R&D System Developer

Proton; Barcelona; Presencial; EUR 45.000 - 85.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to building a better internet where privacy is the default. As a software engineer in the ProtonVPN R&D team, you will tackle unique challenges related to censorship and network security. Your expertise in operating systems and programming languages will be crucial in developing innovative solutions that enhance the performance and resilience of ProtonVPN's infrastructure. This role offers the chance to work alongside some of the brightest minds in tech, all while making a meaningful impact on users' lives worldwide. Embrace the opportunity to grow in a collaborative and inclusive environment that values your contributions.

Servicios

Stock Options

Flexible Working Hours

Daily Lunch and Snacks

Transport Cost Subsidies

Learning and Development Opportunities

Comprehensive Health Insurance

Generous Vacation Policies

Wellness Programs

Formación

• Expert-level knowledge of operating system internals and system programming.
• Experience in software development and system design is essential.

Responsabilidades

• Collaborate with app developers to solve complex networking challenges.
• Contribute to open-source projects and improve ProtonVPN's infrastructure.

Conocimientos

Operating System Internals

System Programming (C, C++, Rust, Go, Python, Lua)

Software Development

Debugging and Code Profiling

Network Protocols (UDP, TCP)

Cryptography Concepts

Educación

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or Related Field

Herramientas

Linux

Windows

macOS

Descripción del empleo

Join Proton and build a better internet where privacy is the default

At Proton, we believe that privacy is a fundamental human right and the cornerstone of democracy. Since our inception in 2014, founded by a team of scientists from CERN, we have dedicated ourselves to providing free and open-source technology to millions worldwide, ensuring access to privacy, security, and freedom online.

Our journey began with Proton Mail, the largest secure email service globally, and has since expanded to include Proton VPN, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive, and Proton Pass. These tools empower individuals and organizations to take control of their personal data, break away from Big Tech’s invasive practices, and defeat censorship. Our work impacts hundreds of millions of lives, from activists on the front lines defending freedom to leaders in governments protecting sensitive information. In some cases, Proton’s services have even been instrumental in saving lives by enabling secure and private communications in high-risk situations.

Proton is a profitable company that does not rely upon VC funding, supporting over 100 million user accounts with a growing team of over 500 people from over 50 different countries, from the world's top companies and universities. We value intelligence, learning potential, and ambition in our hiring process. Adaptability is key as we navigate uncharted territories and redefine how business is conducted online.

Hiring at Proton is highly selective, with less than 1% of candidates hired. We believe smaller teams of exceptional talent will always prevail over larger teams with lower talent density. You will have the opportunity to work with many of the world's top minds in their fields, ranging from former international math and science olympiad winners to chess champions.

We have a global mindset and big ambitions but remain a start-up at heart. We value empowerment and flexibility and keep our structure flat to keep moving fast and avoid unnecessary politics. Tired of blending into the crowd? Join us and do work you can truly be proud of. Check our open-source projects here!

Purpose of the role:

ProtonVPN runs on a distributed architecture of Linux servers and a set of apps available on each major platform (Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux) that interact with our infrastructure.

As a member of the ProtonVPN Research and Development team, you will work with your team to crack all the various challenges related to censorship, such as censorship of VPN access itself, operated by various regimes across the globe. On any given day, you might code in C or Rust, script in Python or Lua, create patches for the Linux kernel, or debug system-level issues on different operating systems. You will work in close collaboration with the entire ProtonVPN development team on any outstanding projects. You will face unique and varied challenges that will require continuous learning.

The ideal candidate is a software engineer with networking experience and who loves to crack difficult problems for the greater good.

What you will do:

• Being an active member of the ProtonVPN R&D team
• Collaborating with app developers to help solve the various complex challenges related to (but not limited to) the networking stack of Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, and Windows systems
• Helping develop innovative solutions to improve the connectivity, stability, performance, scalability, security, and resilience in the most adverse network conditions of ProtonVPN’s infrastructure and client software, and extend their functionality
• Contributing to existing open-source projects or creating new ones

Job Requirements:

• Expert-level knowledge of operating system internals
• Experience with system programming languages (C / C++, Rust, Go, Python, Lua, etc.)
• A documented track record of contributions to system-level projects and applications
• Experience with software development and system design
• Understanding of the principles of quality assurance

Knowledge in the following areas is considered a plus:

• Expertise in Windows, macOS, or Linux system development
• Expertise with network protocols and implementation (UDP and TCP stacks)
• Extensive experience working with Linux kernel, Windows drivers, or macOS system extensions development
• Strong understanding of system programming languages (C / C++, Rust, Go, Python, Lua, etc.)
• Experience with debugging code and code profiling
• Good understanding of TCP / IP protocol and settings (e.g., congestion algorithms)
• Strong understanding of VPN protocols (particularly OpenVPN and WireGuard)
• Experience with cryptography concepts (e.g., TLS certificates and public key infrastructure)

What We Offer:

• Office First: Collaboration is easier and more effective in person, which is why we have offices in Geneva, Zurich, Prague, Barcelona, Paris, London, Vilnius, Skopje, and Taipei. You can also enjoy working from home up to 30% of the time, while enjoying great company during our three core days in the office. Depending on the role, fully remote positions may also be available.
• Technology: We provide all the devices and software you need to excel in your role, ensuring you have the best tools at your disposal to achieve your goals.
• Food: Lunch and snacks are provided by Proton every day at our offices.
• Transport: We will always support our employees with transport costs through subsidizing public transport, bike allowances, or parking spaces based on your office location.
• Stock Options: At Proton, we are all owners of the company and you get stock options when you join us.
• Flexible Working: You can define your own working hours as long as it works with team meetings.
• Learning and Development: We are committed to your professional growth. Proton offers various learning opportunities, including training programs, conferences and events, and continual learning.
• Employee Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance plans, competitive retirement savings options, generous vacation and leave policies, and wellness programs.
• Work that Matters: Proton is a community-first organization, started with the support of a crowdfunding campaign and built with community input. To this day, Proton’s only source of revenue is user subscriptions. Over 100 million people trust and support Proton, and we put our users and community first in everything we do.

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.