Senior Software Engineer (Inbox Desktop)

Proton seeks a Senior Software Engineer to lead the development of the Proton Mail Desktop App for Windows and Linux, focusing on a new Rust-based architecture.

This position entails taking technical ownership of the Proton Mail Desktop application across Windows and Linux platforms. The team is currently rebuilding client applications using a new technology stack centered on cross-platform Rust code. The ideal candidate will be customer-centric, a continuous learner, and passionate about technology and usability.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate emerging technologies and assist in cross-team technical decision-making.
• Convert product specifications into technical requirements and guide the team through implementation.
• Deliver high-quality user experiences by implementing, deploying, and maintaining features.
• Improve the software development lifecycle, tools, and processes to enhance scalability and developer experience.
• Write clear, concise, and testable code to maintain and elevate codebase quality.
• Manage the scoping, planning, and execution of new features and technical initiatives.
• Foster a culture of learning, creativity, and accountability through mentorship and team development.

Requirements

• Significant professional software development experience with Rust, or a very strong background in modern C++ with complex Rust pet projects.
• Experience in developing high quality, fast, Windows and Linux cross-platform desktop applications.
• Familiarity with native and cross-platform desktop UI frameworks such as Avalonia UI, Qt, or Electron.
• Experience working both on user interface and on business logic.
• Ability to make architectural decisions and contribute to strategic planning and product directions.
• Experience in developing scalable engineering solutions and writing effective engineering documents.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment with excellent written communication skills.
• Experience working in a distributed team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot customer issues remotely while protecting user privacy.
• Understanding of secure coding practices and a commitment to maintaining high levels of security and privacy.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.

Nice to have

• Experience with macOS or mobile cross-platform development.
• Familiarity with using unidirectional data-flow (a.k.a. Elm-like) frameworks.
• Experience with Grafana, Metabase or other monitoring platforms.
• Experience in B2B, preferably in online privacy and/or productivity contexts.

What the company offers

• Office-first collaboration with the option to work from home up to 30% of the time.
• All devices and software needed to excel in the role are provided.
• Lunch and snacks are provided daily at the offices.
• Support for transport costs through subsidizing public transport, bike allowances, or parking spaces.
• Stock options are provided when joining the company.
• Flexible working hours as long as it works with team meetings.
• Various learning opportunities including training programs, conferences and events, and continual learning.
• Comprehensive health insurance plans, competitive retirement savings options, generous vacation and leave policies, and wellness programs.

About the company

Proton is a community-first organization whose only source of revenue is user subscriptions. The company is profitable and does not rely upon VC funding. Hiring is highly selective, with less than 1% of candidates hired. The organization has a flat structure to keep moving fast and avoid unnecessary politics. The team believes a psychologically safe environment is critical to foster innovation, collaboration, and growth.

• Proton believes that privacy is a fundamental human right and the cornerstone of democracy.
• The company is profitable and does not rely upon VC funding.
• Hiring is highly selective, with less than 1% of candidates hired.
• The company values intelligence, learning potential, and ambition.
• The organization has a flat structure to keep moving fast and avoid unnecessary politics.
• The team believes a psychologically safe environment is critical to foster innovation, collaboration, and growth.
• Proton is a community-first organization whose only source of revenue is user subscriptions.