Software Engineer, Python Backend Platform at WhatNot

San Francisco, California, United States

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$190,000 – $260,000Compensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

E-commerce, Live Shopping, MarketplaceIndustries

Requirements

7+ years of backend engineering experience (10+ for Staff-level)
Strong experience with large-scale backend systems, ideally Python, but experience in other stacks (Java, Go, Elixir, etc.) welcome
Deep expertise with storage systems (Postgres, DynamoDB, Planetscale)
Proven experience building or scaling messaging, notification, or caching systems
Background in refactoring large codebases for scale, performance, and maintainability
Hands-on with runtime and platform optimization such as concurrency models, async patterns, and memory tuning
Familiarity with service reliability and observability practices such as metrics, tracing, circuit breakers, and failure isolation
Comfortable operating in a cloud-native environment such as AWS or GCP with Kubernetes, Docker, and Terraform
Known for setting strong technical standards and for building patterns that other engineers adopt
Must live within commuting distance of San Francisco, CA, Los Angeles, CA, New York, NY, or Seattle, WA hubs
Bonus: prior experience in a hyper-growth environment

Responsibilities

Evolve Python runtime and stack by improving performance, concurrency, memory use, and dependency management
Build and scale core platform services that provide the foundation for reliability, scalability, and developer velocity across engineering
Optimize storage systems for consistency, scale, and performance
Embed observability and reliability patterns into the platform by default
Refactor and modularize large-scale codebases to maintain developer velocity and ensure primary codebases remain productive at scale
Partner with product and infra teams to deliver platform APIs and abstractions that balance velocity and long-term stability
Lay the groundwork for future platform needs, from global expansion to enabling new product capabilities
Own the foundations of main backends, real-time services, and storage systems to support rapid product growth while ensuring reliability and scalability

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

PythonBackendPlatform EngineeringReal-time ServicesStorage SystemsPerformance OptimizationConcurrencyMemory ManagementDependency ManagementObservabilityReliabilityRefactoringModularizationScalability

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary range for this Software Engineer position?

The salary range is $190K - $260K.

Is this role remote, and what are the location requirements?

The role offers flexibility to work from home or from global office hubs, but team members must live within commuting distance of San Francisco, CA, Los Angeles, CA, New York, NY, or Seattle, WA hubs. The team is described as a remote co-located team that values in-person time for planning and connection.

What experience and skills are required for this role?

Candidates need 7+ years of backend engineering experience (10+ for Staff-level) and strong experience with large-scale backend systems, ideally in Python.

What is the company culture like at Whatnot?

Whatnot is inspired by innovation and anchored in its values, operating as a remote co-located team with hubs across the US, UK, Germany, Ireland, and Poland. They emphasize building the future of online marketplaces together, blending community, shopping, and entertainment.

What makes a strong candidate for this Platform Engineer role?

Strong candidates have 7+ years (10+ for Staff) of backend engineering experience with large-scale systems, ideally in Python, and can tackle challenges like evolving Python runtime, scaling platform services, optimizing storage, and refactoring codebases.

WhatNot

Online marketplace for authentic collectibles

About WhatNot

Whatnot.com operates as an online marketplace dedicated to collectibles, particularly focusing on items like Funkos and FiGPiNs. The platform ensures that every collectible listed is 100% authentic through a rigorous verification process that includes hand authentication, providing trust and security for both buyers and sellers. It caters to collectors and enthusiasts who seek a reliable space to buy and sell rare and exclusive items from popular franchises such as Marvel Comics and Star Wars. Whatnot.com distinguishes itself from competitors by charging low fees on sales and offering seller protection, which guarantees prompt and secure payments. The company's goal is to create a trusted environment for the growing community of collectible enthusiasts, facilitating safe and easy transactions for unique items.

Marina del Rey, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2019Year Founded

$728.7MTotal Funding

SERIES_ECompany Stage

Consumer Software, Consumer GoodsIndustries

501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Competitive base salary and stock options

Unlimited Vacation Policy and No Meeting Holidays

Health Insurance options including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short term disability & Long term Disability

Work From Home Support

Up to $500 monthly to spend within Whatnot App

Care benefits

Risks

Increased competition from TikTok Shop may impact Whatnot's market share.

The collectibles market's volatility could affect Whatnot's sales and inventory.

Expansion into new categories may dilute Whatnot's specialized brand identity.

Differentiation

Whatnot offers a unique marketplace for 100% authenticated collectible items.

The platform integrates live shopping with entertainment, enhancing user engagement.

Whatnot's partnerships with major franchises like Marvel boost its market appeal.

Upsides

Whatnot's $265M funding round supports expansion and new product categories.

The platform's collaboration with PSA enhances trust through integrated authentication services.

Rising interest in live shopping among younger demographics drives Whatnot's growth.

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