Senior Software Engineer

Handshake • Full-time • Hybrid in San Francisco, California, United States • $200,000 - $235,000 / year • 3w ago

Fast Facts

Handshake is looking for a Senior Software Engineer to lead the development of critical platform systems focused on user acquisition, onboarding, and fraud prevention, contributing to the AI economy's career network.

Responsibilities: Drive the architecture and design of systems for user acquisition, develop fraud prevention initiatives, write high-quality code, and mentor junior engineers.

Skills: Strong proficiency in Java, Python, or C++, with experience in scalable infrastructure systems and cloud platforms like AWS or Azure.

Qualifications: 5+ years of software engineering experience with a backend-leaning full stack orientation; demonstrated success in leading technical projects.

Location: San Francisco, California, United States

Compensation: $200000 - $235000 / Annually

About Handshake

Handshake is the career network for the AI economy. 20 million knowledge workers, 1,600 educational institutions, 1 million employers (including 100% of the Fortune 50), and every foundational AI lab trust Handshake to power career discovery, hiring, and upskilling, from freelance AI training gigs to first internships to full-time careers and beyond. This unique value is leading to unparalleled growth; in 2025, we tripled our ARR at scale.

Why join Handshake now:

Shape how every career evolves in the AI economy, at global scale, with impact your friends, family and peers can see and feel
Work hand-in-hand with world-class AI labs, Fortune 500 partners and the world’s top educational institutions
Join a team with leadership from Scale AI, Meta, xAI, Notion, Coinbase, and Palantir, among others
Build a massive, fast-growing business with billions in revenue

About the Role

As a Senior Software Engineer, you will drive the development of critical systems that power how users join and trust our platform; spanning user acquisition, onboarding, identity, and fraud prevention. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, scalable, and high-performance software solutions. This role requires a deep understanding of software engineering principles and the ambition to lead impactful projects.

In this role, you will:

Lead the architecture and design of platform systems that support user acquisition, onboarding, and identity infrastructure.
Build and scale fraud prevention systems to protect the integrity of our platform.
Develop high-quality code and implement robust testing strategies to ensure product reliability.
Collaborate with product managers and designers to create seamless user experiences from first touch through activation.
Mentor junior engineers to foster technical growth and innovation.

Desired Capabilities

5+ years of software engineering experience, with a backend-leaning full stack orientation.
Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++ to deliver robust solutions.
Experience building platforms and scalable infrastructure systems.
Experience with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure to enable scalable applications.
Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects and drive them to success.
Excellent problem-solving skills to address complex technical challenges.
Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with diverse teams.

Extra Credit

Interest in identity, trust & safety, or fraud prevention.

Perks

Handshake delivers benefits that help you feel supported—and thrive at work and in life.

The below benefits are for full-time US employees.

🎯 Ownership: Equity in a fast-growing company

💰 Financial Wellness: 401(k) match, competitive compensation, financial coaching

🍼 Family Support: Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, parental coaching

💝 Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision, mental health support, wellness stipend

📚 Growth: Learning stipend, ongoing development

💻 Remote & Office: Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office

🏝 Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days

🤝 Connection: Team outings & referral bonuses

Explore our mission, values, and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.

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