Backend Engineer (VPN) — Proton
- Location
- Genève
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- Yesterday
Role overview
Join Proton and build a better internet where privacy is the default
Proton was founded in 2014 by scientists from CERN on a simple truth: privacy is a fundamental human right .
In some situations, Proton has literally helped save lives!
- Join Proton and build a better internet where privacy is the default
- Proton was founded in 2014 by scientists from CERN on a simple truth: privacy is a fundamental human right .
Application process
- 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 Job 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
Contacts
- Since then, we’ve built the world’s largest encrypted email service (Proton Mail) and expanded into Proton VPN, Proton Drive, Proton Pass, and Proton Calendar—tools used by millions globally to protect their freedom, fight censorship, and keep their data safe.
- 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 . LI-Onsite
Company and context
- Our 700+ team members across 50+ countries come from leading organizations and elite academic backgrounds.
- We move fast, keep hierarchy light, and prioritize impact over optics.
- If you want to do meaningful work with exceptionally high-caliber people, this is it.
- Join us and do work you can truly be proud of.
- Check our open-source projects here ! Purpose of the role:
- The VPN team is focused on building the best and most trustworthy VPN in the world.
- We aim to provide the best user experience to millions of people around the world willing to take back their online privacy, while providing sophisticated technologies to bypass network restrictions in highly censored countries. What you will do:
- Work closely with a group of Back-End Engineers and Architects to build resilient, massively-scalable solutions for millions of people to rely on
Additional details
- Check our open-source projects here ! Purpose of the role:
- We aim to provide the best user experience to millions of people around the world willing to take back their online privacy, while providing sophisticated technologies to bypass network restrictions in highly censored countries.
- Debug and repair vital systems such as the systems responsible for cleaning up file revisions and returning quota to users
- Experience with PHP-based entry-points to a back-end software stack Experience building scalable solutions
- High-level understanding of cryptography concepts such as key exchange and the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption
- Experience with metrics graphing/analysis toolkits such as Grafana and OpenTelemetry Experience with Python and/or Rust
- Even if you don’t meet all the requirements listed above, but feel you could still be a great fit, please still apply.
- Set hours that work for you and your team — because outcomes matter more than when the clock says you started. Compensation range
- Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, skills, and previous experience. Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
- If you need any extra support or reasonable adjustments during the hiring process, please let your talent partner know. Candidate Privacy Notice
Notes and original content
- Check our open-source projects here !
- Purpose of the role:
- What you will do:
- Job requirements:
- Experience with PHP-based entry-points to a back-end software stack
- Experience building scalable solutions
- Bonus points for:
- Experience with metrics graphing/analysis toolkits such as Grafana and OpenTelemetry
- Experience with Python and/or Rust
- What We Offer
Questions about this listing
What salary does Proton offer for this role?
Proton lists CHF 71'000 - 107'500 gross per year for this position in Genève. This is the salary published in the original listing (or, when the employer omits a figure, a realistic estimate for the role and sector) — the calculator on this site converts it to your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does Proton offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with Proton during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Geneva?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Geneva can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with Geneva's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at Proton?
Use the "Apply now" button on this page — it links directly to Proton's original listing at job-boards.eu.greenhouse.io, so your application goes straight to the employer's own applicant-tracking system. Frontaliere Ticino does not collect or forward applications itself.
