Senior Staff Software Engineer

ServiceNow; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 171,900 - 300,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

401(k) plan with company match

ESPP

Matching donations

Flexible time away plan

Family leave programs

Job summary

ServiceNow is seeking a senior platform engineer to own the end‑to‑end lifecycle of custom workflows and applications on the ServiceNow App Engine, with deep expertise in compiler and runtime systems. You will optimize execution engines, memory management, and performance at the systems level to scale customer solutions.

You will work with product owners, write high‑quality, testable code, and mentor teammates in low‑level systems engineering and optimization techniques.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience with Java or similar object‑oriented language, with at least 5+ years working on compiler, runtime, JIT/AOT systems, or language execution engines.
• Experience integrating AI into software development, workflows, decision‑making, or automation using AI‑powered tools and technologies.
• Strong experience with compiler/runtime systems: execution engines, memory management, concurrency, JIT/AOT compilation, performance optimization, profiling, and debugging.
• Advanced knowledge of data structures, algorithms, object‑oriented design, design patterns, and performance/scale considerations at the systems level.
• Experience developing, troubleshooting, and optimizing relational databases.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize execution engines, JIT/AOT compilation pipelines, and memory management systems to ensure customer applications run at scale.
• Build high‑quality, clean, scalable, and reusable code by enforcing best practices around software engineering architecture and processes (Code Reviews, Unit testing, etc.).
• Work with product owners to understand detailed requirements and own your code from design, implementation, test automation, and delivery of high‑quality product to our users.
• Implement software that is simple to use, allowing customers to extend and customize functionality to meet their specific needs.
• Mentor colleagues and promote knowledge‑sharing across teams on low‑level systems engineering, performance profiling, and optimization techniques.

Skills

Java

Compiler systems

Runtime systems

JIT/AOT

Performance optimization

Memory management

Object-oriented design

Concurrency

AI integration

Multi-stack experience

Mentorship

Code reviews

Tools

LLVM

Low-level systems

Job description

It all started when engineer Fred Luddy wrote code that automated a tedious task for his coworker, Phyllis. She cried tears of joy. That moment inspired Fred to build a company that could do that for everyone—freeing people from busywork so they could focus on meaningful work. Today, ServiceNow is the AI control tower for business reinvention. Our ServiceNow AI platform brings together any AI, any data, and any workflow— helping 85% of the Fortune 500® work smarter, faster, and better. We're building an AI-native culture where technology and talent are unstoppable together. And we're just getting started.

Join us to put AI to work for people.

Job Description

We are the platform engineers handling app lifecycle at ServiceNow. We manage the end-to-end journey of custom workflows and applications built on the ServiceNow App Engine . We ensure apps move smoothly and securely from development to production. This role requires deep expertise in compiler and runtime systems —you'll optimize execution engines, memory management, and performance at the systems level.

What you get to do in this role:

• Design and optimize execution engines, JIT/AOT compilation pipelines, and memory management systems to ensure customer applications run at scale.
• Build high‑quality, clean, scalable, and reusable code by enforcing best practices around software engineering architecture and processes (Code Reviews, Unit testing, etc.).
• Work with product owners to understand detailed requirements and own your code from design, implementation, test automation, and delivery of high‑quality product to our users.
• Implement software that is simple to use, allowing customers to extend and customize functionality to meet their specific needs.
• Mentor colleagues and promote knowledge‑sharing across teams on low‑level systems engineering, performance profiling, and optimization techniques.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role you have:

• 12+ years of experience with Java or similar object‑oriented language, with at least 5+ years working on compiler, runtime, JIT/AOT systems, or language execution engines.
• Experience integrating AI into software development, workflows, decision‑making, or automation using AI‑powered tools and technologies.
• Strong experience with compiler/runtime systems: execution engines, memory management, concurrency, JIT/AOT compilation, performance optimization, profiling, and debugging.
• Advanced knowledge of data structures, algorithms, object‑oriented design, design patterns, and performance/scale considerations at the systems level.
• Experience developing, troubleshooting, and optimizing relational databases.
• Experience with LLVM, language runtime development, or low‑level systems engineering (strong plus).
• Track record working across multiple technology stacks (Cloud Dev, Platforms, Web Dev, Frameworks, service‑oriented architecture).
• Capability to manage multiple projects with material technical risk across teams and processes; may serve as functional lead or technical owner.

For positions in California (outside of the Bay Area), we offer a base pay of $171,900 - $300,800, plus equity (when applicable), variable/incentive compensation and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the base pay shown is a guideline, and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location. We also offer health plans, including flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with company match, ESPP, matching donations, a flexible time away plan and family leave programs (subject to eligibility requirements). Compensation is based on the geographic location in which the role is located, and is subject to change based on work location.

We approach our distributed world of work with flexibility and trust. Work personas (flexible, remote, or required in office) are categories that are assigned to ServiceNow employees depending on the nature of their work and their assigned work location. Learn more here. To determine eligibility for a work persona, ServiceNow may confirm the distance between your primary residence and the closest ServiceNow office using a third‑party service.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ServiceNow is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity, veteran status, or any other category protected by law. In addition, all qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with legal requirements.

Accommodations

We strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are unable to use this online application and need an alternative method to apply, please contact [e-mail] for assistance.

Export Control Regulations

For positions requiring access to controlled technology subject to export control regulations, including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), ServiceNow may be required to obtain export control approval from government authorities for certain individuals. All employment is contingent upon ServiceNow obtaining any export license or other approval that may be required by relevant export control authorities.

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