Software Development Engineer 5.5

Adobe is seeking a Software Development Engineer 5.5 for their San Jose office. This role involves defining and implementing API integration patterns, architecting solutions with Kubernetes/Ethos Flex, and designing event-driven architectures using Kafka. The engineer will also establish monitoring standards, drive data migration, and lead caching solutions. Candidates should have over 10 years of experience in software engineering and architecture, with expertise in backend development, scalability, and SRE practices.

Must Have

• Define and implement API integration patterns.
• Architect solutions using Kubernetes/Ethos Flex.
• Design event-driven architectures with Kafka.
• Establish monitoring, observability, and operational readiness standards.
• Provide architectural mentorship on backend development.
• Drive data migration strategies.
• Lead adoption of caching and in-memory solutions.
• Partner with engineering teams for operational readiness.
• Develop frameworks and reusable assets.
• Mentor senior engineers and influence technical direction.
• 10+ years of experience in software engineering and architecture.
• Strong background in backend development (performance, scalability, resiliency, tech-debt management).
• Deep understanding of operational readiness, incident management, and SRE practices.

Good to Have

• Experience in enterprise cloud platforms (AWS).
• Proficiency in CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps protocols.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to senior leadership.
• Showcased leadership in multi-functional, global, and fast-paced enterprise settings.

Perks & Benefits

• Exceptional work environment recognized around the world.
• Colleagues committed to helping each other grow through Check-In approach.
• Meaningful benefits offered.

Our Company

Changing the world through digital experiences is what Adobe’s all about. We give everyone—from emerging artists to global brands—everything they need to design and deliver exceptional digital experiences! We’re passionate about empowering people to create beautiful and powerful images, videos, and apps, and transform how companies interact with customers across every screen.

We’re on a mission to hire the very best and are committed to creating exceptional employee experiences where everyone is respected and has access to equal opportunity. We realize that new ideas can come from everywhere in the organization, and we know the next big idea could be yours!

ROLE IS REQUIRED TO BE IN THE SAN JOSE OFFICE.

Key Responsibilities

• Architecture & Design
• Define and implement API integration patterns across enterprise platforms.
• Architect solutions by bringing to bear Kubernetes/Ethos Flex for container orchestration, workload management, and scalability.
• Design and govern event-driven architectures using Kafka for data streaming and messaging.
• Establish standards for monitoring, observability, and operational readiness to ensure production reliability.
• Engineering & Delivery
• Provide architectural mentorship on backend development, focusing on scalability, resiliency, performance, and tech-debt reduction.
• Drive data migration strategies and ensure minimal disruption to business operations.
• Lead adoption of caching and in-memory solutions (e.g., Redis, ElastiCache) for performance optimization.
• Governance & Enablement
• Partner with engineering teams to ensure solutions are operationally ready and meet enterprise reliability standards.
• Develop frameworks and reusable assets that accelerate delivery across multiple domains.
• Mentor senior engineers and influence technical direction across multi-functional teams.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in software engineering and architecture within large-scale enterprise environments.
• Proven expertise in:
• API design and integration patterns
• Kubernetes/Ethos Flex (or similar container orchestration platforms)
• Kafka and distributed messaging systems
• Caching technologies (Redis/ElastiCache)
• Monitoring and observability frameworks (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, ELK, Datadog)
• Data migration methodologies for large datasets
• Strong background in backend development with emphasis on performance, scalability, resiliency, and tech-debt management.
• Deep understanding of operational readiness, incident management, and SRE practices.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in enterprise cloud platforms (AWS).
• Proficiency in CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps protocols.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to senior leadership and business collaborators.
• Showcased leadership in multi-functional, global, and fast-paced enterprise settings.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The U.S. pay range for this position is $173,500 -- $331,050 annually. Pay within this range varies by work location and may also depend on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the job location during the hiring process.

At Adobe, for sales roles starting salaries are expressed as total target compensation (TTC = base + commission), and short-term incentives are in the form of sales commission plans. Non-sales roles starting salaries are expressed as base salary and short-term incentives are in the form of the Annual Incentive Plan (AIP).

In addition, certain roles may be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of a new hire equity award.

State-Specific Notices:

California:

Fair Chance Ordinances

Adobe will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with state and local laws and “fair chance” ordinances.

Colorado:

Application Window Notice

If this role is open to hiring in Colorado (as listed on the job posting), the application window will remain open until at least the date and time stated above in Pacific Time, in compliance with Colorado pay transparency regulations. If this role does not have Colorado listed as a hiring location, no specific application window applies, and the posting may close at any time based on hiring needs.

Massachusetts:

Massachusetts Legal Notice

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Adobe is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on gender, race or color, ethnicity or national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. Learn more.

Adobe aims to make Adobe.com accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, email accommodations@adobe.com or call (408) 536-3015.

About Us

At Adobe, you will be immersed in an exceptional work environment that is recognized around the world. You will also be surrounded by colleagues who are committed to helping each other grow through our unique Check-In approach where ongoing feedback flows freely. If you’re looking to make an impact, Adobe's the place for you. Discover what our employees are saying about their career experiences on the Adobe Life blog and explore the meaningful benefits we offer.

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Adobe is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on gender, race or color, ethnicity or national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. Learn more.

Adobe aims to make Adobe.com accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, email accommodations@adobe.com or call (408) 536-3015.