Senior Software Engineer - Python

PayPal PayPal · Fintech · San Jose, CA +2 · Software Engineering

Senior Software Engineer at PayPal focusing on backend development using Python, Django/Flask, and distributed systems. The role involves full SDLC, guiding junior engineers, and working with cloud platforms, databases, and messaging systems within the fintech domain. Experience with CI/CD, automated testing, and observability is preferred, along with an awareness of payment industry regulations.

What you'd actually do

  1. Delivers complete solutions spanning all phases of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) (design, implementation, testing, delivery and operations), based on definitions from more senior roles.
  2. Advises immediate management on project-level issues
  3. Guides junior engineers
  4. Operates with little day-to-day supervision, making technical decisions based on knowledge of internal conventions and industry best practices
  5. Applies knowledge of technical best practices in making decisions

Skills

Required

  • 3+ years relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Strong foundation in programming concepts and data structures
  • Experience with backend development using Python and frameworks such as Django or Flask
  • Understanding of web services and Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) principles
  • Exposure to version control systems (e.g., Git) and collaborative development workflows

Nice to have

  • Interest in large-scale, high-performance distributed systems
  • Exposure to cloud platforms such as AWS, GCP, or Azure, and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform)
  • Hands-on experience with databases (SQL and/or NoSQL)
  • Hands-on experience with low-latency in-memory databases such as Redis
  • Hands-on experience with event-driven architecture and messaging systems such as SQS/SNS/Kafka/RabbitMQ/Pulsar
  • Experience implementing CI/CD, automated testing, and observability to improve delivery quality and operational resilience
  • Contributions to open-source projects or participation in developer communities
  • Awareness of the payment processing industry and related compliance or regulatory standards