Senior Java Software Engineer, Search team

Kayak; United States; Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free lunch twice a week

Health insurance

Birthday leave

Vacation week

Yoga sessions

Job summary

Kayak, part of Booking Holdings, is seeking a senior Java backend developer to build and maintain its high‑performance search and booking technology. You will design scalable backend services, own solutions from design through production, and collaborate with data, commercial, and engineering teams.

The role requires 7+ years in Java and Spring, fluent English, and experience with PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Redis. The Kaunas office requires at least 3 days on site, with hybrid work options.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience with the Java ecosystem and Spring Framework (Boot, Security).
• Expertise in designing for high-throughput data environments using PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Redis.
• Education in Computer Science or a related field.
• Fluent English communication skills.
• Previous experience with AI/LLM would be a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain scalable backend search capabilities focused on speed, reliability, relevance, and user experience.
• Own complex technical solutions from design through operational support.
• Provide technical leadership by guiding architecture discussions and maintaining high engineering standards.
• Collaborate with commercial, data, and engineering teams to deliver robust technical solutions.
• Resolve production issues, improve system reliability, and reduce technical debt.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to better testing, observability, CI/CD, and development practices.

Skills

Java

Spring Framework

English (Fluent)

AI/LLM experience

Education

Computer Science or related field

Tools

ElasticSearch

Job description

KAYAK, part of Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG), is a 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.

We are looking for strong Senior Java backend developers to implement new features and maintain KAYAK's world leading search and booking technology. We integrate with over 200 travel partners and link to over 500,000 hotels and 550 airlines. You will be an essential part of a high powered team that keeps all of this running smoothly – helping millions of people find the best hotels and the best ways to fly from A to B every day!

This role will be required to work from our Kaunas office at least 3 days per week.

In this role, you will:

• Design and maintain scalable backend search capabilities focused on speed, reliability, relevance, and user experience.

• Own complex technical solutions from design through operational support.

• Provide technical leadership by guiding architecture discussions and maintaining high engineering standards.

• Collaborate with commercial, data, and engineering teams to deliver robust technical solutions.

• Resolve production issues, improve system reliability, and reduce technical debt.

• Mentor engineers and contribute to better testing, observability, CI/CD, and development practices.

• Education in Computer Science or a related field.

• 7+ years of experience with the Java ecosystem and Spring Framework (Boot, Security).

• Expertise in designing for high-throughput data environments using PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Redis.

• Fluent English communication skills.

• Previous experience with AI/LLM would be a plus.
  

Bonus Skills:

• Exposure to ElasticSearch or similar search technologies.

Compensation:

Salary consists of three elements:

Base pay: from 3330 EUR up to 6660 EUR gross monthly
In addition:

• Significant yearly bonuses, approx 10 percent of annual salary.

• Booking Holdings RSU (Restricted Stock Units) package, worth 20000 USD gross, with possibility to receive yearly refreshes.

Benefits:

• Work from (almost) anywhere for up to 20 days per year

• Funds for your career growth

• Access to thousands of on-demand e-learnings

• Generous additional Health Insurance

• Flexible sick time off

• Additional financial support for your sick leave

• Additional day off on your birthday

• Company-wide vacation week once a year (winter holidays)

• Additional financial support during parental leave

• Free lunch twice a week and daily snacks at the office

• Free yoga twice a week

• Paid volunteering time

• No meeting Fridays

• Office and team events such as summer camp, KAYAK birthday, winter party and more!

• Company-paid therapy sessions through SpringHealth

• Company-paid subscription to HeadSpace

• Internal Communities

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.
If you need accommodations during the application or interview process, or on the job, we're here to support you. Please reach out to your recruiter to request any accommodations.