Senior Software Engineer (Inbox Desktop) in London

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, 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.

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. 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. You will have the opportunity to work with many of the world's top minds in their fields. 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.

The Team: Our business unit, Inbox, is a cross-functional team of about 60 engineers, product managers, designers, and data analysts driving the development of Proton Mail and Proton Calendar. Our mission is to create an end-to-end encrypted solution with a better user experience than any other productivity products on the market.

The Inbox Desktop team is responsible for developing desktop clients of Inbox, specifically the Proton Mail Desktop App, Proton Mail Bridge, and the Export tool. We are in the process of rebuilding our client applications on a new, innovative technology stack centred around cross-platform Rust code. We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to take the technical ownership of the Proton Mail Desktop App on Windows and Linux platforms.

Currently, we use many languages and frameworks in the team like Golang, C++, Qt, JS, TypeScript, React, or Electron. Our backend runs on premise in Proton’s data centers, and all our client-code is open source and GPL3.

Purpose of the role: As a Senior Software Engineer in the Inbox Desktop team, you will play a crucial role in driving the development of one of Proton's most vital desktop offerings, the Proton Mail Desktop App. You are expected to be customer-centric, a continuous learner, passionate about technology and usability. You are adept at turning technical complexities into seamless user experiences. Effective teamwork, data-driven decision-making, using APIs wisely, collaboration with Product, Design, and other teams are essential aspects of this role.

In the Inbox organization, we believe that a psychologically safe environment is critical to foster innovation, collaboration, and growth. You will play a key role in helping us create such an environment across the entire organization.

What you will do:

• Research: Assessing new technologies, supporting cross-team and cross-business unit technical decision making.
• Work breakdown: Transforming product specifications into technical requirements and lead your team to their successful implementation.
• Product development: Ensuring high-quality user experiences within our product portfolio by implementing, deploying and maintaining existing and new features.
• Scalability: Enhancing software development lifecycle, tools, and processes to improve developer experience and to ensure our solutions are scalable.
• Coding: Writing clear, concise and testable code to maintain and elevate the quality of our codebase.
• Project management: Managing the scoping, planning and execution of new features, technical initiatives and greenfield projects.
• Mentoring: Fostering a culture of learning, creativity, and accountability for the best possible work through mentorship and team development.

Job requirements: While we prefer candidates who cover the entire skillset, don't hesitate to apply if you're not an exact match, as we're willing to help you grow in certain areas.

• Experience: Significant, relevant professional software development experience with Rust programming language, or with very strong background in modern C++ and reasonably complex Rust pet projects.
• Desktop software development: Experience in developing high quality, fast, Windows and Linux cross-platform desktop applications. Familiarity with different native and cross-platform desktop UI frameworks (e.g. Avalonia UI, Qt, Electron, etc.).
• Product mindset: A product mindset with a focus on offering outstanding user experience in a successful business environment.
• Engineering leadership: Ability to make architectural decisions and contribute to strategic planning and product directions.
• Collaborative Skills: Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, excellent written communication skills, and experience working in a distributed team.
• Problem-solving: Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot customer issues remotely while protecting our user’s privacy.
• Security focus: 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.

Bonus Points For:

• 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 We Offer:

• Office First: Collaboration is easier and more effective in person, which is why we have offices in various cities. You can also enjoy working from home up to 30% of the time.
• Technology: We provide all the devices and software you need to excel in your role.
• Food: Lunch and snacks are provided by Proton every day at our offices.
• Transport: We support our employees with transport costs through subsidizing public transport, bike allowances, or parking spaces based on your office location.
• Stock Options: 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.
• 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.

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 feel valued and empowered.

If you need any extra support or reasonable adjustments during the hiring process, please let your talent partner know.