Scale Engineer

Software Engineer, New Grad (2027 Start)

Full Stack Engineer · Junior · Full Time

San FranciscoUSD 165k – 170k4d ago
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Role

What you'll do.

Join Zip, an AI-powered enterprise procurement platform trusted by leading enterprises like T-Mobile, OpenAI, and AMD, as a New Grad Software Engineer starting in 2027. You'll build core products and ship features used immediately by customers while receiving mentorship from experienced engineers, working with a full-stack technical environment including Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, React, and GraphQL to solve complex procurement challenges at scale.

Responsibilities

  • Design and Build Reliable Products: Design and build highly reliable and resilient products and features that power Zip's AI-driven procurement platform. Create robust solutions that handle complex enterprise workflows while maintaining system stability and performance at scale for Fortune 500 customers.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional product and customer-facing teams to understand procurement requirements and ship thoughtful solutions. Participate in collaborative discussions to translate customer needs into technical implementations and drive product decisions.
  • Write Production-Quality Code: Write high-quality, extensible, and maintainable code that adheres to software engineering best practices. Create code that is well-documented, thoroughly tested, and designed for long-term maintainability within a fast-growing startup environment.
  • Frontend Development: Design and build scalable frontend applications and components using React and TypeScript. Develop responsive, performant user interfaces that provide intuitive experiences for procurement professionals and decision-makers using Zip's enterprise platform.
  • API Development and Integration: Design and build APIs using GraphQL and Python to drive existing and new features for web-based applications. Create flexible, well-documented APIs that enable seamless integration with procurement tools and third-party systems while supporting complex business logic.

Qualifications

What we look for.

Technical

  • Python Programming

    Proficiency with Python for backend development and API design. Python is core to Zip's backend architecture and used for building scalable server-side components.

  • JavaScript/TypeScript

    Strong command of JavaScript and TypeScript for frontend and full-stack development. TypeScript provides type safety and developer experience benefits critical for building maintainable enterprise applications.

  • React Framework

    Experience building user interfaces with React, including component architecture, state management, and modern frontend development patterns. React is the primary framework for Zip's frontend applications.

  • GraphQL

    Understanding of GraphQL for API design and implementation. GraphQL enables flexible data fetching and efficient client-server communication for Zip's complex procurement workflows.

  • API Design and Development

    Ability to design and implement RESTful or GraphQL APIs that connect frontend applications with backend services. Experience building scalable APIs that support multiple clients and evolving feature sets.

  • Quick Technology Adoption

    Demonstrated ability and strong interest to quickly learn new frameworks, architecture patterns, and programming languages as needed. This is essential for succeeding at a fast-growing startup tackling novel problems in enterprise procurement.

Education

  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science

    Pursuing or holding a BS or MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field involving coding such as physics or mathematics.

  • Expected Graduation

    Graduating between December 2026 and June 2027, making you eligible for this New Grad program with a 2027 start date.

Experience

  • Internship Experience

    Prior internship experience at a high-growth startup or leading tech company in a dynamic, fast-moving environment. This experience demonstrates ability to thrive in fast-paced product development, adapt to rapid iteration cycles, and collaborate with experienced engineering teams.

  • Web Application Development

    Hands-on experience with web applications and API development, including building frontend and backend components. Experience demonstrates capability to work across the full stack and understand how frontend and backend systems integrate.

Skills

Required

  • Full-Stack Development

    Capability to design and implement features across both frontend and backend layers using modern web technologies. Ability to understand system architecture and make informed decisions about technology choices.

  • Software Architecture and Design

    Understanding of software design principles, architectural patterns, and best practices for building scalable systems. Ability to scope and solve difficult technical challenges with minimal guidance.

  • Problem-Solving and Technical Communication

    Strong analytical skills to break down complex problems and develop effective solutions. Fantastic written and verbal communication skills essential for collaborating with cross-functional teams and documenting technical decisions.

  • Code Quality and Testing

    Commitment to writing clean, maintainable code with comprehensive test coverage. Understanding of testing strategies, debugging techniques, and code review practices that ensure reliability in production systems.

  • Agile Development and Iteration

    Experience working in fast-paced environments with rapid iteration cycles. Ability to prioritize features, adapt to changing requirements, and ship incremental improvements while maintaining code quality.

Preferred

  • Procurement or Enterprise SaaS Experience

    Nice to have

    Familiarity with enterprise procurement workflows, supply chain systems, or experience building SaaS products for business customers. Understanding of complex B2B processes and enterprise compliance requirements would be valuable.

  • AI/ML Integration Knowledge

    Nice to have

    Experience integrating machine learning models or AI agents into production systems. Zip's platform leverages AI agents to orchestrate procurement, so familiarity with AI/ML patterns is beneficial.

  • Cloud Infrastructure and DevOps

    Nice to have

    Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), containerization (Docker), and deployment pipelines. Understanding of infrastructure-as-code and monitoring practices for production systems would complement the engineering role.

  • Open Source Contributions

    Nice to have

    Active participation in open-source projects or public GitHub repositories demonstrating software engineering practices and community engagement. Shows capability to work in collaborative environments and contribute quality code.

  • Performance Optimization

    Nice to have

    Experience profiling, optimizing, and scaling web applications for performance. Background in database optimization, caching strategies, or frontend performance optimization would be advantageous for handling enterprise-scale procurement volumes.

Tech stack

Languages

PythonJavaScriptTypeScript

Frameworks

ReactGraphQL

Tools

Version Control (Git)API Development Tools

Other

Web Application ArchitectureRelational Database ConceptsSystem Design Fundamentals

Compensation

Pay and benefits.

Base·USD 165,000 – 170,000

Equity·Stock options

Benefits

  • Equity Compensation

    Start-up equity providing ownership stake in Zip. Aligns your financial success with company growth and demonstrates confidence in your contributions to the team.

  • Comprehensive Health Coverage

    100% health, vision, and dental coverage options. Zip covers comprehensive medical benefits ensuring you have access to quality healthcare and wellness services.

  • Catered Meals

    Catered breakfast, lunch, and dinner available at the San Francisco headquarters. Eliminates meal planning concerns and fosters team bonding during shared meal times.

  • Flexible Time Off

    Flexible PTO policy allowing you to take time off as needed for personal wellness and life events. Demonstrates trust in your time management and prioritizes work-life balance.

  • Fitness Benefits

    ClassPass membership providing access to thousands of fitness classes and wellness studios. Supports physical health and mental wellness essential for sustained high performance.

  • Commuter Benefits

    Monthly commuter benefit covering public transportation costs. Reduces commuting expenses and supports sustainable transportation options for San Francisco Bay Area employees.

  • Professional Development and Team Culture

    Team building events and happy hours fostering camaraderie and professional relationships. Supports building strong team cohesion and company culture in a startup environment.

  • Home Office Setup

    Home office stipend supporting a productive remote work environment. Covers equipment and technology needs for hybrid work arrangements.

  • Technology Reimbursement

    Phone and internet reimbursement for personal devices and connectivity. Supports reliable communication and productivity for distributed team collaboration.

  • Family Support

    Paid parental leave and fertility stipend supporting family planning and caregiving. Demonstrates Zip's commitment to supporting all life stages and family planning decisions.

  • Retirement Planning

    401k plan for long-term retirement savings. Provides tax-advantaged retirement planning tools and potential employer matching to build financial security.

  • AI Tool Access

    Unlimited AI token usage providing access to cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools. Enhances productivity, code generation capabilities, and learning opportunities in your role.

Process

Interview steps.

  1. 01

    Initial Screening Call

    Brief 15-30 minute call with recruiting coordinator or hiring manager to discuss your background, interest in Zip, and verify logistical fit (location, start date, visa sponsorship if needed). This ensures alignment on basic requirements before deeper interview rounds.

  2. 02

    Technical Phone Screen

    45-60 minute technical discussion with an engineer from the team covering fundamentals of your chosen tech stack. Expect coding problems, system design questions, and discussion of past technical projects. This assesses your technical foundation and problem-solving approach.

  3. 03

    Take-Home Coding Challenge

    Practical coding assignment designed to demonstrate your full-stack development capabilities using technologies like React and Python. You'll build a small feature or component showcasing code quality, architectural thinking, and ability to complete work independently. Usually takes 3-4 hours.

  4. 04

    On-Site Technical Interview

    Half-day or full-day on-site visit to San Francisco HQ involving 3-4 technical rounds with different engineers. Covers system design, API development, frontend architecture, and product collaboration scenarios. Showcases how you communicate complex ideas and work through problems with the team.

  5. 05

    Product and Cross-Functional Round

    Discussion with product manager and potentially customer-facing team members about translating customer requirements into technical solutions. Assesses your communication skills, ability to understand requirements, and collaborative approach to product development.

  6. 06

    Leadership and Culture Round

    Conversation with engineering leadership or founder focused on your motivations, communication style, and cultural fit. Zip values open communication, ownership, and an underdog mindset. This round evaluates whether you align with company values and can thrive in a startup environment.

Full posting

Original listing.

About Zip

Zip is the AI platform for enterprise procurement — built for humans and agents working together. By orchestrating procurement across teams, tools, and suppliers with the help of AI agents, companies can secure the resources they need to innovate faster than ever before.

The world’s most influential enterprises trust Zip, including T-Mobile, OpenAI, AMD, Mars, Dollar Tree, and more. Together they’ve saved over $8 billion and processed over $500 billion in spend. Zip’s team includes product leaders from Apple, Airbnb, and Meta, as well as former procurement leaders from United Health, Sanofi, MGM Resorts, Discover, and NASA.

Backed by Adams Street, Alkeon, BOND, CRV, DST, Tiger Global, and Y Combinator, Zip has raised $371 million, most recently at a $2.2 billion valuation and has been recognized by Forbes Fintech 50, Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, Inc. Best in Business, and LinkedIn Top Startups.

Your Role

As a New Grad Software Engineer you will be responsible for building Zip’s core products and architecture. You will ship features that will be immediately used by our customers, and will work with a tight-knit team that values open communication and cross-functional collaboration. We move quickly to solve a wide range of complex technical and product challenges. While we are an experienced team that can provide constant guidance and mentorship, we value engineers who can scope and solve difficult technical challenges.

You Will

  • Design and build highly reliable and resilient products and features

  • Work closely with cross functional product and customer-facing teams to understand requirements and ship thoughtful solutions

  • Write high-quality, extensible, and maintainable code

  • Design and build scalable frontend applications and components

  • Design and build APIs to drive existing and new features for a web-based application

Qualifications

  • Pursuing a BS or MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field involving coding (e.g. physics or math)

  • Graduating between December 2026 and June 2027

  • Ability to work on-site at our San Francisco HQ (hybrid schedule)

  • Experience with web applications and API development. At Zip, our stack includes Python, Javascript/TypeScript, React, and GraphQL

  • Ability and interest to quickly learn new frameworks, architecture patterns, and programming languages as needed

  • Fantastic written and verbal communication skills

  • Prior internship experience at a high-growth startup or leading tech company, in a dynamic, fast-moving environment

The salary range for this role is $165,000 - $170,000. The salary for this position is determined based on a variety of job-related factors that may include location, relevant experience, education, or particular skills and expertise. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

Perks & Benefits

At Zip, we’re committed to providing our employees with everything they need to do their best work.

  • 📈 Start-up equity

  • 🦷 100% health, vision & dental coverage options

  • 🍽️ Catered breakfast, lunch, & dinner

  • 🌴 Flexible PTO

  • 🏋️‍♀️ ClassPass membership

  • 🚍 Monthly commuter benefit

  • 🚠 Team building events & happy hours

  • 💻 Home office stipend

  • 🛜 Phone/internet reimbursement

  • 🍼 Paid parental leave

  • 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Fertility stipend

  • 💸 401k plan

  • 🤖 Unlimited AI token usage

We're looking to hire Zipsters and that means hiring people who take ownership, communicate openly, have an underdog mindset, and are excited to increase the pace of innovation for every business in the world. We encourage all candidates to apply even if your experience doesn't exactly match up to our job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workspace where everyone (regardless of age, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and more) feels like they belong. We look forward to hearing from you!

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