Software Development Engineer III, Advertising Technology

Socket.dev; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 136,000 - 191,000; Full time

Job summary

Expedia Group is seeking a Software Development Engineer III for its Advertising Technology team to build real-time ad delivery systems that power ranking, auctions, and budget enforcement at scale. The role collaborates with Product, ML data science, and data teams to integrate APIs and ML-driven signals into high-throughput backend services.

The position emphasizes low latency, correctness, and reliability, with opportunities to mentor engineers, influence design, and continuously improve the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in backend software development.
• Experience with data-driven systems, ML-powered features, or A/B experimentation platforms.
• Strong proficiency in at least one modern programming language (e.g., Java, Kotlin).
• Experience building and deploying backend APIs (e.g., gRPC) and streaming or batch data processing services (e.g., Flink, Spark) in cloud environments.
• Solid understanding of distributed systems, data flows, and operational best practices.

Responsibilities

• Optimize bidding, ranking and pacing for ad delivery to surface relevant ads for travelers.
• Build and scale systems that support ad serving and ad selection across the Expedia Group advertising network.
• Apply strong software design principles, algorithms, and data structures to build scalable, low-latency services.
• Collaborate with Product, ML data scientists and data teams on features like relevance optimization, targeting, and performance modeling.
• Promote high-quality code, automated testing, and strong observability practices.
• Participate in operational reviews and drive continuous improvement.
• Mentor junior engineers and lead design discussions to raise the team's technical bar.

Skills

Backend development

Java

Kotlin

APIs (gRPC)

Streaming data processing

Distributed systems

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science or related field

Tools

gRPC

Flink

Spark

Job description

At Expedia Group, we help travelers explore the world, one journey at a time. As a global travel company powered by passionate people, trusted partnerships, and leading technology, we connect travelers, partners, and advertisers through our consumer brands, B2B network, and travel advertising business.

Here, you'll do meaningful work that helps millions of people discover, book, and experience travel with more ease, confidence, and joy. Our five Behaviors-Traveler First, Think Big, Operate with Excellence, Ownership Mindset, and Succeed Together-help foster a supportive environment where people can grow their careers and have the flexibility, benefits, and support to do their best work. Join us and build for travelers everywhere.

Introduction to the team

Expedia Group Advertising builds the platforms and experiences that connect advertisers with millions of travelers across the globe. Our mission is to help partners reach the right traveler with the right message at the right time — through intuitive advertiser experiences, high-performance ad delivery systems, and intelligent, AI-powered optimization.

We’re seeking a Software Development Engineer III to join our Advertising Technology team. You’ll build and operate real-time ad delivery systems that power ad ranking, auctions, bidding, and budget enforcement at scale. These services sit on the critical path of ad delivery, where low latency, correctness, and reliability directly impact revenue, advertiser ROI, and traveler experience.

You’ll work with Product, Machine Learning, Data Science, and Platform teams to integrate with APIs and microservices, bring ML-driven signals into high-throughput backend services, and scale the platform as the business grows.

In this role, you will:

• Optimize bidding, ranking and pacing for guaranteed and non-guaranteed ad delivery to surface more relevant ads and expand advertiser reach to travelers

• Build and scale systems that support ad serving and adselection across Expedia Group’s advertising network

• Apply strong software design principles, algorithms, and data structures to build scalable, low-latency, high-throughput services.

• Work closely with Product, ML data scientists and data teams on features such as relevance optimization, targeting, and performance modeling

• Advocate for high-quality code, automated testing, and strong observability practices

• Participate in operational reviews and drive continuous improvement

• Mentor junior engineers, lead design discussions, and help elevate the technical bar of the team

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related technical field

• 5+ years of experience in backend software development

• Experience working with data-driven systems, ML-powered features, or A/B experimentation platforms

• Strong proficiency in at least one modern programming language (e.g., Java, Kotlin)

• Experience building and deploying backend APIs (e.g., gRPC) and streaming or batch data processing services (e.g., Flink, Spark) in cloud environments

• Solid understanding of distributed systems, data flows, and operational best practices

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with search and retrieval systems, including relevance ranking, vector databases, embeddings, or AI/semantic search

• Experience designing and implementing agent-to-agent (A2A) and multi-agent AI systems

• Background in ads, marketplaces, e-commerce, or travel platforms

Location:

Please note that this role is only available in Seattle, WA, in alignment with our flexible work model, which requires employees to be in the office at least three days a week. We are unable to offer relocation assistance for this role.

The total cash range for this position in Seattle is $146,000.00 to $204,500.00. Employees in this role have the potential to increase their pay up to $233,500.00, which is the top of the range, based on ongoing, demonstrated, and sustained performance in the role.The total cash range for this position in Chicago is $136,000.00 to $190,500.00. Employees in this role have the potential to increase their pay up to $217,500.00, which is the top of the range, based on ongoing, demonstrated, and sustained performance in the role.

Starting pay for this role will vary based on multiple factors, including location, available budget, and an individual’s knowledge, skills, and experience. Pay ranges may be modified in the future.

Benefits and perks

Expedia Group offers benefits and perks designed to support employees and their families, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, an Employee Assistance Program, wellness and travel reimbursement, travel discounts, and International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN) membership. Learn more about life at Expedia Group at https://careers.expediagroup.com/life.

Accommodation requests

Expedia Group is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruiting experience. If you need an accommodation or adjustment due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please submit a request at https://expedia.service-now.com/askeg?id=job_accommodation.

About Expedia Group

Expedia Group includes three flagship consumer brands - Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo - along with a leading B2B travel business and travel advertising offerings. Across our brands and business, we help travelers explore the world with confidence and ease.

Important notice

Employment opportunities and job offers at Expedia Group will always come from Expedia Group's Talent Acquisition and hiring teams. Never share sensitive personal information unless you are confident of the recipient. Expedia Group does not extend job offers via email or messaging tools to individuals with whom we have not made prior contact. Our email domain is @expediagroup.com. The official place to find and apply for roles is https://careers.expediagroup.com/jobs/.

Equal Opportunity

Expedia is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This employer participates in E-Verify. The employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.