Backend Engineer (API)

About The Company

Pinterest is a global platform that inspires millions of users to discover creative ideas, envision new possibilities, and plan memorable experiences. With a mission to bring inspiration to everyone, Pinterest fosters a vibrant community where users can explore, save, and organize ideas across a wide range of interests and passions. The company values innovation, inclusivity, and the power of diverse perspectives, creating an environment where employees are encouraged to contribute their unique experiences and grow professionally. Pinterest is committed to building an equitable and inspiring workplace that supports flexibility, collaboration, and continuous learning.

About The Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Staff Backend/API Software Engineer to join our Curation engineering team. This leadership role involves driving the development of scalable, reliable backend services and APIs that power Pinterest’s core curation features, including saving and creating Pins, Boards, and Collages. As a technical lead, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams—including product, design, frontend, and platform engineering—to shape the future of inspiration on Pinterest. Your expertise will help define best practices, mentor engineering talent, and ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions that enhance user engagement and platform stability. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the technical direction of Pinterest’s curation features and contribute to a product that impacts millions worldwide.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of industry experience in backend application development.
• At least 3 years of experience in a technical leadership or engineering lead role.
• Deep understanding of backend development, distributed systems, and API design principles.
• Proficiency in designing and building scalable, reliable APIs and services.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively across teams.
• Proven mentorship and coaching abilities to uplift engineering teams.
• Experience following best practices for writing maintainable and reliable code.
• Ability to stay current with emerging technologies and incorporate them into solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and deployment of scalable backend services and APIs that support Pinterest’s curation features.
• Drive the technical strategy and solutions across multiple teams within the organization.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, designers, frontend, and platform teams to ensure alignment on technical and product goals.
• Mentor and coach engineering team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.
• Define and promote best practices in backend engineering, ensuring code quality, reliability, and maintainability.
• Participate in architectural decisions, code reviews, and system design discussions to uphold high standards.
• Stay informed about new technologies and industry trends to recommend innovative solutions.
• Contribute to creating an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing engineering environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $170,371 to $350,763 USD, commensurate with experience and location.
• Eligibility for equity participation.
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options and in-office collaboration as needed.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave policies.
• Professional development opportunities and continuous learning support.
• Inclusive and diverse workplace culture that values innovation and collaboration.

Equal Opportunity

Pinterest is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees. We make employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic.