Staff Engineer, Ads Trust, Fraud and Safety
WFA Digital Insight
As demand for digital safety specialists grew by 28% in 2025, Reddit's Ads Trust team is looking for a skilled Staff Engineer to drive their fraud detection efforts. With the rise of online scams, companies like Reddit need experts who can build robust systems to ensure user safety. This role stands out for its focus on both technical expertise and collaboration with cross-functional teams, making it an exciting opportunity for those looking to make a real impact in the industry. Before applying, candidates should be aware of the need for strong technical skills, excellent communication, and the ability to navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.
Job Description
About the Role
The Staff Engineer, Ads Trust, Fraud and Safety at Reddit is a critical position that requires a deep understanding of digital safety, fraud detection, and system development. As a key member of the Ads Trust team, this role entails driving the technical direction of Reddit's fraud detection system, ensuring the platform's safety and integrity. The successful candidate will work closely with various teams, including Ad Review, Billing, and Policy, to enhance overall systems and drive long-term strategy.The Ads Trust team is growing, and this role is essential in building a robust, automated ecosystem that prioritizes brand suitability and ads integrity. The team's focus on user safety and advertiser trust makes it an exciting space for those passionate about digital safety and fraud detection.
Reporting to the Ad Safety Engineering Manager, the Staff Engineer will be the primary technical driver for the new Fraud detection system. This is a high-agency position that requires an engineer who can navigate ambiguity, take decisive ownership of the platform's technical direction, and collaborate with other engineers, teams, and stakeholders.
What You Will Do
- Steer the development of high-leverage projects that accelerate the growth of Fraud Detection
- Architect the 2+ year technical roadmap for the platform, translating complex business needs into clear strategies for highly available and performant backend services
- Build and execute on a strategy to create world-class Fraud Detection systems
- Amplify the team's capabilities through mentorship, coaching, and knowledge sharing
- Lead large-scale projects through the entire software development lifecycle, from concept through implementation until delivery
- Work cross-functionally to establish the long-term technical vision for Fraud Detection, ensuring systems are highly available and capable of scaling with the marketplace
- Collaborate with Ad Review, Billing, Policy, and other Reddit Safety teams to enhance overall systems
- Drive the long-term strategy for the platform, setting measurable goals and taking overall ownership of a critical function in the Ads organization
- Analyze coordinated efforts of bad actors and detect malignant intent through data analysis and signal collection
- Develop and maintain technical documentation of the Fraud Detection system
What We Are Looking For
- 5+ years of experience in software development, with a focus on backend systems and scalability
- Strong technical skills in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++
- Experience with cloud-based technologies, such as AWS or Google Cloud
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work with cross-functional teams
- Strong understanding of digital safety, fraud detection, and system development
- Experience with data analysis and signal collection, with the ability to detect patterns and anomalies
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and uncertainty
- Experience with Excel and data visualization tools
Nice to Have
- Experience with machine learning and artificial intelligence
- Knowledge of online advertising and ad tech
- Experience with agile development methodologies
- Certification in a relevant field, such as digital safety or cybersecurity
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and equity package
- Comprehensive health insurance and benefits package
- Generous PTO and flexible work arrangements
- Remote stipend and home office setup support
- Professional development opportunities, including training and conference sponsorships
- Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of experienced professionals
How to Stand Out
- To stand out, highlight your experience with backend systems, scalability, and digital safety in your application.
- Make sure to showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to navigate ambiguity in your cover letter or resume.
- Familiarize yourself with Reddit's Ads Trust team and their focus on user safety and advertiser trust.
- Be prepared to discuss your approach to data analysis and signal collection in the context of fraud detection.
- If you have experience with machine learning or artificial intelligence, be sure to highlight this in your application.
- Research the company culture and values to ensure you're a good fit for the role and the team.
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