Sr. Software Engineer (Java, Go)

Proofpoint; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Flexible work environment

Wellness days

Recognition program

Global collaboration

Job summary

Proofpoint is seeking a Sr. Software Engineer to join our team and help build, scale, and maintain the systems powering our platform. You'll work across a large, complex micro-services architecture.

This role is for someone who enjoys digging into hard problems, isn't afraid of ambiguity, and wants to keep pushing their own skills forward. You're expected to contribute with Java, Go, and Python, embrace AI-first development practices, and participate in an on-call rotation while collaborating

Qualifications

• Proven senior-level software engineering experience.
• Strong experience with Java, Go and Python.
• Experience with large-scale microservice architectures.
• Comfortable with on-call responsibilities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration.
• Self-starter and proactive in ambiguous environments.
• BSc in Computer Science or related field.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain services across our micro-service ecosystem.
• Debug complex cross-service issues and trace root causes.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and production issue resolution.
• Collaborate with teammates and communicate technical trade-offs.
• Navigate ambiguous requirements and provide direction to the team.
• Use AI-First tools to improve velocity and quality.
• Tackle infrastructure work and tech debt as needed.
• Drive continuous improvement in how we build and operate software.

Skills

Senior software engineering

Java

Go

Python

Debugging

Distributed systems

On-call experience

AI-first development

Communication

Self-starter

Education

BSc in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Microservices architecture

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

We're looking for a Sr. Software Engineer to join our team and help build, scale, and maintain the systems powering our platform. You'll work across a large, complex micro-services architecture. This role is for someone who enjoys digging into hard problems, isn't afraid of ambiguity, and wants to keep pushing their own skills forward.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain services across our micro-service ecosystem
• Debug complex, cross-service issues — you'll need to dig deep, trace root causes, and see problems through to resolution
• Participate in an on-call rotation, responding to and resolving production issues
• Collaborate closely with teammates, clearly communicating technical trade-offs, decisions, and progress
• Navigate ambiguous problems and evolving requirements, helping bring clarity and direction to the team
• Use AI-First and AI-assisted development tools where practical to improve velocity and quality
• Take on unglamorous but necessary work when the team needs it — tech debt, infra-migrations
• Continuously look for ways to innovate and improve how the team builds and operates software

What You Bring to the Team

• Proven software engineering experience with a level of seniority
• Proficiency in Java, Go, and Python
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills — comfortable tracing issues through complex, distributed systems
• Experience with (or strong aptitude for) large-scale microservice architectures
• Comfortable with on-call responsibilities
• Openness to AI-first development practices and tools
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, team-first mindset
• Comfortable operating in ambiguous situations without needing every requirement fully spelled out
• A self-starter mentality — willing to challenge yourself, take initiative, and step up wherever the team needs help, including on less glamorous work
• BSc Degree in Computer Science or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)

Why Proofpoint?

At Proofpoint, we believe that an exceptional career experience includes a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits
• Career success on your terms
• Flexible work environment
• Annual 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 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.