OpenJDK Security Developer

Job Description

Job Title: OpenJDK Security Developer. Location: Markham, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

You will help maintain supported versions of OpenJDK, verify security patches, analyze vulnerabilities, and contribute to secure JVM & core library development.

Duties:

• Work directly with upstream OpenJDK communities on bug fixes, code reviews, and maintenance work.
• Perform backports from newer OpenJDK releases to maintain IBM’s supported versions;
• Contribute security improvements across areas such as security providers, post-quantum cryptography, FIPS integrations, debugging, and patch development.
• Analyze complex code interactions to identify vulnerabilities and ensure secure behavior.
• Support upstream and downstream development with an upstream-first workflow.
• Collaborate with JVM teams and core libraries teams on shared development tasks;
• Maintain legacy code bases and ensure reliable long-term performance of supported versions.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree or college diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Strong software development background with deep experience in Java and C++.
• Ability to work independently, identify issues, and drive solutions;
• Skill in reviewing complex code and finding critical security problems.
• Ability to work effectively in distributed teams and contribute to open source projects.
• Working knowledge of cryptography standards.
• Experience maintaining legacy software.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills in English.
• Five years of C/C++ experience preferred.
• Five years of software security testing and analysis preferred.
• Understanding of the JVM language and Java specification;
• Experience with OpenJDK roles such as Author, Committer, or Reviewer is a plus.
• Experience with penetration testing, white hat methods, and code breaking is highly valued.
• Familiarity with FIPS platforms and post-quantum cryptography is highly desired.
• Knowledge of Java garbage collectors is a plus.

Benefits and Instructions:

IBM Software offers opportunities for growth in AI, cloud & security while providing a collaborative environment where continuous learning is encouraged; The company supports professional development, experimentation, and a team-focused approach across global teams; To apply, submit your application through IBM’s job portal and follow all outlined instructions.