Senior Software Engineer, Backend

Mercari, Inc.

Senior Software Engineer developing scalable microservices for Mercari's marketplace platform. Leading backend development practices and optimizing performance for millions of users.

Posted 5/12/2026full-timePalo Alto • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $168,000 - $252,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Distributed SystemsDockerGoKubernetesMicroservicesPHPTerraform

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the development of complex backend features and services, such as payment processing and inventory management systems
Design and implement scalable backend architectures and patterns, including microservices and event-driven systems
Drive technical decisions and best practices for backend development, including coding standards, performance budgets, and testing strategies
Mentor and guide other engineers in backend development practices through code reviews and technical presentations
Collaborate with product and frontend teams to define technical requirements and feasibility of new features
Optimize backend performance and scalability, focusing on database optimization, caching strategies, and load balancing
Contribute to backend platform technology and strategic roadmap decisions, including technology evaluation and technical debt reduction
Lead technical discussions and architectural reviews for major features and system changes

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
At least 8 years of experience in backend development
Experience with large-scale distributed systems handling millions of users
Experience with microservices architecture and service mesh
Experience with performance optimization at scale, including database optimization and caching strategies
Experience with modern backend build tools and deployment strategies (Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform)
Expert knowledge of Go and PHP ecosystems
Deep understanding of backend performance optimization techniques
Strong architectural and system design skills
Excellent knowledge of Agentic AI tools and workflows
Excellent mentoring and technical leadership abilities

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexibility: Work from home and the office, depending on need and receive flexible time off
Wellbeing: Top-notch insurance plans, best-in-class new parent offerings and access to mind and body wellness apps
Growth: As we grow, your career opportunities grow, we provide access to new tools, technologies and learning opportunities
Comprehensive and total rewards: We provide a strong financial foundation and rewards that go beyond the paycheck
Teamwork: We are each other's biggest fans- we celebrate from virtual coffee breaks to recognition programs

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

backend developmentmicroservices architectureperformance optimizationdatabase optimizationcaching strategiesGoPHPDockerKubernetesTerraform

Soft Skills

mentoringtechnical leadershipcollaborationcode reviewstechnical presentationsarchitectural designcommunication

Certifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer ScienceBachelor's degree in Data ScienceBachelor's degree in Engineering