WorkWhile

Staff Software Engineer, Backend

WorkWhile

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: San FranciscoCaliforniaUnited States

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Salary

💰 $150,000 - $250,000 per year

Job Level

Tech Stack

About the role

  • Own and evolve complex backend systems that power core product flows, from architecture and data modelling to reliability and long-term scalability
  • Partner closely with engineering leadership, product, and design to shape technical direction and translate ambiguous problems into durable solutions
  • Lead high-impact initiatives that span multiple services or teams, setting clear technical direction and unblocking others
  • Raise the bar on system design, correctness, and operational excellence across the backend codebase
  • Act as a force multiplier for the team: reviewing designs, mentoring engineers, and helping others make strong technical decisions
  • Contribute to our engineering culture by modelling thoughtful tradeoffs, clear communication, and ownership at scale

Requirements

  • Significant experience designing and building backend systems in Python (or similar), including APIs, data models, and distributed services
  • A strong track record of owning technical systems or product areas end-to-end, especially in growing or evolving codebases
  • Comfort working in ambiguity: able to define problems, propose options, and guide teams toward pragmatic solutions
  • Deep care for system correctness, reliability, and long-term maintainability, balanced with real product needs
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence technical direction across the team
  • Experience mentoring engineers and elevating team-wide technical quality (formal management experience not required)
  • Nice to have: Experience working in marketplace, fintech, or data-sensitive systems
  • Nice to have: Exposure to scaling systems, migrations, or meaningful architectural change
  • Nice to have: Interest in helping shape engineering standards and best practices as the team grows
Benefits
  • Hybrid work culture with office hubs in SF, NY, Seattle & Toronto
  • In-person company offsites
  • Medical, dental, & vision coverage
  • Flexible time off
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • WFH stipend to support your home office needs
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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

Hard Skills & Tools
PythonAPIsdata modelsdistributed servicessystem designoperational excellencescalabilityreliabilitymaintainabilitytechnical direction
Soft Skills
communicationmentoringproblem-solvinginfluencingownershipcollaborationleadershipdecision-makingtradeoff analysisadaptability