Senior Backend Engineer Payments

Senior Backend Engineer Payments Overview

Proton is seeking a highly skilled Senior Backend Engineer specializing in Payments to join their team. This role involves developing and deploying features across Proton’s diverse product ecosystem, with a focus on creating scalable, high-performance backend solutions that support global payment methods. The successful candidate will work closely with product managers and engineers to design resilient architectures, optimize system performance, and ensure secure handling of sensitive payment data.

About Proton and the Payments Team

Founded in 2014 by CERN scientists, Proton is dedicated to making privacy a fundamental human right. The company has built the world’s largest encrypted email service, Proton Mail, and expanded into various privacy-focused tools like Proton VPN, Proton Drive, Proton Pass, and Proton Calendar. Proton operates profitably and independently, with a team of over 500 professionals from more than 50 countries, emphasizing impact-driven work in a flat organizational structure.

The Payments Team’s mission is to enable revenue generation across Proton’s ecosystem by integrating new payment methods and building client libraries. The team works closely with the Account, Finance, and Business Units to ensure that payment options, plans, and promotions meet user expectations and regulatory requirements. Their goal is to empower users worldwide to subscribe to Proton services through diverse and reliable payment solutions, while providing the organization with tools to measure growth and compliance.

Technology Stack and Infrastructure

The backend primarily relies on PHP with the Symfony framework, complemented by a growing codebase in Rust. The frontend is built with React, and mobile applications use Kotlin for Android and Swift for iOS. Infrastructure is migrating to Kubernetes, with all systems hosted on Proton’s on-premise data centers. The team uses tools like Jira and Confluence for project management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new features across Proton’s products, ensuring seamless integration and functionality.
• Collaborate with product teams and engineers to design scalable, resilient software architectures.
• Optimize user experience through performance enhancements and usability improvements.
• Build and maintain backend systems capable of handling high transaction volumes efficiently.
• Utilize profiling and performance tuning tools to optimize backend services.
• Lead projects from initial discovery phases to deployment, demonstrating leadership and project management skills.
• Work with external payment providers, tax information services, and currency APIs to ensure reliable integrations.
• Contribute to infrastructure maintenance, including Kubernetes-based deployment and on-premise data center operations.
• Implement security best practices to protect payment data and ensure compliance with relevant standards.
• Engage in cross-team collaborations to improve payment workflows, data analysis, and product strategies.

Candidate Requirements

• Extensive experience in backend development, especially in building scalable, high-performance solutions.
• Strong skills in profiling and performance optimization techniques.
• Experience leading initiatives from conception through to production deployment.
• Solid knowledge of SQL databases, particularly MySQL, including data modeling and query optimization.
• Familiarity with caching technologies such as Redis for performance improvements.
• Understanding of security standards and best practices for secure software development.
• Deep knowledge of HTTP/REST protocols, including API development and consumption.
• Understanding cryptographic concepts, including key exchange and encryption types.
• Experience working with external payment systems, tax info providers, and currency APIs is advantageous.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to evolving project needs.
• Bonus points for prior experience in the payments industry.

Benefits and Perks

• Work on impactful projects trusted by millions of users concerned about privacy.
• Join a diverse and talented team from top academic and professional backgrounds.
• Access to high-quality hardware and software tools to support your work.
• Opportunities for professional growth through continuous learning and development.
• Fast-paced environment with ownership of real challenges from day one, enabling rapid career progression.
• Comprehensive health coverage, retirement plans, generous leave, and wellness support.
• Stock options giving you a stake in Protonâ??s success from the outset.
• Free daily meals and snacks at the office to keep you energized.
• Support for commuting costs, including public transport, biking allowances, or parking.
• Flexible working hours that focus on results rather than fixed schedules.
• A strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where all voices are valued.

Additional Information

This role is based primarily in Proton’s offices, with some flexibility for remote work. Proton values in-person collaboration to foster innovation and team cohesion.

Proton offers visa sponsorship for this position, supporting candidates who require work authorization in the UK.

The salary range for this role in Paris is between 53,000 and 82,000 EUR gross annually. For other locations, compensation will be discussed during the interview process and determined based on experience and qualifications.

If you are interested in this opportunity, you can apply directly through the provided application process, submitting your resume, cover letter, and any relevant links such as LinkedIn or GitHub. Proton is committed to diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

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