Sr. Platform Engineer

CAI Cox Automotive Corp Svcs., LLC; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 112,000 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Cox Automotive is seeking a Senior Platform Engineer to join our team. You will contribute to a next-generation federated GraphQL platform powering multiple data domains and products.

You will design and scale Apollo-based infrastructure, enable multi-tenant routing, and support features like contracts, billing, and analytics. Collaboration across teams and mentoring are key parts of the role.

Qualifications

• Design and scale federated GraphQL (Apollo) architecture.
• Experience building distributed systems and APIs at scale.
• Proficiency in TypeScript, Java, or Python.
• Hands-on with cloud-native infrastructure (AWS, ECS/Kubernetes).
• Knowledge of API design principles and governance.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop federated GraphQL architecture and subgraph integration.
• Build and scale Apollo router infrastructure with multi-region support.
• Implement CI/CD pipelines and governance for safe schema evolution.
• Develop multi-tenant routing and Apollo contracts.
• Collaborate with data, platform, and product teams and mentor juniors.

Skills

Distributed systems

APIs at scale

TypeScript

Java

Python

Cloud-native infrastructure

AWS

Kubernetes

CI/CD pipelines

API governance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline

Master’s degree + 2 years experience

PhD + up to 1 year experience

16 years experience in a related field

Tools

Apollo Federation

Apollo GraphQL

AWS

Kubernetes

Docker

Job description

Company Cox Automotive - USA Job Family Group Engineering / Product Development Job Profile Sr Software Engineer Management Level Individual Contributor Flexible Work Option Hybrid - Ability to work remotely part of the week Travel % No Work Shift Day Compensation Compensation includes a base salary in the range of $111,600.00 - $186,000.00. The base salary may vary within the anticipated base pay range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include an incentive program.

Job Description Cox Automotive is seeking a Senior Platform Engineer to join our team. We are building a next-generation federated GraphQL platform (DriveQ supergraph) that unifies multiple enterprise data domains and powers internal and external products. This role will focus on scaling Apollo Federation infrastructure, enabling multi-tenant routing, and supporting emerging capabilities like contracts, billing, and data analytics. We are seeking experienced engineers who can independently design, build, and operate complex distributed systems while collaborating across multiple teams.

What You’ll Do:

• Design and develop federated GraphQL (Apollo) architecture, including schema design, subgraph integration, and supergraph evolution
• Build and scale Apollo router infrastructure, supporting multi-region deployments, routing, and failover
• Implement CI/CD pipelines and governance workflows to ensure safe schema evolution and avoid breaking API changes
• Develop capabilities for multi-tenant routing and Apollo contracts to support external and internal product use cases
• Contribute to platform-level initiatives such as usage telemetry, billing data capture, and Snowflake integration
• Partner with data, platform, and product teams to onboard new subgraphs and improve discoverability
• Lead technical design discussions and mentor junior engineers

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and 4 years’ experience in a related field
• The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as a master’s degree and 2 years’ experience; a Ph.D. and up to 1 year of experience; or 16 years’ experience in a related field
• Experience building distributed systems and APIs at scale
• Proficiency in TypeScript, Java, or Python (Apollo Server / Strawberry or similar frameworks preferred)
• Hands‑on experience with cloud-native infrastructure (AWS, ECS/Kubernetes, DNS routing, CI/CD pipelines)
• Strong understanding of API design principles and governance
• Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship
• No OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT or visa sponsorship now or in future
• Availability for rotational on‑call duties outside of standard business hours may be required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with GraphQL and Apollo Federation
• Familiarity with API gateway / routing layers (e.g., Kong, routers, load balancing)
• Experience with observability, telemetry, and data pipelines (S3, Snowflake)
• Exposure to multi‑region architecture and high‑availability systems
• Experience working on platform teams or shared infrastructure

Drug Testing

To be employed in this role, you’ll need to clear a pre‑employment drug test. Cox Automotive does not currently administer a pre‑employment drug test for marijuana for this position. However, we are a drug‑free workplace, so the possession, use or being under the influence of drugs illegal under federal or state law during work hours, on company property and/or in company vehicles is prohibited.

Benefits

• The Company offers eligible employees the flexibility to take as much vacation with pay as they deem consistent with their duties, the company’s needs, and its obligations; seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year; and up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for their own wellness or that of family members
• Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave
• Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO)

About Us

Through groundbreaking technology and a commitment to stellar experiences for drivers and dealers alike, Cox Automotive employees are transforming the way the world buys, owns, sells– or simply uses– cars. Cox Automotive employees get to work on iconic consumer brands like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book and industry‑leading dealer‑facing companies like vAuto and Manheim, all while enjoying the people‑centered atmosphere that is central to our life at Cox.

Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer– All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship.

Cox brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities– and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Our people love technology– and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Cox vision around the globe. From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.