Software Engineer, Monetization

Software Engineer · Mid · Full Time

Redwood City, CAUSD 150k – 300k10mo ago
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Role

What you'll do.

Character.AI is seeking a talented Software Engineer for their Monetization team to design and implement innovative user-centric payment systems and revenue streams. The ideal candidate will create delightful commerce experiences that enhance user engagement while driving sustainable monetization strategies for the AI platform.

Responsibilities

  • Monetization Feature Development: Build and optimize user-facing features for payments, subscriptions, and in-app purchase flows across mobile and web platforms
  • Monetization Strategy: Design and experiment with innovative monetization surfaces, including virtual currency systems, premium upsells, and advertising integrations
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with design, product, and data science teams to create performant, trustworthy purchase experiences and define monetization success metrics
  • System Architecture: Work with backend teams to design scalable and reliable systems for payments, entitlements, and transaction processing
  • User Experience Optimization: Maintain high standards for UI/UX polish, performance, and privacy in sensitive user transaction flows

Qualifications

What we look for.

Technical

  • Frontend Technologies

    Advanced proficiency in TypeScript, React, React Native, Tailwind, and HTML with modern front-end best practices

  • Backend Technologies

    Comfortable contributing to backend services, with experience in Python or Golang, especially in payments or commerce systems

Education

  • Technical Degree

    Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field preferred

Experience

  • Monetization Background

    Proven experience in consumer products with in-app purchases, subscriptions, or monetization flows

  • Product Delivery

    Demonstrated history of shipping user-facing features that drive measurable monetization or engagement outcomes

Skills

Required

  • Frontend Development

    Expert-level skills in TypeScript, React, and modern web development practices

  • Monetization Design

    Ability to design intuitive and engaging payment and subscription experiences

  • Experimental Mindset

    Proficiency in A/B testing and data-driven product iterations

Preferred

  • Virtual Economy Experience

    Nice to have

    Background in gaming, virtual currencies, or digital goods ecosystems

  • Payment Systems

    Nice to have

    Experience with payment processors, subscription platforms, or marketplace technologies

Tech stack

Languages

TypeScriptPythonGolang

Frameworks

ReactReact NativeTailwind

Other

A/B TestingPayment Integration

Compensation

Pay and benefits.

Base·USD 150,000 – 300,000

Equity·Stock options

Benefits

  • Equity

    Stock options in a high-growth AI startup that achieved unicorn status

  • Innovative Environment

    Opportunity to work at the forefront of AI-driven consumer technology

Process

Interview steps.

  1. 01

    Initial Screening

    Resume and background review by recruitment team

  2. 02

    Technical Phone Screen

    Discussion of technical skills and monetization experience

  3. 03

    Technical Interview

    In-depth technical assessment of coding and system design skills

  4. 04

    Hiring Manager Interview

    Evaluation of team fit and product vision alignment

  5. 05

    Final Panel Interview

    Comprehensive assessment by cross-functional team members

Full posting

Original listing.

About the Role

We are scaling personalized AI to billions of users and monetization is at the core of making this vision sustainable. Our monetization team is reimagining how users interact with virtual currency, subscriptions, and premium features in ways that feel intuitive, rewarding, and fun. We’re looking for a product engineer who thrives at the intersection of core product, commerce, and user experience—someone excited to design and build systems that not only drive revenue but also enhance user delight.

If you have experience with subscriptions, ads, virtual economies, or in-app purchase flows, and care deeply about building high-quality user experiences we’d love to work with you.

What you’ll do

  • Build and optimize user-facing features across mobile and web that power payments, subscriptions, and in-app purchase flows.

  • Design and experiment with monetization surfaces, from virtual currency systems to premium upsells to advertising.

  • Partner closely with design and product to create delightful, performant, and trustworthy purchase experiences.

  • Collaborate with data science to define monetization success metrics, run experiments, and analyze outcomes.

  • Work with backends to design scalable, reliable systems for payments, entitlements, and transactions.

  • Maintain a high bar for UI/UX polish, performance, and privacy in sensitive user flows.

  • Help shape the company’s approach to monetization experimentation, including frameworks for A/B testing and iteration velocity.

Who you are

  • Experience in consumer products with monetization, IAP, or subscription flows.

  • Deep understanding of Typescript, React, React Native, Tailwind, HTML, and modern front-end best practices.

  • Comfortable contributing to backend services, ideally with Python or Golang, especially for payments or commerce systems.

  • Demonstrated experience shipping user-facing features that drove measurable monetization or engagement outcomes.

  • Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, balancing iteration speed with quality and reliability.

  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills across engineering, product, design, and data.

Nice to Have

  • Background in gaming, virtual currencies, or digital goods ecosystems.

  • Prior experience with payment processors, subscription platforms, or marketplace ecosystems.

  • Passion for user psychology, reward systems, and designing engaging monetization loops.

  • Exposure to startup or zero-to-one product development environments.

About Character.AI

Character.AI empowers people to connect, learn and tell stories through interactive entertainment. Over 20 million people visit Character.AI every month, using our technology to supercharge their creativity and imagination. Our platform lets users engage with tens of millions of characters, enjoy unlimited conversations, and embark on infinite adventures.


In just two years, we achieved unicorn status and were honored as Google Play's AI App of the Year—a testament to our innovative technology and visionary approach.


Join us and be a part of establishing this new entertainment paradigm while shaping the future of Consumer AI!

At Character, we value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. As an equal opportunity employer, we firmly uphold a non-discrimination policy based on race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or disability. Your unique perspectives are vital to our success.

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