Canonical
At a Glance
Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is very 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.
The company is founder-led, profitable, and growing.
Canonical is building a team dedicated to providing security coverage across a wide range of ecosystems and environments, working to make the world a better, safer place. We are hiring an Ubuntu Security Engineer to join an industry-leading security engineering team and help protect the open source community and Ubuntu users from emerging threats. We are looking for candidates across all levels of experience, from Graduate to Senior.
As part of the Ubuntu Security Team, you will work with some of the best and brightest people in technology to monitor, triage, respond to, and document new and existing vulnerabilities in open source software. You will collaborate with internal teams and external partners to identify issues, prioritize them, and coordinate remediation.
This is an engineering-focused role that may also involve activities such as producing security assessments, building features, conducting code reviews, developing internal tools, engaging with the open source community, and participating in industry initiatives and events.
This role requires international travel at least twice a year, usually for one week. It also requires the ability to be productive in a globally distributed team through self-discipline and self-motivation.
Location: Worldwide, this is a globally remote role
We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually (and more often for graduates and associates) to ensure we recognize outstanding performance. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus or commission. 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.
Canonical 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 of software. 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. Most colleagues at Canonical have worked from home since our 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 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.
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Source: Canonical careers · View original posting
Canonical Ltd. is a UK-based software company founded in 2004 by Mark Shuttleworth. It is best known for developing and supporting the Ubuntu Linux distribution, which has become one of the most popular Linux operating systems worldwide. Headquartered in London, Canonical operates globally with offices in cities like Austin, Boston, Shanghai, and Tokyo, employing staff across more than 70 countries. The company focuses on making open-source software accessible and user-friendly for individuals and enterprises. Its main offerings include the Ubuntu operating system, which supports desktops, servers, cloud environments, and IoT devices. Canonical also provides commercial support subscriptions, server solutions, and professional services to help organizations manage their open-source deployments effectively. Additionally, the company contributes to various open-source projects, including OpenStack and Netplan, and operates online shops for Ubuntu-branded merchandise.
Compiled from public job postings, careers pages, and company materials. Data may not reflect current state — verify during interviews.
Security Philosophy
“1) AppSec philosophy and stated priorities : - "Application security has one objective: to find weaknesses in your applications"– Ubuntu Blog (https://ubuntu.com/blog/what-is-application-security-appsec). ⚠️ - "Security starts long before a single line of code is written"– Ubuntu Blog (CISO guide). - "Implement a Zero Trust Strategy wherever possible"– Ubuntu Blog (CISO guide). - "Good AppSec goes hand in hand with vulnerability management"– Ubuntu Blog (CISO guide). - "Every organization needs a security team, but that doesn't mean you have to build everything yourself"– Ubuntu Blog. ⚠️”
Security Team
5) Org structure & reporting lines (verbatim): - "This role reports to the CISO."– Canonical Careers (Head of Security Operations) (job posting), ⚠️ - SecOps charter (job post): "The Security Operations (SecOps) team is responsible for design, implementation and evolution of Canonical security practices"– Canonical Careers (Staff Security Operations Engineer). ⚠️
Key Initiatives
10) AppSec initiatives & workflows (verbatim evidence): - Vulnerability intake/management: "monitor, triage, respond to, and document new and existing vulnerabilities"– Ubuntu Security Engineer job posting (careers page). ⚠️ - Secure SDLC and shift-left: "Security starts long before a single line of code is written"– Ubuntu CISO guide. - Threat modelling & tabletop exercises: "Drive threat modelling, table top exercises"– Staff SecOps job posting. ⚠️ - Compliance / certification initiative: "Canonical achieves IEC 62443-4-1 compliance"– Canonical blog.
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