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 dedicated to fighting for open and secure smart home ecosystems. It oversees projects like ESPHome, which empowers users and companies to build custom IoT devices with a focus on privacy and security. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven, remote-first team that values transparency and community impact.

About This Role

As a Security Developer, you will bridge the gap between ESPHome's development team and an external security audit by hardening the codebase in C++ and Python. Your work directly impacts the security of millions of IoT devices, ensuring best practices are baked into the firmware framework. This contract role offers the chance to shape security patterns for an open-source project with real-world implications.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing the ESPHome codebase for common vulnerabilities, then writing patches in C++ or Python to fix them. You'd collaborate async with the team via GitHub issues and pull requests, and periodically sync with the external audit agency to align on findings. The rest of the day involves testing fixes on actual microcontrollers and documenting security improvements.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Openhomefoundation Is Looking For

  • Expert in C++ and Python with a focus on embedded systems security, capable of reviewing and hardening microcontroller firmware code.
  • Proven experience with security audits or vulnerability remediation, ideally in IoT or resource-constrained environments.
  • Familiar with common embedded security issues (e.g., buffer overflows, insecure defaults, side-channel attacks) and mitigation techniques.
  • Comfortable working independently in a remote, async environment with a small, distributed team.

📝 Tips for Applying to Openhomefoundation

1

Highlight specific examples of security hardening you've done in C++ or Python for embedded systems, including before/after code snippets if possible.

2

Demonstrate familiarity with ESPHome by mentioning any contributions or personal projects using the framework.

3

Tailor your cover letter to emphasize your ability to prioritize 'low-hanging fruit' vulnerabilities quickly before an audit.

4

Show understanding of the Open Home Foundation's mission by linking your work to user privacy and open-source values.

5

Include links to any public security work (e.g., CVEs, blog posts, open-source contributions) to build credibility.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with security audits or vulnerability assessments in embedded systems.', 'Specific examples of code hardening in C++ and Python, especially for IoT or microcontroller environments.', "Alignment with the foundation's mission to enhance user privacy and security in smart home devices.", 'Your ability to work independently and deliver results within a contract timeline, with minimal supervision.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read the ESPHome documentation and source code on GitHub to understand the architecture and recent commits.
  • → Review the Open Home Foundation's blog and mission statement to grasp their broader goals beyond ESPHome.
  • → Look up any past security advisories or CVEs related to ESPHome to understand the threat landscape.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the external security agency mentioned (if named) or typical IoT security audit processes.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through how you would approach a security review of an ESPHome component written in C++.
2 Describe a time you identified and fixed a security vulnerability in embedded code. What tools did you use?
3 How do you prioritize security fixes in a large codebase when time is limited?
4 Explain common security pitfalls in IoT firmware and how you mitigate them in Python code generation.
5 How would you communicate security findings to a non-security-expert team? Give an example.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without mentioning ESPHome or the Open Home Foundation specifically.
  • Overlooking the contract nature of the role—ensure you are available for the duration and have the right work setup.
  • Failing to provide concrete examples of security work; avoid vague statements like 'I care about security' without evidence.

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Openhomefoundation!

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