Principal Software Engineer at eBay

San Jose, California, United States

eBay Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
E-commerce, TechnologyIndustries

Requirements

  • 15+ years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on large-scale, distributed backend systems
  • Proven experience designing and building complex systems at massive scale, ideally within e-commerce or other high-traffic environments
  • Expertise in distributed systems, microservices, event-driven architectures
  • Deep understanding of high-performance databases (SQL, NoSQL), caching strategies, and data replication techniques
  • Solid understanding and hands-on experience in building scalable systems and performance tuning for high-traffic, critical applications
  • Experience working with Java, Kotlin, and deep familiarity with system-level design principles
  • Track record of leading multi-functional projects, aligning teams around complex technical initiatives that impact the entire company
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers at all levels, provide strategic technical leadership, and influence organizational direction
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills, with a focus on innovation, scalability

Responsibilities

  • Lead architectural vision for various software systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability in a high-traffic, distributed environment
  • Define, design, and implement the technical strategy for backend infrastructure, identifying key innovations, technologies, and tools that will drive platform evolution
  • Mentor and guide senior engineers and teams across the organization, driving alignment with established standards in system architecture, code quality, and operational excellence
  • Lead by example by producing high-quality code that serves as a reference for others
  • Work closely with leadership and multi-functional teams to translate business needs into a long-term technical roadmap that supports new product features and growth
  • Collaborate across engineering disciplines to solve technical challenges related to performance, data consistency, and high availability
  • Drive the adoption of standard processes in backend engineering, including microservices architecture, data architecture, reusable software artifacts, CI/CD pipelines
  • Influence org-wide technical decisions and collaborate with senior technical leaders to drive the evolution of the technical ecosystem across multiple product categories
  • Lead technical deep dives and complex design reviews, ensuring that architectural choices meet scalability, security, and performance requirements
  • Foster a culture of innovation, encouraging teams to explore new technologies, design patterns, and architectures that can improve the efficiency and scalability of the platform
  • Serve as a technical advisor in discussions with partners, vendors, and other eBay communities to drive innovation and partnerships

Skills

Backend Development
System Architecture
Distributed Systems
Scalability
Reliability
High-Traffic Systems
Platform Engineering
Code Quality
Mentoring
Technical Leadership

eBay

Global online marketplace for buying and selling

About eBay

eBay is an online marketplace where individuals and businesses can buy and sell a wide range of products, including electronics, fashion, and collectibles. Users can list items for auction or use the 'Buy It Now' option for immediate purchases. eBay stands out from competitors with its vast selection, user-friendly interface, and strong buyer and seller protections, including free shipping on many items. The company's goal is to facilitate seamless transactions while generating revenue through transaction fees, advertising, and subscription services.

San Jose, CaliforniaHeadquarters
1995Year Founded
$6.5MTotal Funding
IPOCompany Stage
Consumer Software, Consumer GoodsIndustries
10,001+Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
401(k) Company Match
Paid Vacation
Parental Leave

Risks

Niche e-commerce platforms like StockX and Poshmark may draw away eBay's customers.
Social media platforms with shopping features could divert traffic from eBay.
Direct-to-consumer brands bypassing marketplaces may reduce eBay's seller base.

Differentiation

eBay offers a unique auction-style listing alongside 'Buy It Now' options.
The platform provides robust buyer and seller protections, enhancing trust in transactions.
eBay's vast product selection includes new, refurbished, and second-hand items.

Upsides

eBay's acquisition of GSI Commerce strengthens its position as a global commerce partner.
The rise of social commerce offers eBay opportunities to integrate social shopping features.
Increased focus on sustainability aligns with eBay's refurbished and second-hand product categories.

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