About Canonical

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux, is the leading provider of enterprise open source software solutions. Ubuntu powers millions of servers, desktops, and cloud instances worldwide, forming the backbone of modern infrastructure. As a pioneer in open source innovation, Canonical secures the global supply chain for Ubuntu and beyond, protecting critical assets from advanced persistent threats. Our remote-first culture empowers top talent from every corner of the globe to collaborate on mission-critical security initiatives.

Role Overview

The Staff Security Operations Engineer joins Canonical's newly formed SecOps team, reporting directly to the CISO. This senior role focuses on elevating security assurance across Canonical's infrastructure and the broader Ubuntu ecosystem. You'll defend against state-level actors and sophisticated cyber threats while contributing to open source threat intelligence. Ideal for experts with deep experience in high-stakes security operations or exceptional rising stars passionate about cyber defense.

SecOps Team Mission

The SecOps team designs, implements, and evolves Canonical's security practices, tools, and policies. Beyond securing our own estate, we enhance the resilience of the global Ubuntu deployment base, sharing knowledge through publications, events, and community initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement and evolve Canonical's SecOps security standards and playbooks to ensure robust defense mechanisms.
• Analyze and improve Canonical's security architecture, identifying vulnerabilities in infrastructure and build processes.
• Evaluate, select, and implement cutting-edge security tools and practices to automate threat detection and response.
• Identify, contain, and guide remediation of security threats and cyber attacks targeting Canonical and Ubuntu users.
• Grow Canonical's SecOps thought leadership through blog posts, whitepapers, conference presentations, and industry events.
• Contribute to open source threat intelligence initiatives, enhancing ecosystem-wide security.
• Drive threat modeling, tabletop exercises, and SecOps practices across Engineering, IS, and Canonical teams.
• Develop learning and development materials to upskill the organization in security operations.
• Identify, implement, and track SecOps KPIs within Canonical's agile engineering framework.
• Collaborate with Security leadership to present insights and influence strategic change.

Qualifications & Requirements

We seek candidates with an exceptional academic track record and undergraduate degree in Computer Science or STEM (or a compelling alternative path). Drive, above-and-beyond performance, and deep personal motivation for technology security are essential.

• Expertise in threat modeling and risk management frameworks.
• Knowledge of security architecture and market-leading security tools.
• Experience contributing to and consuming threat intelligence feeds.
• Hands-on experience with frameworks like NIST CSF and standards such as ISO 27001.

Optional Valued Experience

• SOC or security operations team background.
• Offensive or defensive security with hands-on capabilities.
• Experience countering state-actor and advanced persistent threats.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers competitive, performance-based compensation reviewed annually, plus a bonus structure. Our global benefits emphasize fairness and local needs.

• Fully distributed work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints.
• USD 2,000 personal learning and development budget per year.
• Annual compensation review and recognition rewards.
• Generous annual holiday leave, maternity, and paternity leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing support.
• Travel opportunities, including Priority Pass and upgrades for long-haul company events.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by impact. Staff engineers lead initiatives, mentor teams, and represent us in industry forums. With Ubuntu's massive footprint, your work influences millions. Leverage our learning budget for certifications, conferences, and skills development. Our agile practices and biannual reviews ensure rapid advancement for high performers.

Why Join Canonical

Join a remote-first company shaping the future of open source security. Protect Ubuntu—the world's most popular Linux distribution—against elite threats. Collaborate with global experts, publish influential content, and contribute to public good. Canonical's commitment to Ubuntu's robustness benefits enterprises, governments, and developers everywhere. Experience unparalleled autonomy in a high-trust, high-impact environment.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, home-based worldwide with occasional in-person sprints.

What experience level is required?

Senior/staff level; deep expertise for high-end roles, or exceptional potential for junior tracks.

How does Canonical support professional growth?

USD 2,000 learning budget, annual reviews, thought leadership opportunities, and agile project leadership.

What makes Canonical's SecOps unique?

Focus on open source supply chain security, defending global Ubuntu estate against APTs and state actors.

What's the application process?

Submit your CV highlighting security achievements; top candidates advance to technical interviews and CISO discussions.