Senior Backend Engineer (Pass)

Barcelona; Paris;

Join Proton and build a better internet where privacy is the default

At Proton, we believe that privacy is a fundamental human right and the cornerstone of democracy. Since our inception in 2014, founded by a team of scientists from CERN, we have dedicated ourselves to providing free and open-source technology to millions worldwide, ensuring access to privacy, security and freedom online. Our journey began with Proton Mail, the largest secure email service globally, and has since expanded to include Proton VPN, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive and Proton Pass. These tools empower individuals and organisations to take control of their personal data, break away from Big Tech’s invasive practices and defeat censorship. Our work impacts hundreds of millions of lives, from activists on the front lines defending freedom to leaders in governments protecting sensitive information. In some cases, Proton’s services have even been instrumental in saving lives by enabling secure and private communications in high-risk situations. Proton is a profitable company that does not rely upon VC funding, supporting over 100 million user accounts with a growing team of over 500 people from over 50 different countries, coming from the world's top companies and universities. We value intelligence, learning potential and ambition in our hiring process. Adaptability is key as we navigate uncharted territories and redefine how business is conducted online. Hiring at Proton is highly selective. We believe smaller teams of exceptional talent will always prevail over larger teams with lower talent density. You'll have the opportunity to work with many of the world's top minds in their fields, ranging from former international math and science olympiad winners to chess champions. We have a global mindset and big ambitions but remain a start-up at heart. We value empowerment and flexibility and keep our structure flat to keep moving fast and avoid unnecessary politics. Tired of blending into the crowd? Join us and do work you can truly be proud of. Check our [open-source projects](https://proton.me/open-source) here!

Role overview

As our new Senior Backend Engineer, you'll join the team responsible for Proton Pass and SimpleLogin. This role focuses on the backend side of products, but you may also need to give a helping hand to our front-end teams.

What you'll do

Code in our shared backend framework
Work closely with a group of skilled backend engineers and architects to build resilient, massively-scalable solutions for millions of people to rely on
Collaborate with teams of client application developers to ensure that the backend meets critical business and reliability requirements
Document backend capabilities and their proper use so that all Proton clients can implement correctly-functioning solutions
Improve vital systems such as the systems responsible for cleaning up file revisions and returning quota to users

What you'll bring

Strong experience in backend development
Experience building scalable solutions
Skills in OOP and SOLID
Fluency in at least one strongly typed language
Solid understanding of SQL (MySQL preferred) and data modelling
Knowledge of unit and functional testing
Solid understanding of security best practices
Understanding of HTTP/REST, including both developing and consuming web-based APIs

Bonus points for

Operational experience, such as SRE or on-call, demonstrating ability to diagnose and troubleshoot complex problems for critical systems
Experience with Docker or similar containerisation technologies
Experience with CI/CD (Gitlab, Jenkins, etc.)
Experience with backend web frameworks (Symfony, Spring, .NET)
Experience with modern PHP, Rust and Python
High-level understanding of cryptography concepts such as key exchange and the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption
Experience with DDD (Domain-Driven Design) and other enterprise patterns
Experience with metrics graphing/analysis toolkits such as Grafana and OpenTelemetry
Solid understanding of Redis or other caching technologies
Experience with OpenAPI specs or other API documentation frameworks

Even if you don’t meet all the requirements listed above but feel you could still be a great fit, please do apply.

What we offer

Technology: we provide all the devices and software you need to excel in your role, ensuring you have the best tools at your disposal to achieve your goals
Learning & Development: we are committed to your professional growth – Proton offers various learning opportunities including training programs conferences/events continual learning
Employee Benefits: comprehensive health insurance plans competitive retirement savings options generous vacation/leave policies wellness programs
Stock Options: at Proton we are all owners of the company you get stock options when you join us
In-Person Collaboration: collaboration is easier more effective in person which is why we have offices in Geneva Zurich Prague Barcelona Paris London Vilnius Skopje Taipei – you can enjoy working from home for up to 30% of time while enjoying great company culture during our three core days office (depending on role fully remote positions may also be available)
Food: lunch snacks provided by Proton every day at offices
Transport: we'll always support employees transport costs through subsidising public transport bike allowances parking spaces based on office location
Flexible Working: define own working hours as long as it works team meetings
Work that Matters: Proton community-first organisation started support crowdfunding campaign built community input – today Proton’s only source revenue user subscriptions: over 100 million people trust support Proton put users community first everything do (read more about impact here)

Our commitment to diversity inclusion

At Proton believe diversity drives innovation strengthens mission provide privacy default all committed fostering inclusive environment where individuals regardless race ethnicity gender age sexual orientation physical ability socio-economic background feel valued empowered strive create equal opportunities promote open dialogue support continuous learning ensure every voice heard respected. If need extra support reasonable adjustments during hiring process please let talent partner know.

Candidate privacy notice

If apply position refer candidate considered role at Proton Technologies AG (Proton we us our) information stored Greenhouse accordance Service Privacy Policy. Information used evaluate suitability posted position also retain information consideration future roles may apply believe align background skills If no longer legitimate business need process information delete anonymise Should inquiries use manage information wish access correct delete data contact privacy team careers@proton.ch. Proton does not accept unsolicited CVs any sources other than directly candidates Will not pay fee placement resulting unsolicited offer even if candidate subsequently hired by Proton. To learn more about privacy policy please visit our privacy policy page.