build and maintain the security foundations for Ubuntu, helping ensure compliance with global information security standards such…
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About This Role
Canonical seeks a Linux Cryptography and Security Engineer to build and maintain the security foundations for Ubuntu, helping ensure compliance with global information security standards such as FIPS 140-3 and Common Criteria. Operating in a remote-first setup established in 2004, the firm publishes Ubuntu, an important open-source platform utilized for the cloud, AI, and IoT. In this position, the engineer will apply cryptography, Linux security knowledge, and coding expertise to…
Job Description
Canonical seeks a Linux Cryptography and Security Engineer to build and maintain the security foundations for Ubuntu, helping ensure compliance with global information security standards such as FIPS 140-3 and Common Criteria. Operating in a remote-first setup established in 2004, the firm publishes Ubuntu, an important open-source platform utilized for the cloud, AI, and IoT.
In this position, the engineer will apply cryptography, Linux security knowledge, and coding expertise to enhance the Ubuntu distribution, collaborate with organizations like CIS and DISA on security hardening benchmarks, and develop compliance automation tooling. The role involves working closely with the internal kernel team and external partners to audit systems and drive community-benefiting features.
This role suits professionals with low-level Linux cryptography experience, strong software engineering fundamentals in C, and a history of working with open-source libraries. The position offers an opportunity to influence team culture, shape security direction, and drive technical delivery across the organization.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Security Hardening team to achieve and maintain security certifications
- Extend and improve Linux cryptographic libraries such as OpenSSL, Libgcrypt, and GnuTLS for FIPS and CC compliance
- Partner with external security consultants to test and validate kernel and crypto modules
- Develop security hardening benchmarks and remediation automation alongside external partners
- Contribute solutions to Ubuntu mainline and upstream projects
- Communicate across internal and external teams to address issues and enhance security posture
Requirements
- Hands-on experience with low-level Linux cryptography APIs and debugging
- Solid software engineering fundamentals and C development experience
- Practical experience with Linux system administration and shell scripting
- Knowledge of security and cryptography fundamentals with experience writing secure code
- Significant development background using open-source libraries
- Strong verbal and written communication skills suited for a remote-first environment
Qualifications
- Prior work on FIPS or Common Criteria certified products and understanding of underlying standards
- Direct experience with DISA-STIG or CIS benchmarks and related audit or remediation tools like Compliance as Code
- Direct experience working with the Linux Kernel
- Familiarity with Python, OVAL, and Ansible
- Previous contributions to open-source projects
Core Skills
Benefits
- Performance-driven annual bonus alongside annual compensation reviews
- Distributed work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints
- Annual personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000
- Recognition rewards and annual holiday leave
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Travel opportunities to meet colleagues, plus Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long-haul company events
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers are based only on the employer’s listing; where it doesn’t say, neither do we.
Is this position remote?
Yes, Canonical operates as a remote-first company and has done so since its inception in 2004.
What is the employment type?
The posting specifies full-time employment.
What salary is offered for this role?
The job posting does not specify a salary.
Are there travel requirements for this role?
Team members participate in twice-yearly in-person team sprints and have opportunities to travel to meet colleagues and attend long-haul company events.
Sample Interview Questions
AI-generated questions tailored to this specific role — a preview of the full practice set.
