Senior Software Engineer, Backend

About the Role

The role entails working across the stack, from developing reliable backend services and APIs to ensuring the seamless integration of these systems with intuitive applications. Collaboration with engineers, product managers, and designers is crucial to shipping products that make financial services more accessible and transparent. As a senior engineer, you will be expected to take ownership of your work early on, contribute to the growth of the team through mentorship and leadership, and set high technical standards for the team.

The financial technology landscape is evolving rapidly, with an increasing number of companies leveraging digital solutions to improve financial inclusion and accessibility. As part of Plaid's team, you will be at the heart of this evolution, working with a network that covers over 12,000 financial institutions across the US, Canada, UK, and Europe.

What You Will Do

• Design and develop backend services with a strong focus on performance, reliability, and scalability.
• Collaborate closely with product managers and other stakeholders to define and implement new features that meet product and customer needs.
• Write clean, maintainable, and efficient code, adhering to the highest technical standards.
• Develop automated tests to ensure the quality and reliability of the codebase, and troubleshoot and resolve issues as they arise.
• Engage in hands-on coding and architectural design, setting and maintaining high technical standards for a high-performing team.
• Grow the team via mentorship and leadership, reviewing technical documents and code changes to ensure consistency and quality.
• Work with operations, product, design, and data science teams to ensure cross-functional collaboration and alignment.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of new projects, providing technical expertise and guidance.
• Stay updated with the latest technologies and trends in software engineering, applying this knowledge to improve existing systems and processes.
• Contribute to the development of best practices and standards within the engineering team, promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

What We Are Looking For

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in software engineering, with a proven track record of shipping successful projects and leading teams.
• Extensive experience with MySQL or other relational databases, and familiarity with microservices architecture.
• Excellent coding, testing, and system design skills, with the ability to write clean, maintainable code.
• Prior experience with cross-functional collaboration, communication, and project management skills, with the ability to work effectively with engineers, product managers, and designers.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to mentor and guide junior engineers, promoting a culture of growth and development.
• Ability to work with operations, product, design, and data science teams to drive projects forward and ensure alignment.
• Strong understanding of software development principles, patterns, and practices, with a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
• Experience working in an agile development environment, with familiarity with version control systems such as Git.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues and develop effective solutions.

Nice to Have

• Experience with cloud computing platforms, such as AWS or Azure, and familiarity with containerization using Docker.
• Knowledge of security best practices and experience with implementing secure coding practices.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and tools, such as Jenkins or CircleCI, and experience with continuous integration and deployment.
• Experience working with financial data and familiarity with regulatory requirements such as GDPR and PCI-DSS.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and equity package, recognizing your contribution to the company's growth and success.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, to support your well-being.
• Generous PTO and holiday policy, allowing you to recharge and pursue your interests.
• Remote work stipend, supporting your home office setup and enabling you to work effectively from anywhere.
• Professional development budget, providing opportunities for growth and learning through courses, conferences, and workshops.
• Access to the latest technologies and tools, ensuring you have the resources needed to excel in your role.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment, with a team of talented and motivated professionals who share your passion for financial technology.
• Opportunities for career advancement, with a clear path for professional growth and development within the company.

• Ensure your resume and cover letter are tailored to the role, highlighting your experience with backend development, relational databases, and microservices.
• Prepare to talk about your approach to system design, scalability, and reliability, as well as your experience with automated testing and troubleshooting.
• Research Plaid's products and services, understanding how the company's mission to unlock financial freedom for everyone aligns with your own values and goals.
• Be ready to discuss your experience with cross-functional collaboration and your ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Consider creating a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your coding skills and projects, demonstrating your ability to design and develop complex systems.
• During salary negotiation, be prepared to discuss your expectations based on industry standards and your research on Plaid's compensation packages.
• Pay attention to the company culture and values during the interview process, ensuring they align with your own professional and personal goals.