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Senior / Staff Software Engineer, Backend

Companies that struggle to manage hundreds of millions of dollars in spend because of decades-old software experience slower growth and more roadblocks to innovation. It may sound like an obvious problem, but it’s also a widespread one–and businesses are desperate to solve it.

Our cofounders started Zip in 2020 to address this seemingly intractable problem with a purpose-built procurement platform that provides a simple, consumer-grade user experience. Within just a few short years, Zip created the procurement orchestration category and developed the leading solution in this $50B+ TAM space. Today, leading companies like Instacart, Anthropic, Sephora, Discover, Reddit, and Lyft rely on Zip to manage billions of dollars in spend.

We're a fast-growing team that helped scale category-defining companies like Airbnb, Facebook, Salesforce, Apple, and Google. With a $2.2 billion valuation and $370 million in funding from Y Combinator, BOND, DST Global, and CRV, we’re focused on developing cutting-edge technology, expanding into new global markets, and—above all–driving incredible value for our customers. Join us!

Your Role

As a Senior/Staff Software Engineer, you will be responsible for building Zip’s core products and architecture. We have a wide product surface area, covering request management, no-code workflow builders, customer-facing reporting dashboards, connections to ticketing systems, integrations with financial systems, B2B payment processing, and more.  You will ship features that will be immediately used by our users 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 guidance and mentorship, we value engineers who can autonomously 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

  • We are targeting Senior or Staff level engineers, but open to speaking to individuals with at least 5 years experience if past work is highly relevant

  • BS or higher, in Computer Science or related technical field involving coding (e.g. physics or math)

  • Experience with web application and API development in production environments. At Zip, our stack includes Python, Javascript, React, and GraphQL.

  • Experience with industry-standard build, test, and deploy tools. At Zip, our stack includes Kubernetes, Spinnaker, Jenkins, Kibana, Prometheus, and Grafana.

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

  • Experience working at a small company with diverse responsibilities is a bonus, but not required.

  • Experience working with API connections with external systems like Jira, ServiceNow, Slack, etc is a bonus, but not required.

The salary range for this role is $180,000 - $220,000. 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.

Perks & Benefits

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

  • 📈  Start-up equity

  • 🦷  Full health, vision & dental coverage

  • 🍽️  Catered lunches & dinners for SF employees

  • 🚍  Commuter benefit

  • 🚠  Team building events & happy hours

  • 🌴  Flexible PTO

  • 💻  Apple equipment plus home office budget

  • 💸  401k plan

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!

Average salary estimate

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$220000K

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What You Should Know About Senior / Staff Software Engineer, Backend, Zip

As a Senior/Staff Software Engineer at Zip in San Francisco, you will join a dynamic and fast-growing team that is revolutionizing the way businesses manage their spending. Our founders recognized a critical gap in the market for procurement processes, and they set out to change the narrative with a cutting-edge platform that delivers exceptional user experiences. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to build core products and architecture that power everything from request management to no-code workflow builders, customer-facing reporting dashboards, and integrations with essential financial systems. You'll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, ensuring that every feature you develop has a real impact on our users' day-to-day operations. We proudly encourage open communication within our tight-knit engineering team, empowering you to take initiative to solve challenging technical problems. With a valuation of $2.2 billion and significant backing from top-tier investors, Zip is not only growing but is also shaping the future of procurement technology. If you're an engineer with a passion for writing high-quality, maintainable code and a knack for building scalable applications, we invite you to contribute to our mission and help us drive innovation for businesses worldwide. Join us at Zip, where your work will directly support companies like Instacart, Sephora, and Reddit in managing billions in spend, all while you enjoy benefits such as flexible PTO and catered meals with a fun team-building culture!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior / Staff Software Engineer, Backend Role at Zip
What are the main responsibilities of a Senior/Staff Software Engineer at Zip?

As a Senior/Staff Software Engineer at Zip, you will primarily focus on designing and building reliable products and features that enhance our procurement platform. Your responsibilities will include collaborating with diverse teams to understand requirements, developing high-quality code, building scalable applications, and designing APIs that empower various products and services. You will tackle complex technical challenges and contribute significantly to our fast-paced development environment.

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What qualifications do I need to apply for the Senior/Staff Software Engineer position at Zip?

To qualify for the Senior/Staff Software Engineer position at Zip, candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in software engineering, specifically in web application and API development. A bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science or a related technical field is required. Familiarity with programming languages and frameworks used at Zip, such as Python, JavaScript, and React, as well as experience with various CI/CD tools and agile methodologies, is highly desirable.

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What technologies are used in the development process at Zip?

At Zip, our technology stack includes Python, JavaScript, React, and GraphQL for backend and frontend development, respectively. Additionally, we leverage industry-standard tools for build, test, and deployment, such as Kubernetes, Jenkins, Spinnaker, and monitoring solutions like Prometheus and Grafana, to ensure our applications run smoothly and reliably.

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How does Zip support employee development and well-being?

Zip is dedicated to fostering professional growth and personal well-being among employees. As a Senior/Staff Software Engineer, you will benefit from a culture of mentorship and collaboration with experienced colleagues who are always ready to lend support. Additionally, we offer flexible PTO, health benefits, and catered meals to ensure that you can focus on both your work and your well-being in a supportive environment.

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What makes working at Zip different from other companies?

Working at Zip offers a unique blend of innovation and collaboration within a startup environment. Our company values ownership and open communication, creating a culture that encourages every team member to contribute ideas and take on new challenges. With the backing of top-tier investors and rapid growth, you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the procurement tech landscape while enjoying many perks that enhance the work-life balance.

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Common Interview Questions for Senior / Staff Software Engineer, Backend
Can you describe your experience with developing APIs?

When answering this question, focus on specific projects where you designed APIs to enable various functionalities. Highlight your understanding of RESTful vs. GraphQL APIs, your approach to versioning and security, and any tools or frameworks you utilized during development. Sharing tangible outcomes or impact can help illustrate your expertise effectively.

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What is your approach to writing maintainable code?

In answering this question, talk about the importance of readability, organization, and using design patterns. Discuss practices such as thorough commenting, adherence to coding standards, modular design, and the importance of code reviews. Providing concrete examples of how you've applied these practices in past projects will strengthen your response.

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How do you handle complex technical problems?

To showcase your problem-solving skills, discuss your typical approach to breaking down complex challenges into manageable parts. Mention techniques such as researching best practices, collaborating with team members, prototyping solutions, and iteratively testing your ideas. Highlighting a specific instance where this approach led to a successful resolution will provide a strong impact.

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What experience do you have with Docker and Kubernetes?

When discussing your experience with Docker and Kubernetes, mention specific projects where you've utilized them for containerization and orchestration. Explain tasks you performed, such as setting up CI/CD pipelines, scaling applications, and managing infrastructure, to demonstrate how you leverage these technologies for deployment and operational efficiency.

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What do you understand about Zip's core products and architecture?

Reply by discussing your research on Zip's platform and its importance in procurement processes. Mention the key features you are familiar with, such as request management and B2B payment processing. Demonstrate your ability to connect your past experiences in software engineering to how you could contribute to enhancing Zip's product offerings.

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Can you describe your experience with cross-functional collaboration?

In answering this question, emphasize the importance of communication and teamwork in software development. Share examples of how you worked alongside product, design, and customer-oriented teams to gather feedback and ensure that the features you developed met users' needs. Highlight your ability to foster relationships and facilitate discussions across diverse groups.

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What is your experience with testing and deploying applications?

Discuss your experience with various testing strategies, including unit testing, integration testing, and employing automated tests. Explain tools you have used for testing and deployment processes, emphasizing the importance of quality assurance in a production environment. Providing examples of how your testing practices have led to improved application stability can add value to your answer.

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How do you stay updated with emerging technologies?

Talk about your methods for continuous learning, such as following industry blogs, participating in relevant forums, attending workshops, or engaging with online courses. Mention specific technologies or trends you are currently exploring and how they might soon influence your work, demonstrating your proactive approach to keeping your skills relevant.

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What motivates you in software development?

When answering this question, share examples of specific projects or experiences that fueled your passion for coding. Discuss your desire to solve problems, the satisfaction of seeing your work positively impact users, or how working collaboratively with talented individuals drives you. Connecting your motivation to Zip's mission can show alignment with the company's values.

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How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?

Answer by describing your approach to task prioritization, such as evaluating deadlines, project importance, and resource availability. Mention any tools or methodologies you use, such as Agile practices or Kanban boards, to help manage your workload efficiently. Providing an example of using prioritization to meet a tight deadline or manage competing demands will enhance your response.

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Zip is a leading global financial services company, offering innovative, people-centred products that bring customers and merchants together. On a mission to be the first payment choice everywhere and every day, Zip offers point-of-sale credit and...

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March 15, 2025

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