Staff Backend Engineer

eBay; Toronto; On-site; CAD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

eBay is seeking a senior software architect to lead GraphQL Federation design and implementation in Toronto. You will own a highly critical production system and ensure high availability while collaborating with teams across foundational systems.

The role emphasizes performance, security, and scalable API contracts. You will prototype solutions in Node.js or Spring Boot, advocate best practices, and drive federation adoption in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• BS EE or CS degree with 10+ years related experience (or equivalent advanced degree).
• Strong experience with Java, Kotlin, C#, C++, JavaScript and Spring Boot.
• Experience with Federated GraphQL and Apollo Federation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for GraphQL Federation design and implementation.

Skills

Java

Kotlin

JavaScript

C++

C#

Spring Boot

GraphQL

Node.js

Agile

Leadership

Education

BS EE or CS degree

Tools

Kubernetes

Docker

CI/CD

Monitoring/Observability

Job description

Overview

At eBay, we’re a global ecommerce leader reinventing how the world shops and sells. Our platform empowers millions of buyers and sellers in more than 190 markets. We are committed to pushing boundaries and shaping the future of ecommerce for enthusiasts. Our customers guide our work, and we value authenticity, bold ideas, and authentic collaboration. Join a team of thinkers, innovators, and dreamers to connect people and build economic opportunity for all.

Bout The Team And The Role As a member of the GraphQL champions, you will interface directly with senior technology leaders and product owners to transform our current business and technology capabilities and streamline product integration with Apollo GraphQL Federation. You are results-driven and translate use cases into API contracts. You drive query performance cost analysis and security requirements for individual components, advocate for best practices, error handling, and client integration options. You continuously learn and improve design and process, prototype solutions in Node.js or Spring Boot, and work within a community of architecture leaders to establish and evolve a unified architecture vision.

What You Will Accomplish

• Providing leadership for Node.js/Spring Boot/DGS GraphQL Federation design and implementation
• Ownership of a highly critical production system
• Ensuring high availability and throughput
• Collaborating with teams responsible for other foundational systems
• Supporting product teams in GraphQL learning and migration, championing GraphQL federation and schema design
• Advocating for GraphQL adoption and best practices

What You Will Bring

• BS EE or CS degree; 10+ years related experience (or Masters and 8+ years related experience or PhD and 6+ years experience)
• Experience in object-oriented design and large-scale application development in Java, Kotlin, C#, C++, JavaScript; fluency in Spring Boot and relevant technologies
• Experience with Federated GraphQL and Apollo Federation is a plus
• Strong understanding of modern developer platform fundamentals including:
• Kubernetes for container orchestration and service deployment
• Docker for containerization and environment management
• CI/CD systems, service monitoring, and operational tooling
• Service discovery, distributed tracing, and metrics instrumentation
• Experience working on developer experience (DevEx) or internal platform teams
• Experience in Agile development; flexible, adaptable, and able to deliver large projects in a fast-paced environment
• Self-motivated and fast learner with excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal, and analytical skills

Our Team Culture

We believe in treating each other with respect, support, and trust. We celebrate wins together and navigate challenges as a team, delivering world-class solutions across eBay.

Additional Details

This job posting relates to an existing vacancy within eBay. eBay is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other legally protected status. If you require accommodation, please contact us at [e-mail]. View our accessibility statement to learn more about eBay’s commitment to digital accessibility.