Software Engineer, Acquisition and Identity

Handshake • Full-time • Hybrid in San Francisco, California, United States • $145,000 - $170,000 / year • 1m ago

Fast Facts

Handshake is seeking a Software Engineer to develop critical systems for user acquisition, onboarding, identity, and fraud prevention within the growing AI economy.

Responsibilities: Design and implement platform systems, maintain fraud prevention systems, write high-quality code, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experience.

Skills: Proficiency in programming languages like Java, Python, or Ruby, experience with scalable infrastructure, and familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure.

Qualifications: 2+ years of software engineering experience with a backend-leaning full stack orientation and strong problem-solving skills.

Location: San Francisco, California, United States

Compensation: $145000 - $170000 / 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 Software Engineer, you will contribute to the development of critical systems that power how users join and trust our platform; spanning user acquisition, onboarding, identity, and fraud prevention. You will work alongside experienced engineers and cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, scalable, and high-performance software solutions. This role is ideal for someone with a strong foundation in software engineering principles and the drive to grow through meaningful, impactful work.

In this role, you will:

Contribute to the design and implementation of platform systems that support user acquisition, onboarding, and identity infrastructure.
Help build and maintain fraud prevention systems to protect the integrity of our platform.
Write high-quality code and support robust testing strategies to ensure product reliability.
Collaborate with product managers, designers, and senior engineers to create seamless user experiences from first touch through activation.
Actively participate in code reviews and learn from experienced engineers to accelerate your technical growth.

Desired Capabilities

2+ years of software engineering experience, with a backend-leaning full stack orientation.
Foundational proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or Ruby.
Familiarity with building or contributing to platforms and scalable infrastructure systems.
Exposure to cloud platforms like AWS or Azure.
Ability to break down problems, take ownership of well-scoped tasks, and see them through to completion.
Strong problem-solving skills and eagerness to tackle new technical challenges.
Clear communication skills and a collaborative, team-first mindset.

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.

Related Jobs

Software Engineer- Python

Western Governors University • Full-time • Hybrid in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States • $95,900 - $143,800 / year • 58min ago

Higher Ed Software Development Engineering Python

58min ago

Apply

Director Software Engineering

Elsevier • Full-time • Hybrid in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States • $136,100 - $252,800 / year • 2w ago

Higher Ed Software Development Team Management Technology Leadership

2w ago

Apply

Manager, Technology - Craft

Western Governors University • Full-time • Hybrid in Nashville, Tennessee, United States • $148,100 - $244,400 / year • 3w ago

Higher Ed Software Development Leadership Education Innovation

3w ago

Apply

Software Developer - AI Trainer (Remote)

Handshake • Contract • Remote (Remote from New York City, New York, United States) • $65 - $150 / hour • 3w ago

Higher Ed Software Development Contract Work Ai Training

3w ago

Apply

Programmer Analyst I and II

Community College of Baltimore County • Full-time • None • $78,839 - $144,647 / year • 3w ago

Higher Ed Software Development ERP Systems Programmer Analyst

3w ago

Apply