Sr. Software Engineer

Proofpoint; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Flexible work environment

Annual wellness days

Community outreach days

Recognition programs

Job summary

Proofpoint is seeking a highly motivated Sr. Software Engineer to join the Threat Response product engineering team. You will design distributed systems, tackle scalability challenges, and build high-performance backend services operating at scale.

Key requirements include extensive enterprise/SaaS development, strong Java/Python skills, and experience with multi-tenant architectures, PostgreSQL, and modern cloud tools. This role emphasizes AI-assisted tooling and collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• Extensive software development experience in enterprise or SaaS applications.
• Strong programming skills in Java and/or Python with scalable systems.
• Experience building multi-tenant SaaS platforms.
• Experience designing distributed systems that process high volumes of events.
• Experience with PostgreSQL, query optimization and scalability.
• Ability to leverage AI-assisted engineering tools for design and testing.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design scalable distributed systems and backend services.
• Solve scalability and performance challenges at scale.
• Build high-performance backend services and maintain reliability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across product and Eng.
• Optimize relational data processing and storage

Skills

Java/Python

Distributed systems

Multi-tenant SaaS

PostgreSQL

AI-assisted tooling

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

BSc in Computer Science

Tools

AWS

Kafka

SQS

React

TypeScript

Job description

About Us

Proofpoint is a global leader in human- and agent-centric cybersecurity. We protect how people, data, and AI agents connect across email, cloud, and collaboration tools. Over 80 of the Fortune 100, 10,000 large enterprises, and millions of smaller organizations trust Proofpoint to stop threats, prevent data loss, and build resilience across their people and AI workflows. Our mission is simple: safeguard the digital world and empower people to work securely and confidently. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people.

How We Work

At Proofpoint you’ll be part of a global team that breaks barriers to redefine cybersecurity guided by our BRAVE core values: Bold in how we dream and innovate Responsive to feedback, challenges and opportunities Accountable for results and best in class outcomes Visionary in future focused problem-solving Exceptional in execution and impact.

The Role

Proofpoint is looking for a highly motivated Sr. Software Engineer to join the Threat Response product engineering team. This role focuses on designing distributed systems, solving scalability challenges, and building high-performance backend services operating at scale.

What You Bring to the Team

• Extensive software development experience building enterprise or SaaS applications
• Excellent programming skills in Java and/or Python, with a demonstrated ability to design, implement, and maintain large-scale production systems
• Experience building and operating large-scale, multi-tenant SaaS platforms.
• Experience designing scalable distributed systems that process high volumes of events, messages, or transactions
• Experience designing scalable processing frameworks that support parallel execution, tenant isolation, and fair resource utilization
• Experience working with PostgreSQL or other relational databases, including query optimization, performance tuning, and database scalability
• Demonstrated ability to effectively leverage AI-assisted engineering tools as a force multiplier for software design, implementation, testing, debugging, and operational support
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• BSc degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AWS cloud services and modern cloud application architectures
• Experience with messaging and streaming technologies such as Kafka, SQS, or similar platforms
• Experience optimizing application efficiency, system throughput, and resource utilization in large-scale production environments
• Experience integrating with Microsoft 365, Microsoft Graph, Google Workspace, or other enterprise SaaS platforms
• Experience with modern frontend technologies such as React or TypeScript.

Why Proofpoint?

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits
• Career success on your terms
• Flexible work environmentAnnual wellness and community outreach days
• Always on recognition for your contributions
• Global collaboration and networking opportunities

Our Culture

Our culture is rooted in values that inspire belonging, empower purpose and drive success-every day, for everyone. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you need accommodation during the application or interview process, please reach out to [e-mail].

Proofpoint has been honored with six Best Places to Work Awards in 2024 by workplace culture leader Comparably, including Best Company Career Growth, Best Company Outlook, Best Global Culture, Best Engineering Teams, Best Sales Teams, and Best HR Teams. We are the leader in human-centric cybersecurity. Half a million customers, including 87 of the Fortune 100, rely on Proofpoint to protect their organizations. We’re driven by a mission to stay ahead of bad actors and safeguard the digital world. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people.

Our BRAVE Values: At Proofpoint, we are BRAVE in everything we do, and our values aren’t just words—they shape how we work, collaborate, and grow. We seek people who are bold enough to challenge the status quo, responsive in the face of ever-evolving threats, and accountable for delivering real impact. We value those with a visionary mindset who anticipate what’s next and push cybersecurity forward, and we celebrate exceptional execution that ensures we continue to defend data and protect people.

Proofpoint is an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.

Find your network, your allies, and your biggest fans. We know that work is simply better when you’re surrounded by people who inspire you—who share ideas, cheer you on, and genuinely want to see you succeed. That’s why we offer social circles, sponsored networks, and connection points across teams and time zones—to help you find your people, build your community, and thrive together.

This isn’t just a job—it’s a mission to protect people and defend data in a world that never slows down. We’re building the future of human-centric cybersecurity, and that future belongs to all of us. We take ownership, move fast, and hold ourselves accountable—because that’s what it takes to stay ahead. And we do it together, winning as one. Be empowered to reach your full potential through meaningful challenges and personalized support—designed around you and your goals. Whether you're growing as a leader or leveling up from great to exceptional as an individual contributor, we’re here to help you get there.