Software Engineer

About Proton 

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. 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. In some situations, Proton has literally helped save lives!

We are profitable, independent (no VC control), and selectively hire from the top ~1% of applicants. Our 500+ 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!

The Role

Based in our Geneva (or Zürich) office, you'll join our browser product team, helping build a privacy-first internet browser used by millions around the world. From private-by-default browsing to shipping timely security updates, you'll work on a technically ambitious product with real-world impact. As an engineer on the team, you'll collaborate closely with product, design, and more experienced engineers across Proton to build and ship a high-quality browsing experience on desktop, growing your craft while contributing to what "great" looks like for privacy-focused consumer products at scale.

What we are looking for

• You have hands-on experience building or maintaining a Chromium-based browser, or contributing to browser engineering at scale
• You are proficient in C++ and comfortable navigating large codebases such as Chromium's (Blink, V8, network stack, sandboxing, extensions)
• You have familiarity with Chromium's build system and cross-platform builds (macOS, Windows, Linux)
• You have implemented privacy or security hardening in practice — anti-fingerprinting measures, content blocking, or reducing telemetry and third-party dependencies
• You care deeply about product quality, performance, and delivering a fast, distraction-free user experience
• You have solid knowledge of web platform standards and the security responsibilities of shipping a browser
• You are comfortable navigating ambiguity in a small, high-ownership team, and experience working in open source is a strong plus
• Rust experience is a plus as we explore platform-independent components

What We Offer

• 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.

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 its 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 anonymise 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 careers@proton.ch.

Proton does not accept unsolicited CVs 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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