Software Engineer

KAYAK; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A global travel search engine is looking for a Software Engineer with strong Java programming skills to design and maintain AdTech applications. This role involves collaborating with engineering and product teams, improving algorithms for ad targeting, and working with various data storage systems. The ideal candidate will bring over 4 years of experience in software development and enjoy a flexible work environment with generous benefits.

Benefits

Work from anywhere for up to 20 days per year

Company-paid therapy sessions

Paid parental leave

Competitive retirement and health plans

Free lunch 2 days per week

Fun quarterly events

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience with Java programming.
• Strong understanding of programming fundamentals, data structures, algorithms, and software design.
• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain efficient solutions for AdTech applications.
• Collaborate with colleagues to create impactful software.
• Identify and solve technical challenges related to performance.

Skills

Java programming

Algorithms

Data structures

Good communication skills

Relational databases

Tools

MySQL

Aerospike

Trino

Redis

Job description

Overview

KAYAK, part of Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG), is the world’s leading travel search engine. With billions of queries across our platforms, we help people find their perfect flight, stay, rental car and vacation package. We’re also transforming business travel with a new corporate travel solution, KAYAK for Business.

As an employee of KAYAK, you will be part of a travel company that operates a portfolio of global metasearch brands including momondo, Cheapflights and HotelsCombined, among others. From start-up to industry leader, innovation is in our DNA and every employee has an opportunity to make their mark. Our focus is on building the best travel search engine to make it easier for everyone to experience the world.

Note, this role will be required to work from our Cambridge, MA office at least 3 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain efficient solutions for our AdTech applications, including ad targeting and content management
• Collaborate with colleagues from engineering, product, data science, and design to create software that meets the needs of our users
• Work with various data storage systems like MySQL, Memcache, Aerospike, Trino, Redis, and more
• Build and improve algorithms to enhance ad targeting and increase value for our partners
• Write tests at multiple levels (unit, integration, API, end-to-end) to ensure quality and reliability
• Share knowledge with teammates through code reviews and collaborative learning
• Identify and solve complex technical challenges related to software performance and scalability.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience with Java programming
• Strong understanding of programming fundamentals, data structures, algorithms, and software design
• Ability to work independently and with a team
• Good communication skills for sharing ideas clearly with both technical and non-technical colleagues
• Familiarity with relational databases like MySQL or Oracle
• Experience or interest in working with Aerospike, Trino or Redis is a plus

Benefits

• Work from (almost) anywhere for up to 20 days per year
• Focus on mental health and well-being: Company-paid therapy sessions through SpringHealth; Company-paid subscription to HeadSpace
• Company-wide week off a year - the whole team fully recharges (and returns without a pile-up of work!)
• Paid parental leave
• Generous paid vacation + time off for your birthday
• Focus on your career growth: Access to thousand of on-demand e-learnings
• Travel Discounts
• Employee Resource Groups
• Competitive retirement and health plans
• Free lunch 2 days per week
• Fun quarterly events such as boat trips, arcades, ski trips, Thursday socials, and more

Inclusion

At KAYAK, we want everyone to have the space to grow, share ideas and do great work. That’s why we’re focused on hiring the best talent from all walks of life and experiences, supporting them well and making sure no one feels like they have to fit a mold to belong here.

Need any adjustments for the interview, application or on the job? No problem - just give us a heads-up. We’ve got you.

KAYAK is an equal employment opportunity employer.