Senior Software Engineer, Backend – Trust & Safety

Affirm

. Own and deliver quarterly goals for the team .

Posted 11/9/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSenior💰 $173,000 - $255,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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

Demonstrates expertise in designing and developing scalable backend systems, with a strong focus on high availability and maintainability. Proven ability to lead teams through complex problem-solving while fostering professional growth and collaboration.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Backend System DesignPython ProgrammingAWS ExperienceKubernetes ProficiencyStrong Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Backend System DevelopmentDistributed Systems DesignCode Review StandardsMaintainable Code WritingOperational Metrics MonitoringTechnical PlanningProcess ImprovementRisk EvaluationTool Development for Code ChangesSystem Component Launching

Soft Skills

Team LeadershipFeedback and GuidanceCollaborationProblem-SolvingProactive Communication

Tools & Technologies

AWSMySQLKubernetesCode Review ToolsMonitoring Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Related Field

Industry Keywords

Operational MetricsTechnical ConstraintsProject ResolutionEngineering StandardsOn-Call Support

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSDistributed SystemsKotlinKubernetesMySQLPython

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own and deliver quarterly goals for the team
Lead engineers through ambiguous, open-ended problems
Support team members throughout delivery
Collaborate with product management, design and analytics during ideation and decision-making
Articulate technical constraints and evaluate risks and trade-offs
Identify and lead resolution of project, process, technology and business issues
Create and monitor operational and availability metrics
Escalate issues and support keep-the-lights-on and on-call efforts
Set and improve code review and design standards
Advocate for engineering standards through writing and tech talks
Develop team talent through feedback, guidance and leadership by example

Requirements

What you’ll need

4+ years of experience designing, developing and launching backend systems at scale
Experience using languages like Python or Kotlin
Track record developing highly available distributed systems
Experience with AWS, MySQL and Kubernetes
Experience defining technical plans for significant features or system components
Elegant, simple and extensible system design skills
Ability to write high-quality, maintainable code
Proficiency making significant changes in a large code base
Experience developing tools and practices for safely changing large code bases
Strong ownership of professional growth and proactive feedback-seeking
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Either equivalent practical experience or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equity rewards may be included in total compensation
Monthly stipends for health, wellness and tech spending
100% subsidized medical coverage for employees and dependents
Dental and vision coverage for employees and dependents
Flexible time off
Generous holiday calendars
Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) with discounted Affirm stock
Inclusive interview process with accommodations for candidates with disabilities
Remote-first flexibility
In-person onboarding experience for all new hires