Senior Software Engineer - Backend

Plaid1 weeks ago

Location

Seattle, WA

Type

Full Time

Salary

USD 180,000 – 250,000

Level

Senior

Role

Backend Engineer

Posted

Mar 11, 2026

Full TimeSenior

The role

Summary

Plaid is seeking a Senior Backend Software Engineer to contribute to their mission of transforming financial interactions through innovative technology. The ideal candidate will design and develop high-performance backend services, collaborating across teams to build scalable solutions that power financial applications for thousands of developers.

What you'll do

Backend Service Development: Design and maintain high-performance backend services with a focus on scalability, reliability, and efficiency

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with product managers, operations, design, and data science teams to define and implement innovative features

Code Quality and Maintenance: Write clean, maintainable code and develop automated tests to ensure system reliability and performance

Technical Leadership: Provide technical mentorship, review code changes, and help maintain high technical standards for the engineering team

What we look for

Technical

Database SkillsExtensive experience with MySQL and relational database management

Microservices ArchitectureProven experience in designing and developing microservices-based systems

System DesignStrong skills in architectural design and system optimization

Education

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

Experience

Professional Experience5+ years of software engineering experience with a track record of successful project deliveries

Leadership ExperienceDemonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers and lead technical initiatives

Skills

Required skills

Backend DevelopmentAdvanced proficiency in backend software engineering principles and practices

Collaborative SkillsStrong cross-functional communication and project management capabilities

Nice to have

Financial Technology ExperiencePrior experience in fintech or financial data integration platforms

Cloud ArchitectureKnowledge of scalable cloud infrastructure and deployment strategies

Compensation & benefits

Salary

USD 180,000 – 250,000 (annual)

Stock options

Available

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Insurance

Inclusive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Equity Compensation

Stock options and potential equity grants

Professional Development

Continuous learning opportunities and career growth support

Interview process

1
Initial Screening — Phone or video call with recruiting team to discuss background and experience
2
Technical Assessment — Online coding challenge or take-home project to evaluate technical skills
3
Technical Interviews — Multiple rounds of in-depth technical interviews focusing on system design, coding, and problem-solving
4
Leadership and Cultural Fit Interview — Discussion with team leaders to assess collaboration skills and alignment with company values
5
Final Interview — Meeting with senior leadership to discuss role expectations and potential team fit