A Software Engineer II, Backend Affirm · Remote Canada, CA Mid Python Kubernetes distributed systems

ContentBuffer; Canada; Remote; CAD 133,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

affirm is a remote-first Canadian company seeking a software engineer to design, build, and launch backend services. You’ll break down projects with your tech lead, deliver in phases, and collaborate with product, design and analytics to manage risks and trade-offs.

The role requires 1.5+ years as a software engineer, proficiency in Python or Kotlin, and familiarity with distributed systems and technologies like AWS, MySQL and Kubernetes.

Qualifications

• You have 1.5+ years of experience as a software engineer.
• You design, develop and launch backend systems in Python or Kotlin.
• You know distributed systems and technologies like AWS, MySQL and Kubernetes.
• You turn simple problems into well-structured, testable solutions across components.
• You navigate large code bases, help with debugging, and review other engineers’ code.
• You take ownership of your growth and seek feedback from teammates and stakeholders.
• You communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, to collaborate with a global team.

Responsibilities

• Decompose large projects into tasks and deliver in phases with your team.
• Collaborate with product, design and analytics to align on constraints and decisions.
• Support operations and availability of team artifacts and on-call efforts.
• Contribute to team community through growth activities and interview participation.

Skills

Backend development

Python or Kotlin

Distributed systems

AWS

MySQL

Kubernetes

Code reviews

Ownership growth

Job description

At affirm, we exist for the moments that matter—giving people a clear, predictable way to pay over time, with no hidden fees, no surprises, and no tradeoffs on what matters most.

The Engineering team builds systems that power affirm’s mission. We take pride in our craft, building reliable, performant, and scalable solutions that touch every part of the business. Whether we’re enabling new ways to pay, ensuring our platforms can scale to the most demanding levels in the industry, or developing seamless servicing experiences, our focus is on solving complex problems through exceptional engineering.

You will be matched with a team after completing the interview evaluation process. Your recruiter will work closely with you throughout the process to understand your interests and experience to find the strongest team fit.

What you’ll do

• With the support of your team’s tech lead and manager, you will break down larger projects into individual tasks, deliver them in multiple phases, and collaborate with others to ensure timely delivery of your work.
• You will support your peers and stakeholders in the product development lifecycle by collaborating with product management, design & analytics by participating in ideation, articulating technical constraints, and partnering on decisions that properly consider risks and trade-offs.
• You will support the operations and availability of your team’s artifacts by creating and monitoring metrics, escalating when needed, and supporting “keep the lights on” & on-call efforts.
• You will contribute to a sense of community on your team by engaging in growth and development activities such as participation in the interview process.

What we look for

• You have a total of 1.5+ years of experience as a software engineer.
• You have experience designing, developing and launching backend systems and are proficient in one of Python or Kotlin.
• You are familiar with the building blocks of distributed systems, and the technologies like AWS, MySQL and Kubernetes.
• You have mastered taking a simple problem or business scenario into a solution that interacts with multiple software components, and executing on it by writing clear, easily understood, well tested and extensible code.
• You are comfortable navigating a large code base, debugging others' code, and providing feedback to other engineers through code reviews.
• Your experience demonstrates that you take ownership of your growth, proactively seeking feedback from your team, your manager, and your stakeholders.
• You have strong verbal and written communication skills that support effective collaboration with our global engineering team.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Base Pay Grade - L

Equity Grade - 5

Employees new to affirm typically come in at the start of the pay range

Base pay is part of a total compensation package that may include equity rewards, monthly stipends for health, wellness and tech spending, and benefits (including 100% subsidized medical coverage, dental and vision for you and your dependents.)

CAN base pay range per year: $133,000 - $183,000 CAD

Location - Remote Canada
This remote role is open only to candidates residing in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, or Saskatchewan.

#LI-Remote

Remote-first with flexibility built in

Affirm is proud to be a remote-first company. Most roles can be done from almost anywhere within the country of employment. Some positions may occasionally require in-person work at an affirm office, and a few are office-based due to the nature of the work. All new hires will be invited to attend an in-person onboarding experience.

Benefits designed for you

Our benefits reflect our commitment to care, transparency, and flexibility. Here are a few highlights:

• Health coverage at no cost: We cover 100% of premiums for employees and their dependents.
• Spending stipends: Monthly stipends support your tech setup, and the ability to choose health and wellness options that are right for you.
• Time off to recharge: Flexible time off and generous holiday calendars help you rest when you need to.
• Own a piece of what you build: Our employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) lets you buy affirm stock at a discount.

We’re committed to providing an inclusive interview process, including accommodations for candidates with disabilities. If you need support, we’re happy to help.

For positions based in San Francisco or Los Angeles: affirm considers qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, as required by law.