Ubuntu Security Engineer

Job description

**This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Ubuntu Security Engineer based in Italy.** Join a globally distributed security engineering team dedicated to protecting users and strengthening the security of open source software. You’ll investigate emerging vulnerabilities across the Ubuntu ecosystem, helping identify, assess, remediate, and document security issues. The role combines hands-on security engineering with software development, code auditing, vulnerability research, and security tooling. You’ll collaborate with internal engineering teams, upstream developers, and members of the broader open source community to deliver robust security fixes. Your work will directly contribute to improving the resilience and security of widely used Linux technologies and open source projects. The environment is highly technical, collaborative, and international, with opportunities to share knowledge through open source contributions, publications, and industry events. This opportunity is open to candidates across experience levels, from graduates through senior security engineers, with strong technical potential and a passion for security. ### Accountabilities - Analyse, investigate, fix, and test vulnerabilities affecting open source packages within the Ubuntu ecosystem. - Monitor and track vulnerabilities as they are discovered, researched, patched, and released, using internal security tools and processes. - Collaborate with internal engineering teams, upstream developers, and the wider open source community to develop, exchange, and validate effective security patches. - Audit source code and software components to identify security weaknesses and potential vulnerabilities. - Assess security risks and contribute to prioritising remediation efforts based on impact and urgency. - Design and develop features, automation, and internal tools that help engineering teams improve the security of their products and infrastructure. - Document security findings, remediation activities, and relevant technical information clearly and accurately. - Contribute to security initiatives across the broader open source ecosystem and engage with industry communities where appropriate. - Work effectively within a globally distributed team, taking ownership of projects and maintaining consistent progress with a high degree of autonomy. ## Requirements - Strong understanding of common software security vulnerabilities, attack techniques, and approaches to identifying and fixing them. - Experience or familiarity with coordinated vulnerability disclosure practices and responsible security communication. - Familiarity with open source development tools, workflows, and methodologies. - Proficiency in at least one relevant programming language, such as C, Python, Go, Rust, Java, Ruby, PHP, JavaScript, or TypeScript. - Experience with Linux, ideally Ubuntu or Debian-based environments. - Strong analytical, logical reasoning, troubleshooting, and decision-making abilities. - Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical security issues clearly to engineering teams and open source contributors. - Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across cultures, countries, and distributed teams. - Curiosity, adaptability, accountability, and a genuine interest in learning about emerging security threats and technologies. - A self-motivated and thoughtful approach to work, with the ability to manage priorities and deliver against commitments independently. - A bachelor’s degree or equivalent background in Computer Science, STEM, or a related technical discipline is preferred, although candidates with compelling alternative backgrounds are encouraged to apply. - Candidates may be considered across multiple experience levels, from graduate to senior, depending on their technical capabilities, achievements, and relevant security experience. ## Benefits - Competitive compensation based on geographical location, experience, and performance. - Performance-driven annual bonus or commission, depending on role and location. - Annual compensation review. - Personal learning and development budget of **USD 2,000 per year**. - Recognition and rewards programs. - Annual holiday leave. - Maternity and paternity leave. - Team Member Assistance Program and Wellness Platform. - Fully distributed and remote working environment. - Twice-yearly opportunities to meet colleagues in person through team sprints. - Opportunities to travel internationally and collaborate with colleagues in new locations. - Priority Pass and travel upgrades for eligible long-haul company events. - Opportunities to contribute to open source security projects and participate in industry events, publications, and technical initiatives. - Inclusive, multicultural working environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences.