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Proofpoint

Sr. Software Engineer

Proofpoint is hiring a Sr. Software Engineer in Belfast, United Kingdom. Level rates it ; you can apply on Proofpoint.

Level's read on this job

  • On Level's scale, this software engineer role is Little AI ●○○○: aI is not part of the work.
  • Tools and skills the posting cites include Python, AWS and Kafka.
  • Level classifies it as a senior role.
  • Level lists 128 other open roles at Proofpoint.
  • The role was posted within the past two weeks.

AI in this role

Build and scale distributed backend systems in Python and AWS for email protection infrastructure.

pythonawskafka
ai-agentsbackenddistributed-systemsapi

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 the Inception team within our Core Email Protection API group. The team owns the email processing flow, integrations with other Proofpoint services, and critical data infrastructure, including Kafka clusters and data lakes. You'll join at a pivotal moment, as we scale our services to meet the enterprise-grade demands of our customers.


 

Your day-to-day
 

  • Engage with the world of Python 3 and AWS, architecting robust distributed systems designed to manage immense volumes of data with exceptional speed.
  • Collaborate across various functions, harnessing team synergy to deliver premium solutions and outcomes for our esteemed customers.
  • Apply your keen product mindset and tech savvy to help shape Defender's future, contributing to our progressive vision.
  • Cultivate a supportive environment by providing thoughtful, actionable feedback, fostering growth and development among team members.
  • Embrace the responsibility of maintaining and supporting our essential business systems, always mindful of the interplay between scale, latency, and cost.
  • Take on the complex task of processing highly sensitive data, a challenge that will refine your skills in data security and handling.
  • Guide and support your team members, enhancing the team's effectiveness and productivity by applying your knowledge and experience.
  • Spearhead cross-team projects, guiding them from their conception through to their deployment in production.



What you bring to the team

  • Possess extensive experience in Backend development (Codebase is Python, but can consider transition from Java or .NET)
  • Public cloud exposure with AWS, Azure or GCP
  • Track record of working at scale and solving diverse technical challenges
  • Product-focused mindset, understanding the impact of your decisions on customers and the organization
  • Ability to proactively identify and solve problems before they impact progress
  • Be willing and able to lead and shape the technical direction of projects, aligning with business goals
  • Mentor peers, sharing knowledge and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Demonstrate advanced problem-solving abilities, navigating complex challenges with innovative solutions
  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, influencing outcomes and driving project success
  • Excel in communication, capable of empathetic and constructive dialogue in both technical and non-technical settings with a varied audience




Why Proofpoint?

At Proofpoint, we believe that an exceptional career experience includes a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Here are just a few reasons you’ll love working with us:

  • 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 accessibility@proofpoint.com.

 

How to Apply

Interested? Submit your application along with any supporting information- we can’t wait to hear from you!

How we rate this

Sr. Software Engineer at Proofpoint rates 1 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Little AI. AI is not part of the work.

  1. ●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
  2. ●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
  3. ●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
  4. ●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

AI agentsBackendDistributed SystemsAPIPythonAWSKafka

Also common in software engineer jobs at this level

Pay

Typical software engineer job
$167k

This posting doesn't list pay. Use the typical software engineer figure when pay comes up. See software engineer jobs

Questions you could be asked

  1. How do you decide when an AI agent can act on its own versus asking for approval first?
  2. Tell me about a project where backend was part of your work. What did you do?
  3. Tell me about a project where distributed systems was part of your work. What did you do?
  4. Tell me about a project where api was part of your work. What did you do?
  5. Walk me through how you've used Python in your day-to-day work.

Adapt your resume

  • List these exact terms on your resume: AI agents, Backend, Distributed Systems, API, and Python. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
  • Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.

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