Staff Software Engineer, Backend
DoorDash · Sunnyvale, CA
- On site
- Full-time
- $235,000 / year
- Sunnyvale, CA
Job highlights
- Build and maintain global 24/7 logistics infrastructure.
- Develop backend architecture and tech stack.
- Improve system performance, reliability, and scalability.
- Transition monolithic code to microservices.
- Lead cross-functional projects and mentor engineers.
About the role
Staff Software Engineer Backend
About The Team
DoorDash is building the world's most reliable on-demand, logistics engine for delivery. We are continuing to grow rapidly and expanding our Engineering offices globally! We are looking for Staff Backend Engineers to build and maintain a large scale 24x7 global infrastructure system that powers DoorDash's 3-sided marketplace of Consumers, Merchants and Dashers.
About The Role
We’re looking for Staff Backend Engineers to work on both Product and Product Platform based teams. Product focused Engineers work at the intersection of product and infrastructure to solve key business problems with elegant technical solutions. You'll operate our backend services and architecture that support all product functionality and will be challenged to consider the big picture -- collaborating cross-functionally, as well as evaluating and executing on trade-offs to maximize business impact for the company. We expect Staff Engineers to be able to run cross-functional projects end to end, mentor their junior to mid level peers and influence our technical roadmaps.
This role is hybrid with some in-office time expected and will report to an Engineering Manager.
You're Excited About This Opportunity Because You Will…
- Develop, release and run large-scale web applications
- Develop and define the backend architecture and tech stack for a product area
- Improve performance, reliability, scalability and security for our backend systems
- Be involved in transitioning our monolithic codebase to a microservice-based architecture
- Completely disrupt logistics by tackling bleeding-edge, technical problems
We're Excited About You Because You Have…
- B.S., M.S., or PhD. in Computer Science or equivalent
- 8+ years of industry experience
- Proficiency in using AI coding tools (e.g., Claude Code, Codex, Cursor) in the full software development lifecycle, including designing, generating code, testing, monitoring and releasing software
- Prior experience working with backend tech stacks
- Ability to analyze and improve efficiency, scalability, and stability of various system resources
- Experience with service oriented architecture, writing REST API’s, unit testing, and architectural design
- Understanding of modern web stacks and architecture (HTTP, REST)
- Experience with SQL and NoSQL databases and other technologies (e.g. Postgres, Redis, Elasticsearch, RabbitMQ)
Key skills/competency
- Backend Engineering
- Software Architecture
- Scalability
- Reliability
- Microservices
- REST APIs
- SQL
- NoSQL
- System Design
- Technical Leadership
Skills & topics
- Staff Software Engineer
- Backend Engineer
- Software Development
- API Design
- System Architecture
- Microservices
- Database Management
- Cloud Infrastructure
- Logistics Technology
- AI Coding Tools
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your backend experience, system design skills, and any experience with microservices or large-scale systems. Quantify achievements whenever possible.
- Showcase AI coding tool proficiency: Emphasize your experience using tools like Claude Code, Codex, or Cursor throughout the full software development lifecycle.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss backend tech stacks, service-oriented architecture, REST APIs, database technologies (SQL/NoSQL), and system scalability.
- Demonstrate leadership: Prepare examples of leading cross-functional projects, mentoring junior engineers, and influencing technical roadmaps.
- Understand DoorDash's mission: Research DoorDash's impact on local economies and their transition from food delivery to broader goods delivery.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the expected experience level for a Staff Software Engineer Backend at DoorDash?
- DoorDash is looking for candidates with at least 8 years of industry experience, ideally with a B.S., M.S., or PhD in Computer Science or an equivalent field. This role requires significant experience in backend technologies and system design.
- What kind of technical challenges can I expect as a Staff Software Engineer Backend at DoorDash?
- As a Staff Software Engineer Backend, you will tackle bleeding-edge technical problems in logistics, develop and define backend architecture, improve system performance and scalability, and be involved in transitioning from a monolithic codebase to microservices.
- Does DoorDash require specific AI coding tool experience for this role?
- Yes, proficiency in using AI coding tools such as Claude Code, Codex, or Cursor is explicitly mentioned as a requirement for this Staff Software Engineer Backend position, covering the full software development lifecycle.
- What are the main responsibilities of a Staff Software Engineer Backend at DoorDash?
- Key responsibilities include developing and releasing large-scale web applications, defining backend architecture and tech stacks, enhancing system performance and reliability, and leading cross-functional projects while mentoring peers.
- What is the work arrangement for the Staff Software Engineer Backend role at DoorDash?
- This role is a hybrid position, meaning it requires some in-office time, and will report to an Engineering Manager. Specific details on in-office expectations are typically discussed during the hiring process.
- What databases and technologies are commonly used by DoorDash's backend teams?
- DoorDash's backend teams commonly use SQL and NoSQL databases, including technologies like Postgres, Redis, Elasticsearch, and RabbitMQ, as well as experience with service-oriented architecture and REST APIs.
- How does DoorDash approach compensation and benefits for Staff Software Engineers?
- Compensation includes a base salary within a determined range, plus opportunities for equity grants. DoorDash also offers a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k) matching, paid parental leave, wellness benefits, and health insurance.
- Can someone with a background in a monolithic architecture still be a good fit for this role at DoorDash?
Similar roles
Open positions we recommend based on this role.
Software Engineer, iOS (All Teams)
DoorDash · Seattle, Washington, United States
Senior Software Engineer, Infrastructure - Labs
DoorDash · Remote
Robotics Software Engineer - Labs
DoorDash · San Francisco, California, United States
Software Engineer, Data Platform (All Teams)
DoorDash · Seattle, Washington, United States
Engineering Manager, Risk & Identity Platform
DoorDash · New York, New York, United States
Engineering Manager, Parcel
DoorDash · Seattle, Washington, United States