Staff Software Engineer – Python

PayPal

Staff Python Engineer architecting scalable, secure backend systems for PayPal’s global payments network. Leading technical direction, reliability, and mentorship across Consumer Engineering.

Posted 9/2/2026full-timeSan Jose • California, Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $176,500 - $262,350 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in designing and architecting scalable, cloud-native backend systems using Python, Django, and Flask, while providing technical leadership and mentorship. Proficient in applying advanced security practices and collaborating across teams to drive technical roadmaps aligned with business goals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Python Backend DevelopmentCloud-Native ArchitecturesMicroservices FrameworksSecure Coding PracticesDistributed Systems

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

DjangoFlaskScalable System DesignFault-Tolerant SystemsHigh-Availability SystemsDisaster RecoveryEncryptionAccess ControlAgile/Scrum MethodologiesTechnical Roadmap Development

Soft Skills

Technical LeadershipMentorshipCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

AWSGCPAzure

Industry Keywords

PaymentsFinancial SystemsRegulatory Environments

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSAzureCloudDistributed SystemsDjangoFlaskGoogle Cloud PlatformMicroservicesPython

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Act as a project or system leader and coordinate other engineers
Determine technical tasks and set clear technical direction
Design and architect scalable, cloud-native backend systems using microservices and serverless frameworks
Define and drive the technical roadmap in alignment with strategic business goals
Architect and develop large-scale backend systems using Python, Django, or Flask
Provide technical leadership and mentorship
Establish engineering standards and uphold code quality, design excellence, and operational rigor
Design and implement fault-tolerant, high-availability systems with disaster recovery capabilities
Apply secure coding, encryption, and access control practices
Collaborate with Product, Infrastructure, Operations, product, design, and data science teams
Improve technical frameworks, development processes, and system performance
Balance time, quality, complexity, and risk to identify optimal solutions
Represent PayPal externally with partners, customers, and industry organizations

Requirements

What you’ll need

5+ years relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree OR any equivalent combination of education and experience
Deep understanding of distributed systems
Knowledge of cloud-native architectures
Python backend development experience, including Django or Flask
Experience designing scalable, high-performance systems
Experience with microservices and serverless frameworks
Experience designing fault-tolerant, high-availability systems and disaster recovery capabilities
Advanced security practices, including secure coding, encryption, and access control
Experience with AWS, GCP, or Azure
Experience applying Agile/Scrum methodologies (preferred)
Familiarity with payments, financial systems, or regulatory environments (preferred)
Contributions to open-source projects or developer communities (preferred)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Balanced hybrid work model: 3 days in the office and 2 days at either the PayPal office or home workspace
Generous paid time off
Healthcare coverage for you and your family
Resources supporting financial security
Mental health support
Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities