Staff Software Engineer - Java

PayPal • San Jose, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

At PayPal, Staff Software Engineers are hands-on technical leaders who design, build, and scale the systems that power millions of secure global transactions every day. As a Backend Python Engineer, you will architect and deliver high-performance, fault-tolerant backend solutions that directly impact customer experiences and business success. You’ll define technical direction, lead complex engineering efforts, and mentor teams to achieve excellence in design, development, and delivery. This role requires a deep understanding of distributed systems, cloud-native architectures, and a passion for building reliable, resilient software that drives PayPal’s mission of democratizing financial services.

Requirements

• 5+ years relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field.
• 8+ years of backend development experience.
• Proficiency in at least one backend language (Java)
• Expert in back-end development using Java EE technologies (e.g. Java language, application servers, servlet containers, JMS, JPA, Spring MVC, Hibernate)
• Leadership in designing and architecting scalable backend systems with a focus on cloud-native solutions, microservices, and serverless architectures.
• Expertise in architecting and developing large-scale backend systems using Java EE, with extensive experience in Spring MVC or Hibernate.
• Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams, drive technical roadmaps, and ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Expertise in designing and implementing fault-tolerant systems with a focus on high availability and disaster recovery.
• Experience with advanced security practices, including secure coding, encryption, and access control.
• Proven ability to influence and mentor engineering teams, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Deep expertise in backend technologies and architecture.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with using Agile/Scrum methodology for software development
• Experience with large-scale, high-performance systems.
• Knowledge of the payment processing industry and relevant regulations.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure).
• Contributions to open-source projects.

Responsibilities

• Acts as a project or system leader, coordinating the activities of other engineers on the project or within the system
• Determines the technical tasks that other engineers will follow
• Actions result in the achievement of customer, operational, program or service objectives
• Proactively improves existing structures & processes
• Exercises judgement in reconciling diverse and competing priorities (time, quality, complexity risk) to identify optimal solutions to problems
• Notices patterns and condenses repetition into densely meaningful generalized solutions
• Collaborates with management to set/improve standards for engineering rigor
• Trusted to represent PayPal, Inc to the outside world via interactions with partners, customers, or industry organizations
• Define the technical roadmap and drive innovation.
• Collaborate with product and engineering leadership to deliver impactful solutions.
• Define and execute the backend technology strategy.
• Drive innovation and experimentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver business outcomes

Benefits

• At PayPal, we’re committed to building an equitable and inclusive global economy.
• That’s why we offer comprehensive, choice-based programs, to support all aspects of personal wellbeing—physical, emotional, and financial—delivering meaningful value where it matters most.
• We strive to create a flexible, balanced work culture with a holistic approach to benefits, including generous paid time off, healthcare coverage for you and your family, and resources to create financial security and support your mental health.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level