Application Guide
How to Apply for Staff Software Engineer, Add-on Operations
at Mozilla
🏢 About Mozilla
Mozilla is a unique non-profit tech company dedicated to keeping the internet open and accessible to all, not driven by shareholder profits. Working at Mozilla means contributing to products like Firefox that prioritize user privacy and digital rights. Their mission-driven culture attracts people who want to build technology that serves people, not just profits.
About This Role
This Staff Software Engineer role focuses on Add-on Operations, which involves building and maintaining the infrastructure that powers Firefox extensions and themes. You'll be responsible for critical systems like automated moderation pipelines and developer tools that impact thousands of extension developers and millions of Firefox users. This role directly affects the safety and quality of the Firefox add-on ecosystem.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing automated moderation system alerts, collaborating with remote team members on architectural improvements to the add-ons platform, and mentoring engineers on best practices. You'd likely spend time analyzing system metrics to ensure reliability standards are met while planning features that enhance both developer and user experiences with Firefox extensions.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Mozilla Is Looking For
- Has 5+ years experience leading development of complex web applications with Python/Django backend systems
- Demonstrates deep understanding of web security, particularly in content moderation and user-generated content platforms
- Has experience establishing engineering standards (SLOs, observability) and mentoring engineers in distributed teams
- Shows passion for Mozilla's mission and understanding of how add-ons/extensions work in browser ecosystems
📝 Tips for Applying to Mozilla
Highlight specific experience with content moderation systems or platforms handling user-generated content
Demonstrate your understanding of Firefox add-ons by mentioning specific extensions you've used or developed
Include examples of establishing engineering standards (SLOs, incident management) in previous roles
Show remote collaboration experience with concrete examples of working effectively in distributed teams
Reference Mozilla's mission in your application materials to show cultural alignment
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your experience with Python/Django web applications and how you've scaled similar systems", 'Specific examples of improving platform reliability through monitoring and incident response', 'Experience mentoring engineers and establishing team standards in remote environments', "Why Mozilla's mission resonates with you and how it aligns with your career goals"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Mozilla's Add-ons Developer Hub (DevHub) and understand the current developer experience
- → Research Firefox's extension architecture and security model for add-ons
- → Review Mozilla's recent blog posts about add-ons and platform security initiatives
- → Understand Mozilla's organizational structure as a non-profit and how it differs from for-profit tech companies
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating understanding of Mozilla's mission
- Not having examples of working in distributed/remote team environments
- Applying with generic materials that don't address the specific add-ons operations context
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!