Software Engineer 3, Search Backend

Engg; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 98,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

eBay is seeking a mid-level engineer to join the Search Backend team in Austin, TX. You will design and operate the distribution pipelines that deliver search indexes to thousands of nodes, enabling fast, fresh, and reliable search for hundreds of millions of users daily.

You will own distributed components from design to production, work with cross-functional teams, and ensure scalability and reliability of index delivery.

Qualifications

• BS/BA or above in Computer Science or a related field.
• 4+ years of professional software engineering experience building production applications.
• Demonstrated ability building backend distributed systems with fault tolerance, consistency, replication, and concurrency.
• Deep understanding of data structures, algorithms, and distributed systems fundamentals.
• Strong proficiency in Java, Scala, or similar languages.
• Proven hands-on experience with streaming and data pipeline technologies – Kafka, Spark, Flink, or similar.
• Experience with cluster coordination tools like Zookeeper.
• Hands-on experience with Docker and Kubernetes for deploying distributed services at scale.
• Familiarity with search technologies such as Lucene, Solr, Elasticsearch, or proprietary search engines.

Responsibilities

• Design and build core components of eBay's search index distribution infrastructure including real-time streaming pipelines.
• Architect scalable, fault-tolerant pipelines for real-time and batch index distribution at global scale.
• Build intelligent systems for auto-managing index distribution clusters with proactive health monitoring and automated remediation.
• Take full ownership of distributed pipeline components from design to production.
• Write clean, well-documented code that is maintainable and scalable.
• Collaborate with Search Backend, Infrastructure, and partner teams to ensure indexes are fresh and delivered on time.
• Debug and troubleshoot distributed system issues, pipeline failures, and performance bottlenecks across large-scale infrastructure.

Skills

Backend distributed systems

Java/Scala

Distributed systems

Education

BS/BA in CS

Tools

Kafka

Spark

Flink

Zookeeper

Docker

Kubernetes

Lucene

Solr

Elasticsearch

Job description

At eBay, we're more than a global ecommerce leader — we’re changing the way the world shops and sells. Our platform empowers millions of buyers and sellers in more than 190 markets around the world. We’re committed to pushing boundaries and leaving our mark as we reinvent the future of ecommerce for enthusiasts. Our customers are our compass, authenticity thrives, bold ideas are welcome, and everyone can bring their unique selves to work — every day. We're in this together, sustaining the future of our customers, our company, and our planet. Join a team of passionate thinkers, innovators, and dreamers — and help us connect people and build communities to create economic opportunity for all.

About the team and the role:

We are looking for a talented mid-level engineer to join the Search Backend team and help us push the boundaries of index distribution. You'll be at the heart of building and operating the distribution pipelines that deliver search indexes to thousands of Search nodes, serving as the critical backbone that keeps eBay's search engine fast, fresh, and reliable. This is a high-stakes, high-impact role where your work is the foundation of a superior Search experience for hundreds of millions of eBay users every day.

Responsibilities:

• Design and build core components of eBay's search index distribution infrastructure including real-time streaming pipelines that move data with precision and speed across thousands of nodes.
• Architect highly scalable, fault-tolerant pipelines that power both real-time and batch index distribution at global scale.
• Build intelligent systems for auto-managing index distribution clusters — think self-healing infrastructure with proactive health monitoring, smart alerting, and automated remediation.
• Take full ownership of distributed pipeline components from initial design all the way to production, driving quality and reliability at every step.
• Write clean, well-documented code that is maintainable, extensible, and ready to scale and built for the long haul.
• Work closely with Search Backend, Infrastructure, and partner teams to ensure indexes are fresh, consistent, and delivered on time, every time.
• Dive deep into complex distributed system issues debugging and troubleshooting pipeline failures, index delivery anomalies, and performance bottlenecks across a large-scale, multi-pool infrastructure.

Requirements:

• BS/BA or above in Computer Science or a related field
• 4 or more years of professional software engineering experience building production applications
• Demonstrated ability building backend distributed systems, fault tolerance, consistency, replication, and concurrency
• Deep understanding of data structures, algorithms, and the fundamentals of distributed systems
• Strong proficiency in Java, Scala, or similar languages
• Proven hands-on experience with streaming and data pipeline technologies - Kafka, Spark, Flink, or similar
• Experience with cluster coordination tools like Zookeeper
• Hands-on experience with container technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes for deploying and managing distributed services at scale
• Familiarity with search technologies such as Lucene, Solr, Elasticsearch, or proprietary search engines

Additional Details

The base pay range for this position is expected in the range below: $98,000 - $173,600 Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including location, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a target bonus and restricted stock units (as applicable) in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as PTO and parental leave). Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employees will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. Remote roles are not eligible for U.S. visa sponsorship.

eBay is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, and disability, or other legally protected status.

If you have a need that requires accommodation, please contact us at [e-mail] . We will make every effort to respond to your request for accommodation as soon as possible.

View our accessibility statement to learn more about eBay's commitment to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities.

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