Backend Engineer (Python, SQL)

About The Company Affirm is a financial technology company dedicated to transforming the credit industry by making it more honest, transparent, and consumer-friendly. The company offers flexible payment solutions that enable consumers to buy now and pay later without hidden fees or compounding interest, fostering trust and financial empowerment. With a focus on innovation and customer-centric services, Affirm partners with a wide range of enterprise merchants and integrates seamlessly into their checkout processes to enhance the shopping experience. The company prides itself on its commitment to transparency, simplicity, and inclusivity, creating a positive impact on consumers and merchants alike.

About The Role The Staff Software Engineer, Backend (Powered By Affirm) role is a pivotal position within Affirm’s engineering team, responsible for leading the development and maintenance of scalable backend systems and APIs that power Affirm’s integrations with enterprise merchants and partners. This role involves setting technical strategy, designing robust API solutions, and collaborating across cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact features and infrastructure improvements. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical expertise, leadership qualities, and a passion for building reliable, efficient, and innovative backend systems. As a key contributor, you will act as a force-multiplier for your team, fostering a culture of quality, ownership, and continuous improvement, while also mentoring junior engineers and driving technical excellence.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience as a software engineer, with a proven track record of delivering complex backend systems.
• Proficiency in designing, developing, and deploying backend solutions at scale using technologies such as Python, Kotlin, AWS, MySQL, and Kubernetes.
• Experience in full API lifecycle management, including designing, testing, maintaining, and evolving APIs.
• Strong understanding of system architecture, scalability, and performance optimization.
• Ability to work effectively in ambiguous environments and adapt to evolving technical requirements.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to collaborate with global teams and stakeholders.
• Relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience in computer science or related fields.
• Experience leading technical initiatives, mentoring team members, and advocating for best practices.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the technical strategy for your team, aligning with business goals and product roadmaps.
• Design, develop, and maintain scalable APIs and backend systems that support Affirm’s enterprise integrations.
• Collaborate with product management, design, and analytics teams to deliver high-quality features and solutions.
• Ensure operational excellence by implementing monitoring, alerting, incident response, and disaster recovery plans.
• Lead code reviews and establish design standards to promote code quality and technical consistency across teams.
• Drive continuous improvement in system reliability, performance, and security.
• Mentor and develop engineering talent through feedback, guidance, and knowledge sharing.
• Actively participate in cross-team initiatives to improve engineering processes, tools, and workflows.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care coverage, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their dependents.
• Generous stipends for technology, food, lifestyle needs, and family-related expenses through Flexible Spending Wallets.
• Competitive vacation and holiday policies designed to promote work-life balance and well-being.
• Participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), offering shares of Affirm at a discount.
• Remote-first work environment with flexibility to work from almost anywhere within your country of employment.
• Additional perks may include wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and a supportive, inclusive company culture.

Equal Opportunity

Affirm is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process to ensure all candidates have an equitable opportunity to succeed. Affirm values diversity and believes that different perspectives drive innovation and success.