Staff Software Engineer, Payroll Platform

Gusto

. Design, build, and maintain backend services and APIs supporting core payroll workflows .

Posted 10/16/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • United StatesLead💰 $197,000 - $247,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in backend development, system design, and performance optimization while effectively collaborating across teams to drive platform adoption and scalability. Proficient in utilizing AI-assisted development tools to enhance code quality and team efficiency.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Backend DevelopmentSystem DesignPerformance OptimizationAI-Assisted Development ToolsCollaboration Across Teams

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Backend Programming LanguagesPerformance OptimizationScalabilityProduction ReliabilityAPI DevelopmentTechnical DocumentationArchitecture DesignSystem Health ManagementPayroll ProcessingInternal Platform Development

Soft Skills

Independent Problem SolvingEffective CommunicationTeam CollaborationResponsivenessAdaptability

Tools & Technologies

AI-Assisted Development ToolsLLMsClaude CodeCursor

Industry Keywords

Payroll WorkflowsProduct-Focused EngineeringTechnical DirectionObservabilityShared Services

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Ruby

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, build, and maintain backend services and APIs supporting core payroll workflows
Own a primary Payroll Platform domain, including system health, correctness, scalability, and long-term evolution
Partner with engineering teams to understand needs, guide platform adoption, and co-design scalable solutions
Author and drive architecture and design documents
Contribute to technical direction while balancing near-term delivery with long-term platform goals
Improve system performance, reliability, and observability for payroll processing
Collaborate with Product, Design, Data, Compliance, and Operations
Use AI-assisted development tools to accelerate development, improve code quality and documentation, and promote effective team usage

Requirements

What you’ll need

8+ years of professional software engineering experience, with a strong focus on backend development
Experience building and scaling internal platforms, shared services, or foundational APIs supporting multiple product teams
Ability to work independently on ambiguous problems from business need through delivery and iteration
Strong system design skills, including performance optimization, scalability, and production reliability
Active daily use of AI-assisted development tools, including LLMs, Claude Code, or Cursor
Comfort helping teams adopt effective, responsible AI-assisted development practices
Experience collaborating across teams as a technical partner in a product-focused engineering organization
Proficiency in one or more backend programming languages
Ruby experience strongly preferred but not required
Reliable, predictable attendance and responsiveness
Travel to Gusto’s Denver office for onboarding is required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive base pay
Health insurance
401(k)
Equity (RSUs)
Secure, reliable, and consistent internet connection required when approved to work outside a Gusto office
Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans