Software Engineer - Secure Container Images

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm specializing in open source with a platform widely used for public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Founded in 2004, it is profitable, founder-led, and operates with a globally distributed workforce without a central headquarters.

• Proficiency in Bash and Python
• Experience with CI/CD systems such as GitHub Actions and Jenkins
• Experience building container images
• Command of container management or orchestration tools like Docker, Podman, or Kubernetes
• Hands-on experience with Linux systems, package management, build systems, release engineering, or artifact pipelines
• Strong communication and ownership skills across design, review, documentation, and collaboration
• Commitment to knowledge sharing and mentoring
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, STEM, or related field
• Business level written and spoken English
• Personal motivation aligned with the company mission
• 0-7 years relevant experience

Nice to have:

• Security-oriented maintenance mindset and experience investigating vulnerabilities
• Understanding of software supply chain security and experience with SBOMs, signatures, provenance, CVE reports
• Familiarity with GitOps principles
• Knowledge of additional languages such as Go or Rust
• Experience building minimal and distroless container images
• Knowledge of OCI specifications
• Familiarity with security/compliance frameworks like CIS, NIST, FedRAMP, DISA STIG
• Contributions to open source projects
• Interest in embedding security through DevSecOps and responsible use of AI/agentic development
• Relevant Linux, container, or cloud-native certifications like CKS or DCA

• Build and maintain a portfolio of high-quality, hardened container images
• Design and operate automated CI/CD pipelines for building, testing, scanning, signing, publishing, and retiring container images
• Write tooling and tests to assess security compliance and cloud-native compatibility
• Collaborate with the community, partners, and various internal teams including product security, platform, and infrastructure
• Contribute technical input to team decision-making
• Define image standards covering security, compatibility, performance, size, and developer experience
• Document work and grow the team’s knowledge base
• Mentor colleagues and participate in hiring
• Work collaboratively in a globally distributed, agile environment with up to 15% travel

This role is based in the EMEA region. Work from home with global travel up to 15%. International travel 2-4 times a year for company events, up to two weeks long. Candidates must have business level written and spoken English.