Software Engineer - Back-End (Storage)

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Proton is seeking a Software Engineer Back-End (Storage) to own and evolve our on‑prem storage infrastructure. You will join the Storage Dev team to build APIs, contribute to Seaweed and Ceph, and ensure reliable backend systems used by millions. Key requirements include deep backend experience in C++, Go, Rust or PHP, building complex production systems, proficiency with profiling tools, the ability to lead initiatives, strong security practices, and cryptography knowledge. Bonus points for Ceph Seaweed Tape and on‑call/SRE experience. To apply, tailor your CV to show storage ownership, on‑call impact, and security work; highlight collaboration with SRE; and note willingness to be onsite in Paris and alignment with Proton’s mission.

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 organizations to take control of their personal data.

Proton is a profitable company, supporting over 100 million user accounts with a growing team of over 500 people from over 50 different countries, 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 will have the opportunity to work with many of the world's top minds in their fields.

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. Tired of blending into the crowd? Join us and do work you can truly be proud of. 

Purpose of the role:  

Storage is at the very center of everything we do. Whatever needs to be persisted eventually uses our Storage infrastructure. For this we run our storage infrastructure predominantly on-premise in multiple data centers. In this role you will join the Storage Dev team that is responsible to develop and maintain all the software required in the Storage realm. This, among others, includes Storage APIs, Seaweed & Ceph contributions.

What you will do: 

• Be responsible for the operational excellence of the systems/features and their interaction with other systems
• Work closely with a group of Back-End Engineers and Architects to build resilient, massively-scalable solutions for millions of people to rely on 
• Collaborate with the SRE teams and other stakeholders to ensure that the Storage back-end meets critical business and reliability requirements
• Document back-end capabilities and their proper use
• Create technical designs and implement them to further develop the platform 

Job requirements: 

• Deep experience with Back-end development (C++, Go, Rust, or PHP)
• Experience building complex production systems
• Experience with profiling methods and tools 
• Experience leading a team initiative from discovery to production
• Solid understanding of security best practices
• High-level understanding of cryptography concepts

Bonus points for:  

• Experience with storage systems (e.g. Ceph, Seaweed or Tape)
• Operational experience such as SRE or on-call, demonstrating ability to diagnose and troubleshoot complex problems for critical systems 

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

What We Offer

• Office First: Collaboration is easier and more effective in person, which is why we have offices in Geneva, Zurich, Prague, Barcelona, Paris, London, Vilnius, Skopje, and Taipei. You can also enjoy working from home up to 30% of the time, while enjoying great company during our three core days in the office. 
• 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.
• Food: Lunch and snacks are provided by Proton every day at our offices.
• Transport: We will always support our employees with transport costs through subsidizing public transport, bike allowances, or parking spaces based on your office location.
• Stock Options: At Proton, we are all owners of the company and you get stock options when you join us.
• Flexible Working: You can define your own working hours as long as it works with team meetings.
• Learning and Development: We are committed to your professional growth. Proton offers various learning opportunities, including training programs, conferences and events, and continual learning.
• Employee Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance plans, competitive retirement savings options, generous vacation and leave policies, and wellness programs.
• Work that Matters: Proton is a community-first organization, started with the support of a crowdfunding campaign and built with community input. To this day, Proton’s only source of revenue is user subscriptions. Over 100 million people trust and support Proton, and we put our users and community first in everything we do. Read more about our impact here.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At Proton, we believe diversity drives innovation and strengthens our mission to provide privacy as a default for all. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical ability, or socio-economic background, feel valued and empowered. We strive to create equal opportunities, promote open dialogue, and support continuous learning to ensure every voice is heard and respected.

If you need any extra support or reasonable adjustments during the hiring process, please let your talent partner know.

Candidate Privacy Notice

When you apply for a position, refer a candidate, or are considered for a role at Proton Technologies AG (Proton, we, us, or our), your information is stored in Greenhouse, in accordance with their Service Privacy Policy. This information is used to evaluate your suitability for the posted position. We also retain this information for consideration for future roles that you may apply for or that we believe may align with your background and skills.

If we no longer have a legitimate business need to process your information, we will either delete or anonymize it. Should you have any inquiries about how we use or manage your information, or if you wish to access, correct, or delete your data, please contact our privacy team at [email protected].

Proton does not accept unsolicited resumes from any sources other than directly from candidates. We will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from an unsolicited offer, even if the candidate is subsequently hired by Proton.

To learn more about our privacy policy, please visit our privacy policy page.

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