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
Overview
Proofpoint is seeking a Software Engineer with experience in web application development and a strong interest in working with and improving legacy systems. This role focuses on developing and maintaining a critical internal provisioning platform while contributing to its gradual modernization.
You'll work closely with a collaborative, distributed team to build features, fix issues, and improve system performance, primarily within a Perl-based stack while gaining exposure to modern tools and frameworks.
This is a great opportunity for an engineer who enjoys hands-on development, wants to deepen their expertise in Perl, and is interested in modernizing real-world production systems.
What You'll Do
Develop and maintain features in a global provisioning platform used by thousands of users
Work primarily within a Perl-based web application (CGI, Template Toolkit, Apache, MySQL/MariaDB, Linux)
Contribute to incremental modernization efforts, including building new UI components (React) and services
Collaborate with engineers, QA, and stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver solutions
Troubleshoot and resolve production issues as part of an on-call rotation (low incident volume)
Use AI-assisted development tools (e.g., Windsurf, Cursor, Claude Code) to improve productivity and code quality
Participate in code reviews and contribute to team best practices
What You Bring (Required)
2-5 years of professional software engineering experience
Experience developing web applications using:
Perl (or strong willingness to develop deep expertise)
HTML, CSS, JavaScript
Familiarity with Linux-based environments and web servers (e.g., Apache)
Basic understanding of relational databases (MySQL/MariaDB)
Experience working with RESTful APIs
Familiarity with version control systems (Git) and issue tracking tools (Jira)
Exposure to CI/CD concepts and tools (e.g., Jenkins)
Experience working in Agile development environments
Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn
Good communication skills and ability to work with distributed teams
Exposure to or willingness to adopt AI-assisted coding tools
Nice to Have
Experience with Perl frameworks, CGI, or Template Toolkit
Experience with modern JavaScript frameworks (React)
Exposure to containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
Experience working with legacy systems or modernization efforts
Familiarity with configuration management tools (Chef, Puppet)
Role Characteristics
Primary focus: Enhancing and maintaining an existing Perl-based system
Modernization exposure: Contributing to new services and UI improvements
Ownership: Feature-level ownership with guidance from senior engineers
Team: Collaborative, distributed team of full-stack engineers and QA
On-call: Yes (low volume, shared rotation)
Why This Role
Opportunity to build deep expertise in a production-critical system
Hands-on experience balancing legacy systems with modern technologies
Exposure to real-world modernization challenges
Collaborative team with mentorship and growth opportunities
Company-wide investment in AI-assisted development practices
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!
Consistent with Proofpoint values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets as set out below. Pay within these ranges varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate. The range provided may represent a candidate range and may not reflect the full range for an individual tenured employee. This role may be eligible for variable compensation and/or equity. We offer a competitive benefits package, including flexible time off, a comprehensive well-being program with two paid Wellbeing Days and two paid Volunteer Days per year, plus a three-week Work from Anywhere option.
Base Pay Ranges:
SF Bay Area, New York City Metro Area:
Base Pay Range: 136,200.00 - 214,005.00 USD
California (excludes SF Bay Area), Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Washington DC Metro, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and Alaska:
Base Pay Range: 112,700.00 - 177,100.00 USD
All other cities and states excluding those listed above:
Base Pay Range: 101,600.00 - 159,720.00 USD
Proofpoint has been honored with six Best Places to Work Awards in 2024 by workplace culture leader Comparably, including Best Company Career Growth, Best Company Outlook, Best Global Culture, Best Engineering Teams, Best Sales Teams, and Best HR Teams.
We are the leader in human-centric cybersecurity. Half a million customers, including 87 of the Fortune 100, rely on Proofpoint to protect their organizations. We're driven by a mission to stay ahead of bad actors and safeguard the digital world. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people.
Our BRAVE Values:
At Proofpoint, we are BRAVE in everything we do, and our values aren't just words-they shape how we work, collaborate, and grow.
We seek people who are bold enough to challenge the status quo, responsive in the face of ever-evolving threats, and accountable for delivering real impact.
We value those with a visionary mindset who anticipate what's next and push cybersecurity forward, and we celebrate exceptional execution that ensures we continue to defend data and protect people.
Proofpoint is an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.
Find your network, your allies, and your biggest fans. We know that work is simply better when you're surrounded by people who inspire you-who share ideas, cheer you on, and genuinely want to see you succeed. That's why we offer social circles, sponsored networks, and connection points across teams and time zones-to help you find your people, build your community, and thrive together.
This isn't just a job-it's a mission to protect people and defend data in a world that never slows down. We're building the future of human-centric cybersecurity, and that future belongs to all of us. We take ownership, move fast, and hold ourselves accountable-because that's what it takes to stay ahead. And we do it together, winning as one.
Be empowered to reach your full potential through meaningful challenges and personalized support-designed around you and your goals. Whether you're growing as a leader or leveling up from great to exceptional as an individual contributor, we're here to help you get there.
Proofpoint is an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.
