Staff Software Engineer - Backend (Python)
Explicitly requires vibe coding skills; building AI monitoring and data-prep platforms with backend Python.
About the Role
Staff Software Engineer (Backend, Python) on PayPal’s Monitoring and Data Preparation team building scalable, cloud-native backend systems for AI monitoring, anomaly detection, and data preparation. The role leads architecture and technical roadmaps, drives reliability and security, and mentors engineering teams to deliver high-availability payment-related platforms.
Job Description
Role
Staff Software Engineer (Backend, Python) on the Monitoring and Data Preparation team within PayPal’s AI Technology domain. The role focuses on designing, developing, and optimizing backend systems that support monitoring, anomaly detection, AI explainability, and data preparation to ensure reliable, secure, and scalable AI-driven payment services.
Team
The team builds monitoring and anomaly-detection platforms and data-preparation pipelines used across PayPal’s AI products to prevent business issues and support smooth growth. Engineers work closely with global staff engineers and cross-functional product teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a project/system leader and coordinate activities of other engineers.
- Define technical tasks, drive technical roadmaps, and set standards for engineering rigor.
- Design and architect scalable, cloud-native backend systems (microservices and serverless patterns).
- Improve existing processes and systems to increase robustness, resilience, and availability.
- Implement fault-tolerant designs with high availability and disaster recovery strategies.
- Advocate for code craftsmanship, security best practices, and scalable software designs.
- Represent PayPal externally with partners or industry organizations as needed.
Requirements
- 8+ years of backend development experience (or equivalent) and a bachelor’s degree in CS or related field; 5+ years relevant experience listed as a baseline for expected qualifications.
- Proficiency in Python and experience building large-scale backend systems.
- Experience with frameworks such as Django or Flask.
- Proven experience designing cloud-native, microservices-based, or serverless architectures.
- Strong system design, analytical, and leadership skills, including mentoring and influencing cross-functional teams.
- Expertise in secure coding practices, encryption, access control, and disaster recovery.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies.
- Experience with large-scale, high-performance systems.
- Knowledge of payment processing domain and relevant regulations.
- Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, GCP, or Azure.
- Contributions to open-source projects.
Benefits (summary)
- Balanced hybrid work model: 3 days in the office, 2 days remote or office/home choice.
- Generous paid time off.
- Healthcare coverage for employees and family members.
- Resources for mental health and financial wellbeing.
- Flexible, choice-based benefits programs supporting overall wellbeing.