Software Engineer II, Backend

Affirm, Inc.; Detroit (MI); Remote; USD 146,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage for employees and deps

Tech stipends for setup

ESPP stock purchase plan

Generous time off and holidays

Job summary

Affim's Engineering team builds systems that power our mission to provide clear, predictable pay-over-time experiences. You will work on backend systems using Python or Kotlin, designing scalable services and collaborating with product, design and analytics across the lifecycle.

This remote-first role emphasizes reliable, well-tested code, ownership of growth, and ongoing learning. Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits support a healthy work–life balance.

Qualifications

• 1.5+ years of experience as a software engineer.
• Experience designing, developing and launching backend systems; proficient in Python or Kotlin.
• Familiar with distributed systems and technologies like AWS, MySQL and Kubernetes.
• Turn simple problems into multi-component solutions with clear, well-tested code.
• Comfort navigating a large code base and providing feedback via code reviews.
• Growth mindset; actively seek feedback from team and stakeholders.
• Strong verbal and written communication for global collaboration.
• Equivalent practical experience or a Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

• Break down large projects into tasks, deliver in phases, and collaborate for timely delivery.
• Collaborate with product management, design & analytics; articulate constraints and trade-offs.
• Support operations and availability by creating metrics, escalating when needed, and on-call work.
• Foster team community through growth activities including interview participation.

Skills

1.5+ yrs experience

Backend design/launch

Python

Kotlin

Distributed systems

AWS

MySQL

Kubernetes

Code reviews

Ownership/growth

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

At Affim, we exist for the moments that matter—giving people a clear, predictable way to pay over time, with no hidden fees, no surprises, and no tradeoffs on what matters most.

The Engineering team builds systems that power Affim’s mission. We take pride in our craft, building reliable, performant, and scalable solutions that touch every part of the business. Whether we’re enabling new ways to pay, ensuring our platforms can scale to the most demanding levels in the industry, or developing seamless servicing experiences, our focus is on solving complex problems through exceptional engineering.

You will be matched with a team after completing the interview evaluation process. Your recruiter will work closely with you throughout the process to understand your interests and experience to find the strongest team fit.

What You’ll Do

• With the support of your team’s tech lead and manager, you will break down larger projects into individual tasks, deliver them in multiple phases, and collaborate with others to ensure timely delivery of your work.
• You will support your peers and stakeholders in the product development lifecycle by collaborating with product management, design & analytics by participating in ideation, articulating technical constraints, and partnering on decisions that properly consider risks and trade-offs.
• You will support the operations and availability of your team’s artifacts by creating and monitoring metrics, escalating when needed, and supporting “keep the lights on” & on-call efforts.
• You will contribute to a sense of community on your team by engaging in growth and development activities such as participation in the interview process.

What We Look For

• You have a total of 1.5+ years of experience as a software engineer.
• You have experience designing, developing and launching backend systems and are proficient in one of Python or Kotlin.
• You are familiar with the building blocks of distributed systems, and the technologies like AWS, MySQL and Kubernetes.
• You have mastered taking a simple problem or business scenario into a solution that interacts with multiple software components, and executing on it by writing clear, easily understood, well tested and extensible code.
• You are comfortable navigating a large code base, debugging others’ code, and providing feedback to other engineers through code reviews.
• Your experience demonstrates that you take ownership of your growth, proactively seeking feedback from your team, your manager, and your stakeholders.
• You have strong verbal and written communication skills that support effective collaboration with our global engineering team.
• This position requires either equivalent practical experience or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Base Pay Grade – L Equity Grade – 6

Employees new to Affim typically come in at the start of the pay range. Affim focuses on providing a simple and transparent pay structure which is based on a variety of factors, including location, experience and job-related skills.

Base pay is part of a total compensation package that may include equity rewards, monthly stipends for health, wellness and tech spending, and benefits (including 100% subsidized medical coverage, dental and vision for you and your dependents.)

USA base pay range (CA, WA, NY, NJ, CT) per year: 165,000 – 225,000 USD

USA base pay range (all other U.S. states) per year: 146,000 – 206,000 USD

Remote-first with flexibility built in

Affim is proud to be a remote-first company. Most roles can be done from almost anywhere within the country of employment. Some positions may occasionally require in-person work at an Affim office, and a few are office-based due to the nature of the work. All new hires will be invited to attend an in-person onboarding experience.

Benefits Designed For You

Our benefits reflect our commitment to care, transparency, and flexibility. Here are a few highlights:

• Health coverage at no cost: We cover 100% of premiums for employees and their dependents.
• Spending stipends: Monthly stipends support your tech setup, and the ability to choose health and wellness options that are right for you.
• Time off to recharge: Flexible time off and generous holiday calendars help you rest when you need to.
• Own a piece of what you build: Our employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) lets you buy Affim stock at a discount.

We’re committed to providing an inclusive interview process, including accommodations for candidates with disabilities. If you need support, we’re happy to help.

For positions based in San Francisco or Los Angeles: Affim considers qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, as required by law.