Backend Engineer (VPN)

Requirements:

• Experience with PHP-based entry-points to a back-end software stack
• Experience building scalable solutions
• Experience with profiling methods and tools
• Experience leading a team initiative from discovery to production
• Solid understanding of SQL (MySql preferred) and data modelling
• Solid understanding of Redis or other caching technologies
• Solid understanding of security best practices
• Solid understanding of HTTP/REST, including both developing and consuming Web-based APIs
• High-level understanding of cryptography concepts such as key exchange and the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption

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 containerization technologies
• Experience with metrics graphing/analysis toolkits such as Grafana and OpenTelemetry
• Experience with Python and/or Rust
• Experience with OpenAPI specs or other API documentation frameworks

What You'll Be Doing:

• 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 teams of client application developers and product management to ensure that the back-end meets critical business and reliability requirements
• Document back-end capabilities and their proper use so that all Proton VPN clients can implement correctly-functioning solutions
• Debug and repair vital systems such as the systems responsible for cleaning up file revisions and returning quota to users

Perks and Benefits:

• Work that Matters: millions of people trust Proton with their privacy. We answer only to our users — not advertisers, not investors with conflicting agendas, not governments. The work you do here is real, and the impact is measurable. (read more about our impact here)
• Stock Options: at Proton, we all have the opportunity to be owners of the company. From day one, you have a real stake in what we're building. When Proton wins, you win.
• Technology: you'll get the right hardware and the right software you need to do your best work.
• Learning & Development: we invest in your growth because sharp people make us better. Proton is one of the fastest ways to accelerate your career because you'll be thrown into real challenges, with real ownership, from day one.
• Employee Benefits: your wellbeing isn't an afterthought. We offer strong health coverage, solid retirement options, generous leave, and wellness support so you can bring your best self to work every day
• In-Person Collaboration: Amazing things happen when passionate, smart, and purposeful people get together in the same room. With offices across Geneva, Zürich, Barcelona, London and more, you'll spend most of your time collaborating face-to-face with people who genuinely care about what they're building
• Food: Lunch and snacks are on us every day in our offices so you can focus on the work and not on what's for lunch.
• Transport: getting to the office shouldn't cost you. We cover public transport, bike allowances, or parking, whichever works for you.
• Flexible Working: you own your schedule. Set hours that work for you and your team — because outcomes matter more than when the clock says you started.