Senior Software Engineer - Backend (Python)

The Company

PayPal has been revolutionizing commerce globally for more than 25 years. Creating innovative experiences that make moving money, selling, and shopping simple, personalized, and secure, PayPal empowers consumers and businesses in approximately 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy.

We operate a global, two-sided network at scale that connects hundreds of millions of merchants and consumers. We help merchants and consumers connect, transact, and complete payments, whether they are online or in person. PayPal is more than a connection to third-party payment networks. We provide proprietary payment solutions accepted by merchants that enable the completion of payments on our platform on behalf of our customers.

We offer our customers the flexibility to use their accounts to purchase and receive payments for goods and services, as well as the ability to transfer and withdraw funds. We enable consumers to exchange funds more safely with merchants using a variety of funding sources, which may include a bank account, a PayPal or Venmo account balance, PayPal and Venmo branded credit products, a credit card, a debit card, certain cryptocurrencies, or other stored value products such as gift cards, and eligible credit card rewards. Our PayPal, Venmo, and Xoom products also make it safer and simpler for friends and family to transfer funds to each other. We offer merchants an end-to-end payments solution that provides authorization and settlement capabilities, as well as instant access to funds and payouts. We also help merchants connect with their customers, process exchanges and returns, and manage risk. We enable consumers to engage in cross-border shopping and merchants to extend their global reach while reducing the complexity and friction involved in enabling cross-border trade.

Our beliefs are the foundation for how we conduct business every day. We live each day guided by our core values of Inclusion, Innovation, Collaboration, and Wellness. Together, our values ensure that we work together as one global team with our customers at the center of everything we do – and they push us to ensure we take care of ourselves, each other, and our communities.

Job Summary:

What you need to know about the role

As a Senior Software Engineer, you’ll design and build scalable backend data systems that power our global finance platform and enable data-driven decisions. The role focuses on Python, SQL, and Data Engineering, working with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, high-performance solutions. Success requires strong technical expertise, analytical thinking, and the ability to leverage AI tools like GitHub Copilot for faster, smarter development.

Meet our team

Our Engineering team drives innovation at the core of PayPal’s transformation. You’ll collaborate with talented peers, working on high-impact projects in an agile environment. We focus on scalability, performance, and customer-centric design, prioritizing code quality and rapid iteration to create world-class experiences that shape global commerce.

Job Description:

Essential Responsibilities:

• Delivers complete solutions spanning all phases of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) (design, implementation, testing, delivery and operations), based on definitions from more senior roles.
• Advises immediate management on project-level issues
• Guides junior engineers
• Operates with little day-to-day supervision, making technical decisions based on knowledge of internal conventions and industry best practices
• Applies knowledge of technical best practices in making decisions

Expected Qualifications:

• 3+ years relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualification:

Your day to day

As a Senior Software Engineer – focused on Python and SQL, you'll design and implement data analytical solutions. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products.

• Design and develop scalable backend data systems.
• Optimize system performance and reliability.
• Mentor junior engineers.

What do you need to bring-

• 5+ years of data backend development experience and bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
• Proficiency in Python programming language
• Strong understanding of database design, including SQL and NoSQL databases, and experience with ORM tools
• Strong SQL skills using tools like Big Query, Oracle, MySQL, Hadoop, Teradata
• Strong experience building data pipelines, ETL frameworks, and data processing applications and job scheduling tools
• Experience in building and developing models, queries, or software to analyze and visualize data using tools such as Tableau, Looker, Power BI
• Advanced proficiency in backend development with Python frameworks, including Django, or Flask.
• Proficiency in Python data ecosystem (pandas, SQLAlchemy, NumPy, etc.)
• Experience designing and implementing RESTful services and microservices, focusing on scalability and reliability, using Python
• Proven ability to mentor junior engineers and contribute to code reviews and design discussions.
• Understanding of algorithmic techniques, design patterns
• Active user of AI development tools (GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, Cursor, or similar) with demonstrated productivity improvements
• Ability to effectively leverage LLMs for code generation, debugging, refactoring, and documentation
• Track record of rapid prototyping and accelerated delivery through AI assistance
• Understanding of when and how to apply AI tools effectively vs. traditional development approaches
• Strong research and analytical skills, business acumen, strategic and creative thinking, project leadership skills and multi-tasking capabilities
• Ability to analyze large sets of complex data, draw meaningful conclusions, and make business recommendations based on analysis
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate to all levels of business
• Self-driver with the ability to work with a cross-functional team
• Ability to work in multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced and dynamic financial services environment
• Experience in developing documentation that meets the highest regulatory standards and audit requirement
• Structure and refine analysis with the goal of distilling insights from the data
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, in dealing with people at all levels of the organization
• Intellectual curiosity, passion for problem-solving, and comfort with ambiguity
• Ability to take initiative and execute against key projects independently
• Ability to thrive in a cross-functional environment while juggling multiple responsibilities
• High energy and a desire to work in a results-oriented, fast growth environment
• A passion for understanding and serving the unique community of PayPal.

Our Benefits:

At PayPal, we’re committed to building an equitable and inclusive global economy. And we can’t do this without our most important asset—you. That’s why we offer benefits to help you thrive in every stage of life. We champion your financial, physical, and mental health by offering valuable benefits and resources to help you care for the whole you.

We have great benefits including a flexible work environment, employee shares options, health and life insurance and more. To learn more about our benefits please visit https://www.paypalbenefits.com.

Who We Are:

Click Here to learn more about our culture and community.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

PayPal provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, PayPal will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at paypalglobaltalentacquisition@paypal.com.

Belonging at PayPal:

Our employees are central to advancing our mission, and we strive to create an environment where everyone can do their best work with a sense of purpose and belonging. Belonging at PayPal means creating a workplace with a sense of acceptance and security where all employees feel included and valued. We are proud to have a diverse workforce reflective of the merchants, consumers, and communities that we serve, and we continue to take tangible actions to cultivate inclusivity and belonging at PayPal.