Software Engineer III, Backend

Match Group; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible vacation

10 sick days

Volunteer time off

Health, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) matching + ESPP

Parental leave and family benefits

Professional development stipend

Wellness programs

Tinder Gold subscription

Job summary

Tinder is seeking a mid-level Backend Engineer to design, build, and operate scalable services powering core workflows like Feature Experimentation, Profile Management, and Chat. You will work on Kubernetes/ECS-based systems and collaborate with multiple teams to drive platform improvements.

The role emphasizes strong CS fundamentals, experience with distributed architectures, and a passion for solving complex problems at high scale in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Excellent knowledge of a backend language: Java, Node.js, Go, or C++.
• 2+ years of industry work experience.
• Strong CS fundamentals with data structures and algorithms.
• Experience building distributed backend systems handling high traffic.
• Ability to translate ambiguous requirements into clear priorities and execution.
• Desire to tackle engaging engineering challenges and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and operate scalable, resilient distributed services on Kubernetes or ECS.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to extend our service platform.
• Influence team roadmap and product development.
• Mentor and develop other team members.

Skills

Backend development

Distributed systems

Cloud concepts

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science or equivalent

Tools

Kubernetes

AWS

Docker

ECS

NoSQL (DynamoDB/Cassandra)

Redis

Kafka

Job description

Our Mission

As humans, there are few things more exciting than meeting someone new. At Tinder, we’re inspired by the challenge of keeping the magic of human connection alive. With tens of millions of users, hundreds of millions of downloads, 2+ billion swipes per day, 20+ million matches per day, and a presence in 190+ countries, our reach is expansive—and rapidly growing.

We work together to solve complex problems. Behind the simplicity of every match, we think deeply about human relationships, behavioral science, network economics, AI and ML, online and real-world safety, cultural nuances, loneliness, love, sex, and more.

Our Values

• Take the Lead: We don't ghost our work or each other. Just as users don't leave their matches hanging, we don't let each other down.
• Move Fast: We have a bias for action and urgency. Something that could be done tomorrow would be better if done today.
• Better Together: We keep connection at the heart of dating and at the heart of how we work. Just as our users are better when they connect with others, so are we when we collaborate.
• Real Talk: We say the hard thing the human way. Just as we ask our users to behave with kindness and candor in our community, we expect Team Tinder to do the same.
• Safety First: We act with integrity, transparency, and consistency so people feel safe—whether they're swiping, matching, or working alongside us.
• Spark Fun: We have fun to unlock creativity, fuel innovation, and help us build better experiences for daters.

The Engineering team is responsible for building innovative features and resilient systems that bring people together. We're always experimenting with new features to engage with our members. Although we are a high-scale tech company, the member-to-engineer ratio is very high—making the level of impact each engineer gets to have at Tinder enormous.

The Backend Platform team is looking for a talented mid-level engineer to buildand optimize self-serve platforms fueling the core Tinder workflows, includingFeature Experimentation, Profile Management, and Chat. We’re looking forsomeone who is not afraid to dig into complex problem spaces and distillsolutions that meet cross-team and cross-company requirements.

In this role you will:

• Design, develop and operate scalable and resilient distributed services that run on Kubernetes or ECS
• Collaborate with various functional teams across Tinder on the expansion of our service platform
• Influence the team roadmap and product development
• Recruit, encourage, and develop other team members

You’ll need:

• Excellent knowledge and experience with a backend language like Java, Node.js, Go, C++
• BS/MS in Computer Science or an equivalent field with 2+ years of industry work experience
• Excellent knowledge of Computer Science fundamentals with strong competencies in data structures, algorithms, and coding
• Strong designing and building distributed backend systems handling high volumes of traffic
• Experience in handling ambiguous business requirements with excellent prioritization, time management abilities, and a focus on execution
• Passion to tackle exciting engineering problems and make continuous improvements

Nice to have:

• Experience with cloud computing systems such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform
• Experience in design and development using NoSQL, such as DynamoDB or Cassandra
• Experience with Redis, ElasticSearch, Kafka, and SparkExperience with Typescript
• Agile development methodology and CI/CD
• Experience with Docker containers

$175,000 - $185,000 a year

Factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, job-related skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations may influence base pay offered. This salary range is reflective of a position based in California. This salary will be subject to a geographic adjustment (according to a specific city and state), if an authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.

#LI-TS2

As a full-time employee, you’ll enjoy:

• Flexible Vacation, 10 Sick Days
• Time off to volunteer and charitable donations matched up to $15,000 annually
• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage
• 100% 401(k) employer match up to 10%, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• 100% paid parental leave (including for non-birthing parents) and family forming benefits
• Investment in your development: mentorship through our MentorMatch program, access to 6,000+ online courses through Udemy, and an annual $3,000 stipend for your professional development
• Investment in your wellness: access to mental health support via Modern Health, paid concierge medical membership, pet insurance, fitness membership subsidy, and commuter subsidy
• Free subscription to Tinder Gold

Commitment to Inclusion

At Tinder, we don’t just accept difference, we celebrate it. We strive to build a workplace that reflects the rich diversity of our members around the world, and we value unique perspectives and backgrounds. Even if you don’t meet all the listed qualifications, we invite you to apply and show us how your skills could transfer. Tinder is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace where we welcome people of all sexes, gender identities, races, ethnicities, disabilities, and other lived experiences. Learn more here: https://www.lifeattinder.com/dei

#Tinder