Software Engineer I, Backend

About the role

Pinterest is seeking a backend engineer to join its monetization engineering organization and help build the systems that support product experiences used by millions of people. The role is centered on developing reliable, scalable backend capabilities that power inspiration-driven features while working closely with product, design, data science, and engineering partners.

The team values curiosity, strong fundamentals, and thoughtful problem solving. Candidates should be comfortable discussing their approach in interviews and showing how they think, including how they work with AI tools as part of the overall problem-solving process.

This position is also tied to Pinterest’s flexible working model. The role requires in-office collaboration once per week and must be within commuting distance of one of the company’s Seattle offices. Relocation support is not provided.

What you will do

• Develop backend systems that support pinner-facing features and future product experiences.
• Take part in the full product lifecycle, from early ideas and prototyping through testing, architecture, implementation, and release.
• Build and scale solutions that can handle millions of users.
• Work alongside design, product, and backend teams to deliver complete end-to-end functionality.
• Contribute ideas for new product directions and feature improvements from the user perspective.
• Use automated testing and own the quality of the components and features you ship.
• Help design, build, and run large-scale distributed systems and networks.
• Partner with internal engineering customers to understand needs and deliver efficient, scalable solutions.
• Improve the developer workflow and overall engineering experience across coding, delivery, and operations.

What the company is looking for

• At least 1 year of backend development experience in the industry, preferably on consumer- or business-facing products.
• Hands-on knowledge of backend technologies used for REST APIs, online services, storage, caching, and data processing.
• Experience building or operating large distributed systems and/or networks; experience with large public cloud workloads is a plus.
• Practical experience in Python, Java, C++, Go, or a similar language, along with the willingness to learn more.
• Ability to write dependable, maintainable code that can be used by many engineers.
• Comfort keeping up with newer technologies and deciding what is worth adopting.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant area such as Computer Science, or equivalent experience.

Compensation and equity

The employer has shared a US base salary range of $120,753 to $211,318 per year for applicants based in the United States. The position is also eligible for equity. Final pay will depend on factors such as location, travel, prior experience, and relevant skills or expertise.

Work location and relocation

• This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.
• In-person collaboration is expected one day per week.
• Candidates must be able to commute to a Seattle office.

Equal opportunity and application statement

The employer follows an equal opportunity hiring process and considers qualified applicants without discrimination based on legally protected characteristics. Applicants with medical or religious accommodation needs during the hiring process may request support. By applying, candidates confirm that the information provided throughout the hiring process is accurate and complete, and that false or misleading information may affect hiring eligibility or employment status.

Additional information

The company emphasizes inclusive, flexible work and a culture built around creativity, innovation, and collaboration. It also notes that AI is an important part of its approach to recruiting and product thinking.