Application Guide
How to Apply for Contractor: Security Developer
at Openhomefoundation
🏢 About Openhomefoundation
The Open Home Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Switzerland with a mission to fight for user privacy and security in smart home technology. Unlike commercial IoT companies, they develop open-source projects like ESPHome that prioritize security by design, making this role ideal for developers who want their work to have meaningful impact on user safety.
About This Role
This Security Developer contractor role involves hardening the ESPHome codebase (C++ and Python) before an external security audit, serving as the technical liaison during the audit, and implementing security improvements for embedded systems. Your work will directly enhance the security foundation for thousands of smart home devices built on ESPHome, making real-world devices more secure for end users.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves reviewing ESPHome C++ code for security vulnerabilities, implementing fixes for identified issues, documenting security findings for the audit team, and collaborating remotely with the ESPHome development team. You'll balance hands-on coding with security analysis and preparation for the upcoming external audit.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Openhomefoundation Is Looking For
- Expert in both C++ and Python with demonstrated experience in security hardening, particularly in embedded systems contexts
- Experience conducting security code reviews and identifying vulnerabilities in large codebases before external audits
- Ability to communicate complex security concepts clearly to both internal teams and external audit agencies
- Understanding of smart home/IoT security challenges and patterns specific to microcontroller-based devices
📝 Tips for Applying to Openhomefoundation
Highlight specific examples where you've hardened C++ code for embedded systems - ESPHome runs on microcontrollers
Demonstrate your Python security experience with the code generation component - this is equally important
Show understanding of the non-profit's mission by mentioning why open-source smart home security matters to you
Provide concrete examples of preparing codebases for external security audits and working with audit teams
Emphasize remote collaboration experience since this is a fully remote position with a distributed team
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience with security hardening in both C++ (embedded) and Python contexts', 'Examples of preparing code for external security audits and collaborating with audit agencies', "Why you're passionate about improving smart home device security through open-source projects", "How you've successfully worked in remote contractor roles with distributed teams"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Study the ESPHome GitHub repository to understand the codebase structure and current security posture
- → Research the Open Home Foundation's other projects to understand their broader ecosystem
- → Review common security vulnerabilities in IoT/microcontroller projects similar to ESPHome
- → Understand the smart home security landscape and why embedded device security differs from web/cloud security
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on web/cloud security without addressing embedded systems context
- Treating Python or C++ as secondary - both are equally critical for this role
- Not demonstrating understanding of the audit preparation process and external agency collaboration
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Openhomefoundation!