[Hiring] Software Development Engineer, Backend @Zillow

Role Description

The Senior Specialist, Software Engineering, Back End designs, builds, and operates scalable, reliable backend services and platforms that power Zillow’s consumer and partner experiences. This role leads complex server-side development, improves system performance and resiliency, and collaborates closely with product, data, and infrastructure teams to support millions of users and enable developer productivity across multiple brands.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science (or equivalent practical experience)
• 5+ years building scalable backend services for consumer-facing products using Go, Python, TypeScript/JavaScript, and/or Java
• Hands-on experience with Kubernetes, event-driven architectures (Kafka or similar), Infrastructure as Code (e.g., Terraform), and AWS or comparable cloud platforms
• Strong technical ownership from design through production operations
• Ability to write clean, maintainable code and provide rigorous code reviews
• Clear communication skills to document decisions and align cross-functional partners
• Experience leveraging modern AI tools to accelerate development
• Motivated by building backend systems that power visible, high-impact consumer experiences

Requirements

• Lead the design and implementation of scalable backend services and APIs
• Define, evolve, and maintain GraphQL schemas for consumer-facing experiences
• Design and operate resilient data across asynchronous systems (e.g., Kafka or similar event streams)
• Take full ownership of services in production, including on-call participation and proactive monitoring
• Partner closely with Product, UX, and engineering teams across the stack
• Author high-quality design documents and technical proposals
• Champion effective testing strategies and pragmatic engineering standards
• Deliver backend capabilities that elevate media experiences and drive measurable improvements
• Actively leverage modern AI development tools to improve engineering velocity

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Benefits package
• Eligible for equity awards based on factors such as experience, performance, and location

Company Description

At Zillow, we’re reimagining how people move—through the real estate market and through their careers. As the most-visited real estate platform in the U.S., we help people navigate buying, selling, financing, and renting with greater ease and confidence.

• Zillow is recognized among the best workplaces in the U.S.
• Named one of FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2026
• Included on TIME’s America’s Best Companies 2026 list
• Committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment and providing equal employment opportunities