Backend Engineer - User Platform

Spotify; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading audio streaming service is seeking a Backend Engineer II to contribute to user management systems. This role entails designing and deploying backend services, collaborating with teams, and leveraging AI for system improvements. You should have expertise in Java and a strong background in distributed systems. The position offers a flexible work environment, allowing you to work from home or attend some in-person meetings.

Benefits

Flexible work environment

Inclusive workplace policies

Mentorship opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven track record of designing, building, and operating distributed systems.
• Deep expertise in Java backend development with experience in high-traffic services.
• Knowledge of Scala and/or C++ is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy backend services and APIs for user management.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplined teams on complex problems.
• Maintain business-critical user data pipelines.

Skills

Java backend development

Distributed systems

AI knowledge

Collaboration

Systems architecture

Job description

We’re looking for a Backend Engineer II to join the User Platform (UP) studio, part of Spotify’s Platform Mission.

User Platform is responsible for Spotify’s Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) capabilities - the foundation that connects users with Spotify and Spotify with its users.

We build and operate the systems that store and serve user account data in a way that is compliant, reliable, cost-effective, and ensures data integrity. Our work powers many of the core services that enable Spotify to deliver seamless access to the audio experiences enjoyed by over 700 million users worldwide.

What You’ll Do

• Design, develop, and deploy backend services and APIs that power Spotify's user management systems.
• Collaborate with different cross-disciplined teams on complex problems.
• Maintaining business-critical Spotify user data pipelines, ensuring high availability, stability, and adherence to SLAs.
• Embrace and promote sound engineering practices and contribute to a culture of high‑quality, scalable, and reliable systems.
• Actively contribute to our learning culture by sharing knowledge and mentoring other engineers.
• Leverage AI to improve our systems, automate tasks, and drive business impact. We believe in "AI Fluency" and expect our engineers to be knowledgeable and willing to learn and apply AI to their work.

Who You Are

• You are a seasoned backend engineer with a proven track record of designing, building, and operating distributed systems.
• You have a T‑shaped skill set, with deep expertise in Java backend development and a desire to learn and contribute to related areas like data engineering.
• You are a proactive collaborator who can operate across the stack and are not afraid to learn new skills to unblock yourself and your team.
• You are an expert in modern Java development, with practical experience in building and optimising high‑traffic, highly available backend services. Knowledge of Scala and/or C++ is a plus.
• You have proven experience in systems architecture, data analysis, and building resilient distributed services.
• You believe in operating across the entire stack and can learn the skills needed to unblock yourself and your team.
• You have a passion for learning new technologies, including AI, and are keen to apply them to solve business problems.
• You are an exceptional communicator, capable of translating complex technical concepts for both technical and non‑technical stakeholders with clarity and precision.
• You are an inclusive colleague who thrives in a collaborative, agile environment.

Where You’ll Be

• This role is based in London, United Kingdom or Stockholm, Sweden.
• We offer you the flexibility to work where you work best! There will be some in person meetings, but still allows for flexibility to work from home.

Spotify is an equal opportunity employer. You are welcome at Spotify for who you are, no matter where you come from, what you look like, or what’s playing in your headphones. Our platform is for everyone, and so is our workplace. The more voices we have represented and amplified in our business, the more we will all thrive, contribute, and be forward‑thinking! So bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It’s in our differences that we will find the power to keep revolutionizing the way the world listens.

At Spotify, we are passionate about inclusivity and making sure our entire recruitment process is accessible to everyone. We have ways to request reasonable accommodations during the interview process and help assist in what you need. If you need accommodations at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know – we’re here to support you in any way we can.

Spotify transformed music listening forever when we launched in 2008. Our mission is to unlock the potential of human creativity by giving a million creative artists the opportunity to live off their art and billions of fans the chance to enjoy and be passionate about these creators. Everything we do is driven by our love for music and podcasting. Today, we are the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service.