Senior Software Engineer, Backend (AdTech)
Mashgin · Palo Alto, CA
$160,000–$220,000
Jul 9, 2026
Palo Alto, CA
Jul 21, 2026
What this job asks for AI summary
A backend engineering role focused on building and scaling the server-side systems that underpin an AI-powered checkout platform. Day-to-day work spans designing new features, rearchitecting existing codebases for scale, and maintaining production infrastructure — with particular emphasis on AdTech components such as ad servers, real-time bidding, and click-through-rate prediction. Suits an experienced backend engineer comfortable with end-to-end ownership across a small, cross-functional team.
Senior level · 5+ years · San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA · Full-time
Pay in the description: $160,000–$220,000
“or” means any one of them counts — you don't need all of them.
We read this from the posting text with AI. Skim the description below before ruling yourself out.
How this req sits in the market our data
Roughly 11,700 people in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area plausibly meet what this posting asks for (software developers). range 8,800–15,200
Applicant volume Heavy — This req sits in a large pool with little in its requirements to thin it, and auto-apply tools fire at everything in the occupation. Applying early and leading with the rare skills below is what gets read.
Most people in this occupation already list these. Still required — just not what gets you shortlisted.
What the occupation pays Median $217,796 (middle half $177,469–$231,052). This posting is about at that midpoint.
Estimated from BLS employment for this occupation and area, per-skill prevalence across our listing corpus, and published wage benchmarks — as of Jul 28, 2026. It is a model, not a headcount.
Why we read it this way (6)
The job title is 'Senior Backend Software Engineer' but the posting notes that all engineers carry the internal title 'Member of Technical Staff' — the external seniority framing is Senior.
The primary language requirement lists Python, Node.js, C++, Go, C#, and Java as interchangeable options ('one or more of these languages') under Minimum Qualifications; Python is used as the primary name with the others captured as alternatives.
AdTech experience (ad servers, RTB bidders, OpenRTB protocols, SSP/DSP integrations, tracking engines, predictive CTR services) is listed under Preferred Qualifications despite being called out in the Position Summary as a focus area — it is treated as preferred since it sits under the preferred heading.
The degree requirement states 'B.S. or higher in Computer Science (or equivalent work experience)', which explicitly accepts equivalent experience in lieu of a degree, so no minimum degree is flagged.
Cloud infrastructure deployment/management and SQL/database proficiency appear under Preferred Qualifications only.
Compensation of $160,000–$220,000/year is explicitly stated for the Palo Alto, CA office location; the role does not appear to be remote.
Read the full posting
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