Backend Software Engineer (Python, MySQL)

About The Role: We are seeking a seasoned technical leader to set the technical strategy for the search and recommendation team over a year-long horizon. In this role, you will lead critical, business-impacting projects while collaborating closely with product management, design, and analytics teams throughout the product development lifecycle. You will ensure technical sustainability, manage risks and trade-offs effectively, and act as a force-multiplier by defining and advocating for robust technical solutions and operational processes. You will take full ownership of your team’s operations and availability by implementing comprehensive monitoring, triage rotations, playbooks, policies, testing, and alerting to support reliable “keep the lights on” and on-call efforts. Fostering a culture of quality and ownership, you will establish code review and design standards and advocate for best practices across teams through writing and technical presentations. Additionally, you will play a pivotal role in developing talent by providing constructive feedback, guidance, and leading by example.

Qualifications: 8+ years of experience designing, developing, and launching backend systems at scale using languages such as Python or Kotlin. Extensive track record of developing highly available distributed systems leveraging technologies like AWS, MySQL, Spark, and Kubernetes. Experience building consumer-facing experiences with UI frameworks such as React.2+ years of experience working in search or related recommendation engines. Proven ability to deliver major features, system components, or deprecate existing functionality through clear technical and execution plans. Strong coding skills with an emphasis on writing high-quality, maintainable code. Ability to thrive in ambiguous environments and navigate from detailed language constructs to large-scale system architecture. Demonstrated growth and impact through iterative feedback from engineering and cross-functional peers. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to support collaboration within a global engineering team. Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities: Define and execute the technical strategy for the search and recommendation team on an annual basis. Lead critical projects that have significant business impact, ensuring alignment with company goals. Collaborate with product management, design, and analytics teams to integrate technical solutions across the product development lifecycle. Manage technical risks, trade-offs, and ensure sustainability of systems. Establish and enforce code review and design standards to maintain high-quality deliverables. Develop and implement operational processes including monitoring, triage rotations, playbooks, and alerting to ensure system reliability. Foster a culture of ownership and quality within the team and advocate best practices across the organization. Provide mentorship, feedback, and guidance to develop talent and support team growth. Participate in on-call rotations and support “keep the lights on” activities to maintain system availability.

Benefits: Competitive base pay with transparent pay structure based on location, experience, and skills. Equity rewards as part of total compensation package. Monthly stipends for health, wellness, and technology spending.100% subsidized medical coverage including dental and vision for employees and their dependents. Remote-first work environment with built-in flexibility.

Equal Opportunity: Affim is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.