Senior Frontend Software Engineer
KAYAK · Cambridge, MA
- On site
- Full-time
- $150,000 / year
- Cambridge, MA
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Senior Frontend Software Engineer
KAYAK · Cambridge, MA
Jamie Fox
Hiring Manager · h•••••@jobs.ashbyhq.com
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Subject: Interested in the Senior Frontend Software Engineer role at KAYAK
Hi Jamie — I came across the Senior Frontend Software Engineer opening and wanted to reach out directly. I've spent the last few years doing exactly this kind of work, and KAYAK stood out because…
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Not recommended alone — most applicants never hear back.
Job highlights
- Build user experiences for millions of users.
- Own UI end-to-end, including testing and monitoring.
- Make architectural decisions and build prototypes.
- Drive technical debt and code quality.
- Leverage AI tools for interface development.
About the role
About KAYAK
KAYAK, part of Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG), is a leading travel search engine. With billions of queries across our platforms, we help people find their perfect flight, stay, rental car and vacation package. We’re also transforming business travel with a new corporate travel solution, KAYAK for Business. As an employee of KAYAK, you will be part of a travel company that operates a portfolio of global metasearch brands including momondo, Cheapflights and HotelsCombined, among others. From start-up to industry leader, innovation is in our DNA and every employee has an opportunity to make their mark. Our focus is on building the best travel search engine to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. Trade your daily grind for a career that lets you show off your passion for travel! Join KAYAK to build the travel tools that our users dream of, and develop your own ideas during our Hack Weeks. Be the first to play with new and innovative travel features (while getting paid for it). We are looking for smart, ambitious, and hardworking developers with a passion for learning and delivering. You will join our Full Stack KAYAK4Business team in Massachusetts, responsible for user experiences that are the face of KAYAK for millions of users every day. You will work closely with other teams, developing innovative features to make shopping for travel simple. If you're an engineer who loves traveling, and wants to help shape the future of the travel meta, we'd love to hear from you! This role will be required to work from our Cambridge, MA office 3 days per week.In This Role You Will
- Work on K4B product features used by millions of corporate travelers
- Have end-to-end ownership of the UI, including testing, monitoring and troubleshooting
- Make architectural decisions and build prototypes
- Review and scope feature requests
- Drive technical debt reduction, oversee code quality, and pair with other developers
- Refactor and optimize existing code
- Work with geographically distributed teams
- Leverage modern AI tools & technologies to build excellent user interfaces
Please Apply If You Have
- 4+ years of meaningful work experience building web applications
- Bachelor's degree or higher, preferably in a quantitative/technical field (e.g. Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Math)
- Deep experience building layouts using CSS and HTML
- Advanced understanding of JavaScript, ideally with some experience using a modern UI framework or library (we use React, but Angular and Vue.js experience counts)
- Knowledge of performance considerations, especially with respect to browsers
- Experience working in Java, C#, or a similar object-oriented language
- Experience leveraging AI tools (Claude Code, Codex, Cursor or similar) to building high quality software solutions
- Ability to…
- Debug issues in a full-stack environment
- Work independently on solutions and designs with minimal oversight
- Produce scalable, high quality, and accurate work
- Estimate effort accurately and execute with pace
- Show good judgment in architecting software
- Use metrics to validate decision-making
- Owns communication to key stakeholders on assigned projects
- Easily relate technical subjects to non-technical audiences
- Demonstrate leadership across teams and business functions
Benefits And Perks
- Work from (almost) anywhere for up to 20 days per year
- Focus on mental health and well-being: Company-paid therapy sessions through SpringHealth, Company-paid subscription to HeadSpace, Company-wide week off a year - the whole team fully recharges (and returns without a pile-up of work!), No meeting Fridays
- Paid parental leave
- Generous paid vacation + time off for your birthday
- Paid volunteer time
- Focus on your career growth: Development Dollars, Leadership development, Access to thousands of on-demand e-learnings
- Travel Discounts
- Employee Resource Groups
- Competitive retirement and health plans
- Free lunch 2 days per week
- Fun quarterly events such as boat trips, arcades, ski trips, Thursday socials, and more
Salary Range
There are a variety of factors that go into determining a salary range, including but not limited to external market benchmark data, geographic location, and years of experience sought/required. The range for this Massachusetts based role is $140,000 - 160,000.00, not inclusive of annual bonus and recurring RSU grants. We offer a competitive base salary and benefits including: health benefits; flexible spending account; retirement benefits; life insurance; paid time off (including PTO, paid sick leave, medical leave, bereavement leave, floating holidays and paid holidays); and parental leave benefits.Inclusion
At KAYAK, we want everyone to have the space to grow, share ideas and do great work. That’s why we’re focused on hiring the best talent from all walks of life and experiences, supporting them well and making sure no one feels like they have to fit a mold to belong here. Need any adjustments for the interview, application or on the job? No problem - just give us a heads-up. We’ve got you.Key skills/competency
- Senior Frontend Software Engineer
- Web Applications
- CSS and HTML
- JavaScript
- React (or Angular, Vue.js)
- Performance Optimization
- Object-Oriented Programming (Java, C#)
- AI Tools
- UI Development
- Full-Stack Debugging
Skills & topics
- Senior Frontend Software Engineer
- Frontend Development
- React
- JavaScript
- HTML
- CSS
- Web Applications
- UI Development
- Software Engineering
- KAYAK
- Travel Tech
- AI Tools
- Object-Oriented Programming
- Full-Stack Debugging
- Performance Optimization
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight experience with CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and modern UI frameworks like React. Emphasize your 4+ years of web application development and any AI tool experience.
- Showcase your passion: In your cover letter or resume, express your love for travel and how it aligns with KAYAK's mission. Mention your interest in Hack Weeks and contributing innovative ideas.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience with JavaScript, performance considerations, and object-oriented languages (Java, C#). Practice debugging in a full-stack environment and architectural design.
- Demonstrate leadership and communication: Prepare examples of how you've led projects, collaborated with distributed teams, and communicated technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Highlight full-stack understanding: Even though this is a frontend role, showcase any experience with full-stack debugging and working with backend technologies.
Technical preparation
Master JavaScript, including modern frameworks like React.,Practice debugging in a full-stack environment.,Prepare to discuss CSS/HTML layout expertise.,Review object-oriented principles (Java/C#).
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex UI you architected.,How do you drive technical debt reduction?,How do you collaborate with distributed teams?,Explain a technical topic to non-technical staff.
Prefer to apply the usual way?
Not recommended alone — most applicants never hear back. Email the hiring manager first.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the work arrangement for the Senior Frontend Software Engineer role at KAYAK?
- This Senior Frontend Software Engineer position at KAYAK requires working from the Cambridge, MA office 3 days per week, with the flexibility to work remotely for up to 20 days per year. This indicates a hybrid work arrangement.
- What is the salary range for a Senior Frontend Software Engineer at KAYAK in Massachusetts?
- The salary range for this Senior Frontend Software Engineer role in Massachusetts is between $140,000 and $160,000 annually, not including potential annual bonuses or RSU grants. This is a competitive offering for the region and experience level.
- What are the key technologies and languages used by the Full Stack KAYAK4Business team?
- The Full Stack KAYAK4Business team utilizes modern UI frameworks, with a preference for React, though experience with Angular and Vue.js is also valued. Advanced JavaScript knowledge is crucial. Additionally, experience with object-oriented languages like Java or C# is required, and familiarity with AI tools for software development is a plus.
- Does KAYAK offer benefits for this Senior Frontend Software Engineer position?
- Yes, KAYAK offers a comprehensive benefits package for this role. This includes health benefits, retirement plans, generous paid time off, paid parental leave, and perks like company-paid therapy, HeadSpace subscription, free lunches, and various employee resource groups.
- What level of experience is required for the Senior Frontend Software Engineer role at KAYAK?
- KAYAK requires at least 4 years of meaningful work experience in building web applications for this Senior Frontend Software Engineer position. A Bachelor's degree or higher in a quantitative or technical field is also preferred.
- What AI tools or technologies should I highlight on my resume for the Senior Frontend Software Engineer role?
- For the Senior Frontend Software Engineer role at KAYAK, you should highlight any experience with AI tools like Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, or similar platforms that aid in building high-quality software solutions and user interfaces.
- How does KAYAK support career growth for its Senior Frontend Software Engineers?
- KAYAK supports career growth through 'Development Dollars,' leadership development programs, and access to thousands of on-demand e-learning courses. They also encourage employees to make their mark and innovate within the company.
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