Senior Software Engineer

KAYAK

. Design and deliver scalable, high-quality backend services for Retention and CRM .

Posted 9/24/2026full-timeCambridge • Massachusetts • United StatesSenior💰 $140,000 - $160,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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

Demonstrates expertise in designing and delivering scalable backend services, with strong programming skills in Java and experience in RESTful API development. Proven ability to lead complex technical solutions and mentor engineering teams while collaborating effectively across departments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Java ProgrammingRESTful API DesignSQL and Relational DatabasesTechnical LeadershipMentoring and Coaching

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

Java ProgrammingRESTful API DesignSQLMySQLHTMLCSSBackend Service DevelopmentSystem ArchitecturePerformance OptimizationData Pipeline Management

Soft Skills

CollaborationAdaptabilityMentoringProblem-SolvingCommunication

Tools & Technologies

Third-Party API IntegrationEmail Notification SystemsPush Notification PipelinesOperational Monitoring ToolsAI-Assisted Tooling

Industry Keywords

Software EngineeringRetentionCRMUser EngagementTechnical Scoping

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

JavaMySQLSQL

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and deliver scalable, high-quality backend services for Retention and CRM
Build systems powering the Trips product, user re-engagement features, and large-scale email and push notification pipelines
Develop and improve backend services for bulk and transactional messaging at scale
Build and maintain backend features including Trips functionality, price alerts, and personalized engagement touchpoints
Architect and maintain integrations with third-party APIs and marketing platforms
Lead complex features end to end from technical scoping and architecture through deployment, monitoring, and production support
Collaborate with product managers, marketing specialists, designers, and globally distributed engineers
Debug and optimize full-stack solutions, performance bottlenecks, data pipeline failures, and production issues
Uphold coding standards, PR review practices, operational monitoring, alerting, and incident response
Coach and mentor junior and mid-level engineers
Apply emerging technologies, including AI-assisted tooling and automation, to improve productivity, personalization, and platform capabilities

Requirements

What you’ll need

5+ years of professional software engineering experience
Strong, proven programming skills in Java
Experience designing and consuming RESTful APIs
Experience with SQL and relational databases such as MySQL or similar systems
Experience leading the design and delivery of complex technical solutions
Experience making architectural tradeoffs and owning features through deployment and ongoing operations
Experience collaborating with product managers, marketing partners, designers, and globally distributed engineering teams
Willingness to mentor others through code reviews and knowledge sharing
Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing needs without close direction
Education in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience and transferable skills
Experience with HTML and CSS is a plus
Must work from the Cambridge or Concord, Massachusetts office at least 3 days per week
Must be able to work in the United States without visa sponsorship; the employer cannot offer work sponsorship, including OPT

Benefits

Comp & perks

Work from (almost) anywhere for up to 20 days per year
Company-paid therapy sessions through SpringHealth
Company-paid subscription to HeadSpace
Company-wide week off a year
No meeting Fridays
Paid parental leave
Generous paid vacation and time off for your birthday
Paid volunteer time
Development Dollars
Leadership development
Access to thousands of on-demand e-learnings
Travel Discounts
Employee Resource Groups
Competitive retirement and health plans
Free lunch 2 days per week
Fun quarterly events such as boat trips, arcades, ski trips, Thursday happy hours, and more
Health benefits
Flexible spending account
Retirement benefits
Life insurance
Paid time off, including PTO, paid sick leave, medical leave, bereavement leave, floating holidays and paid holidays
Parental leave benefits
Annual bonus and recurring RSU grants