Software Engineer I, Backend (Servicing Platforms)

About the Role

The team's focus on distributed systems, event-driven pipelines, and high-availability services requires a strong emphasis on correctness, auditability, and operational excellence. Collaboration is key, as you will work closely with product, compliance, and other platform teams to shape foundational systems in a greenfield environment. This role offers the opportunity to apply deep backend expertise in Python and Kotlin to systems that matter significantly to both customers and the business.

Given the nature of the work, the company is looking for individuals who can hit the ground running, with a solid understanding of the building blocks of distributed systems and experience with technologies like AWS, MySQL, and Kubernetes. The ability to navigate complex codebases, debug others' code, and provide constructive feedback through code reviews is essential.

What You Will Do

• Design, develop, and launch backend systems at scale, utilizing expertise in Python, Kotlin, or Java.
• Collaborate with the team and stakeholders to contribute to the team's projects and goals, ensuring visibility and dialogue regarding risks and trade-offs.
• Achieve the right balance between speed and quality in your work, prioritizing business goals while protecting systems from downtime.
• Participate in growth and development activities to foster a sense of community within the team.
• Work on tasks that contribute to the team's objectives, with a focus on correctness, auditability, and operational excellence.
• Engage in proactive and collaborative work with your team and stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and feedback loops.
• Contribute to the development of distributed systems and event-driven pipelines, ensuring scalability and reliability.
• Navigate a large code base with ease, debugging others' code and providing feedback through code reviews.
• Take ownership of your growth, seeking feedback from your team, manager, and stakeholders to continually improve.
• Utilize strong verbal and written communication skills to support effective collaboration with the global engineering team.
• Develop and maintain backend services and pipelines that support critical customer financial moments.
• Ensure compliance and reliability in hardship support systems, working closely with compliance and product teams.

What We Are Looking For

• Previous work or internship experience in designing, developing, and launching backend systems at scale.
• Proficiency in one of the following programming languages: Python, Kotlin, or Java.
• Familiarity with distributed systems and technologies such as AWS, MySQL, and Kubernetes.
• Ability to take a simple problem or business scenario and develop it into a solution that interacts with multiple software components.
• Mastery in writing clear, easily understood, well-tested, and extensible code.
• Experience navigating large code bases, debugging others' code, and providing feedback through code reviews.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to support effective collaboration with the global engineering team.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing tasks and managing time efficiently.
• Comfort with navigating a large code base and providing feedback to other engineers.

Nice to Have

• Experience with agile development methodologies and version control systems such as Git.
• Knowledge of cloud-based technologies and containerization using Docker.
• Familiarity with continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
• Experience with security best practices and compliance frameworks.
• Participation in open-source projects or personal coding projects that demonstrate expertise.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive base pay, with a range of 205,000 zł to 285,000 zł per year, depending on experience.
• Equity rewards offered by Affirm Holdings, Inc., the parent company.
• 100% subsidized medical coverage, dental, and vision for you and your dependents.
• Monthly stipends for health, wellness, and tech spending.
• Flexible Spending Wallets for tech, food, and lifestyle expenses.
• Away Days - wellness days to take off and recharge.
• Opportunity to work with a talented and diverse team of engineers.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference sponsorships.
• Access to the latest technologies and tools to support your work.

• Highlight your experience with distributed systems and event-driven pipelines, as these are critical components of the role.
• Prepare examples of your work in Python or Kotlin, as the ability to demonstrate expertise in these languages is essential.
• Showcase your ability to work collaboratively, as teamwork and effective communication are vital in this position.
• Research Affirm's technology stack and be prepared to discuss how your skills align, demonstrating your interest in the company and the role.
• Emphasize your problem-solving skills and approach to debugging complex issues, as these are highly valued in a backend engineering role.
• Be ready to discuss your experience with agile development methodologies and version control systems, as these are important aspects of the company's development process.
• Consider preparing questions about the team's dynamics, the company culture, and opportunities for growth, showing your interest in being part of the team and contributing to its success.