Senior Backend Engineer Foundation

Senior Backend Engineer Foundation Overview

Join Proton and contribute to building a better internet where privacy is prioritized. Founded in 2014 by scientists from CERN, Proton has developed the world’s largest encrypted email service and expanded into various privacy-focused tools. With a team of over 500 members from elite backgrounds, we emphasize meaningful work and impactful contributions.

The Foundation Team

The Foundation team is responsible for creating the shared backend framework, internal libraries, and common services that support all Proton applications. As a Senior Backend Engineer, you will primarily work with PHP for API-related tasks and Rust for performance-critical components. Your role will involve owning libraries and initiatives from design through to implementation, documentation, and migration.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop shared libraries, framework layers, and internal services utilized across all Proton products.
• Transform recurring patterns into effective abstractions.
• Create documentation and practical examples that facilitate user adoption.
• Enhance daily operations by improving build times, local development setup, testing ergonomics, and overall developer experience.
• Collaborate openly with product teams through RFCs, design reviews, and contribute to others’ repositories to clarify ideas.
• Work closely with fellow developers to ensure seamless integration of libraries into applications.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in building and managing backend systems in production, with a strong emphasis on modern PHP.
• Proficiency in Rust or a demonstrated ability to learn it quickly, with an understanding of ownership and lifetimes.
• A strong sense of API design, including opinions on naming conventions, defaults, error handling, and the distinction between libraries and services.
• Experience in managing architecture at a codebase scale, with insights on maintaining healthy module boundaries and dependency directions.
• Proven ability to evolve shared code relied upon by other teams without causing disruptions.
• A security-focused mindset, considering potential misuse of the abstractions created.
• The ability to influence the adoption of internal libraries and navigate disagreements between teams.

Benefits

• Engage in meaningful work that impacts millions of users’ privacy.
• Collaborate with a diverse and dedicated team from prestigious academic institutions.
• Receive the necessary hardware and software to perform optimally.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth through real challenges and ownership from day one.
• Comprehensive health coverage, retirement plans, generous leave, and wellness support.
• Stock options allowing employees to have a stake in the company’s success.
• In-person collaboration in offices located in multiple cities, fostering teamwork.
• Complimentary lunch and snacks provided in the office.
• Transport costs covered, including public transport, bike allowances, or parking.
• Flexible working hours to accommodate personal schedules.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At Proton, we believe that diversity drives innovation and strengthens our mission. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered. We strive to create equal opportunities and promote open dialogue.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

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