Product Security Lead

Join to apply for the Product Security Lead role at Proton. 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. 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.

The Team: We’re looking for a visionary security professional who combines deep expertise with genuine passion to drive meaningful change across our growing organisation. This role sits at the heart of what Proton stands for and fulfills the trust our users place in us every day.

You’ll be encouraged to challenge the status quo, innovate efficiently, and collaborate daily with some of the brightest minds who truly care about protecting privacy and building secure products.

About the role: You will be leading our efforts to ensure that Proton's applications are secure.

What you will be doing:

• Set the north star – Define a compelling vision and roadmap for product security that inspires the whole organisation.
• Build the function – Find the best people to work with you and build your dream product security team.
• Be the go-to hero – Serve as go-to person for product security across the entire company, influencing strategy, design, and delivery.
• Architect secure products – Partner with product managers, designers, and developers to embed security from day one.
• Create playbooks & policies – Design clear, developer-friendly security guidelines and automated workflows that keep code secure without killing velocity.
• Empower engineers – Build the tools, processes, and culture that let developers ship fast and safe.
• Lead the bug bounty program – Turn the global security community into an extension of our own team.
• Influence roadmaps – Sit at the table with product leads, shaping priorities and ensuring security considerations are baked into every release.

What we are looking for:

• 10+ years in application security (SaaS or privacy-focused).
• Proven record leading security projects from concept to production.
• Leadership style that blends constructive challenge with collaboration.
• Hands-on experience with code reviews, penetration testing, or security tooling.
• Track record defining and executing remediation plans.
• Ability to translate technical detail into clear, actionable guidance for any audience.
• Quick grasp of large, complex systems.

Nice to have:

• Experience with B2B product security features.
• Knowledge of infrastructure security (hardware, networking, OS, file systems).
• Experience with cryptographic protocols, or prior work at privacy-centric organizations.
• Experience with utilizing open-source code at scale.

What We Offer:

• Office First: Collaboration is easier and more effective in person, which is why we have offices in multiple locations.
• 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 subsidising public transport, bike allowances, or parking spaces.
• 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.
• Employee Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance plans, competitive retirement savings options, generous vacation and leave policies, and wellness programs.

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.