Staff Python Backend Engineer – Lead Cloud-Native Systems

PayPal; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

PayPal is seeking a Staff Software Engineer (Backend Python) to design, build, and scale high-performance Python backends. You will guide technical direction, mentor teams, and own complex distributed systems critical to global payments.

The role emphasizes cloud-native architectures, microservices, and strong security practices, with a balanced hybrid work model across Austin or San Jose. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful business outcomes and help democratize

Qualifications

• Lead design and architecture of scalable backend systems using Python and cloud-native patterns.
• Define technical roadmap aligned with business goals and drive initiatives.
• Coordinate engineers and set clear technical direction.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the engineering team.
• Develop large-scale Python backends with focus on performance and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Architect and develop backend services that power PayPal’s global transactions.
• Collaborate with Product, Infra, and Operations to deliver outcomes.
• Implement fault-tolerant, high-availability designs with disaster recovery.
• Apply security best practices and ensure data protection.
• Balance time, quality, complexity, and risk to deliver optimal solutions.
• Represent PayPal externally with partners and customers.

Skills

Python

Distributed systems

Cloud-native

Microservices

Serverless

Technical leadership

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Django or Flask

AWS/GCP/Azure

Job description

PayPal is seeking a Staff Software Engineer (Backend Python) to design, build, and scale high-performance Python backends. You will guide technical direction, mentor teams, and own complex distributed systems critical to global payments.

The role emphasizes cloud-native architectures, microservices, and strong security practices, with a balanced hybrid work model across Austin or San Jose. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful business outcomes and help democratize