Senior Backend/Data Hybrid Engineer - GenRecs - Personalization at Spotify

New York, New York, United States

Spotify Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Technology, Music Streaming, EntertainmentIndustries

Requirements

  • Proven experience in backend and data engineering, including building scalable services, reliable data pipelines, and robust data platforms
  • Strong understanding of data systems, distributed systems, and cloud-based infrastructure (e.g., Google Cloud Platform)
  • Comfortable working with large datasets using tools such as SQL and BigQuery
  • Effective collaboration with ML, Data, and Backend teams, understanding challenges of supporting ML models in production
  • Initiative to improve systems, mentor peers across disciplines, and drive technical decisions independently
  • Prioritization of code quality, data observability, and monitoring
  • Experience working directly with stakeholders to build scalable, reusable APIs and systems
  • Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments valuing experimentation, iteration, and continuous learning
  • Location within North America region, operating within Eastern Standard time zone

Responsibilities

  • Architect, develop, and operate scalable and highly available distributed systems
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to design scalable backend systems and data pipelines powering ML-based music recommendations and personalized experiences
  • Partner with ML, Data, and Backend Engineers to improve reliability, observability, and efficiency of data and backend stack
  • Advocate for modern engineering practices (e.g., data quality, monitoring, reproducibility) across the team and broader org
  • Contribute to strategic decisions around data architecture and technical direction
  • Work on personal projects during regular hack days and bi-annual hack weeks

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Distributed SystemsBackend EngineeringData EngineeringData PipelinesMachine LearningObservabilityMonitoringData QualityAPI DesignScalability

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the work location or remote policy for this role?

The role offers flexibility to work where you work best within the North America region, as long as there is a Spotify work location. The team operates in locations including Boston and New York.

What key skills and experience are required for this position?

Candidates need proven experience in backend and data engineering, building scalable services, reliable data pipelines, and robust data platforms. A strong understanding of data systems, distributed systems, cloud infrastructure like Google Cloud Platform, SQL, BigQuery, and supporting ML models in production is essential.

What does the team structure look like?

The Personalization Team consists of technologists, product insight experts, designers, and product managers located in Boston, New York, Stockholm, and London.

What is the compensation or salary for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What makes a strong candidate for this position?

Strong candidates take initiative to improve systems, mentor peers, drive technical decisions independently, prioritize code quality, data observability, monitoring, and collaborate effectively with stakeholders to build scalable APIs.

Spotify

Digital music streaming service with podcasts

About Spotify

Spotify provides a digital music streaming service that allows users to access millions of songs and podcasts from various artists and creators. Users can choose between a free plan, which includes advertisements, and a premium subscription that offers an ad-free experience along with features like offline listening and higher sound quality. This tiered model caters to different user preferences and budgets. Spotify generates revenue through subscription fees from premium users and advertising from the free tier. Unlike its competitors, Spotify stands out with its extensive music library, user-friendly interface, and personalized playlists. The company's goal is to connect listeners with a wide range of audio content while supporting artists and advertisers.

Stockholms kommun, SwedenHeadquarters
2006Year Founded
$2,004.2MTotal Funding
IPOCompany Stage
Consumer Software, EntertainmentIndustries
10,001+Employees

Benefits

Extensive learning opportunities, through our dedicated team, GreenHouse
Global parental leave, six months off - fully paid - for all new parents
Flexible public holidays, swap days off according to your values and beliefs
Flexible share incentives letting you choose how you share in our success
All The Feels, our employee assistance program and self-care hub
Spotify On Tour, join your colleagues on trips to industry festivals and events

Risks

Accidental display of adult content may harm Spotify's reputation.
Creating its own music to avoid royalties could lead to legal issues.
Layoffs may affect Spotify's operational efficiency and employee morale.

Differentiation

Spotify offers a vast library of music and podcasts globally.
The platform's user-friendly interface enhances user experience and engagement.
Spotify's personalized playlists cater to individual user preferences.

Upsides

Spotify's AI-powered Wrapped feature enhances user engagement and personalization.
Expansion into political podcasting taps into new audience segments.
Growing podcast popularity in Africa presents expansion opportunities for Spotify.

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