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, founded by a team of scientists from CERN, 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. In some cases, Proton’s services have even been instrumental in saving lives by enabling secure and private communications in high-risk situations.

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, from the world's top companies and universities. 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. We believe smaller teams of exceptional talent will always prevail over larger teams with lower talent density. You will have the opportunity work with many of the world's top minds in their fields, ranging from former international math and science olympiad winners to chess champions.

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. Tired of blending into the crowd? Join us and do work you can truly be proud of. Check our open-source projects here!

The team:

You will be joining the Data Center and Hardware Team. 

At Proton, we operate our own private cloud infrastructure, which is distributed across multiple data centers and regions. This infrastructure, built primarily on open-source technology, is doubling every year and requires 24/7 operation.

Join our Team at Proton, where you will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation, scaling and maintenance of our private cloud infrastructure. 

Purpose of the role

As a Data Center Engineer, you will be responsible for monitoring, troubleshooting, scaling and optimizing our infrastructure systems to ensure their reliability, cost efficiency and performance. You will collaborate closely with our IT team, network engineers, and system administrators to identify and resolve any issues, as well as propose and implement new innovations. You will work with cutting-edge infrastructure platforms and collaborate with a talented team of humans passionate about technology.

What you will do

●    Server stacking and cabling installation in our rooms
●    Run HW selection validation test, performance tuning and benchmarking as a pair of HW sourcing
●    Performing HW troubleshooting and basic HW repairs for Servers and Network equipment (PSU, Network cards, CMOS batteries, Memory, Optics...)
●    Diagnostic and repair of defective network fiber links and interfaces
●    Coordinate logistics for new hardware and parts procurement
●    Supervision Data Center remote hands contractors, work orders plan and execution for local and remote sites
●    Management of material stock and purchases: Working together with our procurement teams to ensure all needed parts are available for the Data Center operations
●    Data center environment monitoring

Job requirements

●    Experience racking and cabling servers with high standards
●    Experience with HW troubleshooting
●    Good understanding of Data Center infrastructure ( racks, cabling, power, cooling)
●    Computer hardware architecture knowledge
●    Basic user experience of configuration management tools and version control systems  
●    Ability to track and communicate the status of different projects
●    Ability to keep up in an extremely fast-paced environment
●    Good communication skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment
●    Availability to travel to different locations for short-term projects
●    Work proficiency in English

Bonus points for: 

●    Linux user or admin experience and scripting skills
●    Advance HW repairs experience 
●    Project management experience
●    DCIM experience as user or administrator
●    HW provisioning, burn-in and validation experience 
●    Electrical engineer background

Even if you don’t meet all the requirements listed above, but feel you could still be a great fit, please still apply.

What We Offer

• Office First: Collaboration is easier and more effective in person, which is why we have offices in Geneva, Zurich, Prague, Barcelona, Paris, London, Vilnius, Skopje, and Taipei. You can also enjoy working from home up to 30% of the time, while enjoying great company during our three core days in the office. Depending on the role, fully remote positions may also be available.
• Technology: We provide all the devices and software you need to excel in your role, ensuring you have the best tools at your disposal to achieve your goals.
• Food: Lunch and snacks are provided by Proton every day at our offices.
• Transport: We will always support our employees with transport costs through subsidizing public transport, bike allowances, or parking spaces based on your office location.
• 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. Proton offers various learning opportunities, including training programs, conferences and events, and continual learning.
• 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. To this day, Proton’s only source of revenue is user subscriptions. Over 100 million people trust and support Proton, and we put our users and community first in everything we do. Read more about our impact here.

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, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical ability, or socio-economic background, feel valued and empowered. We strive to create equal opportunities, promote open dialogue, and support continuous learning to ensure every voice is heard and respected.

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

Candidate Privacy Notice

When you apply for a position, refer a candidate, or are considered for a role at Proton Technologies AG (Proton, we, us, or our), your information is stored in Greenhouse, in accordance with their Service Privacy Policy. This information is used to evaluate your suitability for the posted position. We also retain this information for consideration for future roles that you may apply for or that we believe may align with your background and skills.

If we no longer have a legitimate business need to process your information, we will either delete or anonymize it. Should you have any inquiries about how we use or manage your information, or if you wish to access, correct, or delete your data, please contact our privacy team at careers@proton.ch.

Proton does not accept unsolicited resumes from any sources other than directly from candidates. We will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from an unsolicited offer, even if the candidate is subsequently hired by Proton.

To learn more about our privacy policy, please visit our privacy policy page.

#LI-ONSITE

Job Summary

The Systems Engineer plays a critical role in designing, integrating, and validating complex hardware systems across the full product lifecycle. This engineer works closely with cross functional teams including electrical engineering, firmware, mechanical design, manufacturing, software engineering and product management to ensure that system level hardware solutions meet performance, reliability, regulatory, and cost targets. The ideal candidate combines strong technical depth with systems thinking, hands-on validation skills, and excellent communication.

Key Responsibilities

Hardware Architecture & System Design

• Design IoT hardware systems (Gateways and BLE Sensors) integrating microcontrollers/SoCs, sensors, wireless modules, and power management subsystems.
• Design end-to-end systems from physical sensor measurements to processed data delivery to customer APIs
• Specify and evaluate low power components to maximize uptime under variable sunlight conditions.
• Generate schematics, PCB layouts, BOMs, and documentation in accordance with industry standards.

Power Management & Energy Optimization

• Model and optimize energy budgets to ensure year-round autonomous operation.
• Validate system performance through simulation, bench testing, and long duration field trials.

Sensor & Connectivity Integration

• Integrate a variety of sensors (environmental, motion, positioning, etc.) with proper front‑end conditioning.
• Implement and test wireless communication modules such as LoRaWAN, NBIoT, LTEM, LTE Cat 1, Bluetooth LE, or proprietary RF.

Prototyping, Testing, and Validation

• Build and iterate hardware prototypes rapidly using development kits, custom PCBs, and test equipment.
• Perform environmental, thermal, vibration, and ingress protection testing for ruggedized IoT devices.
• Conduct structured debugging across power, digital, RF, and firmware hardware interfaces.

Manufacturing & Deployment Readiness

• Support DFM, DFA and DFT practices
• Support certification processes (CE, FCC, EMC, IECex and safety compliance).
• Provide technical guidance for field deployment, maintenance tools, and diagnostics.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in hardware systems engineering or embedded hardware development.
• Strong understanding of core subsystems:
  • Power management and battery systems
  • Microcontrollers and embedded architectures
  • Analog/digital circuit fundamentals
  • Sensors (motion, environmental, pressure, light, etc.)
  • RF systems (cellular, BLE, GNSS, WiFi), antennas, and integration considerations
• Working experience with developing software to evaluate systems, e.g., python, Java or Kotlin
• Hands‑on experience with lab equipment: oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, power measurement tools.
• Proven ability to perform system debugging across hardware, firmware, and mechanical interfaces.
• Experience creating system requirements, block diagrams, and integration test plans.
• Knowledge of EMC/EMI considerations, grounding, shielding, and layout best practices.
• Familiarity with reliability and environmental testing (HALT/HASS, vibration, thermal cycling).
• Excellent communication skills and ability to document and present technical details clearly.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with a systems-thinking mindset.