Senior Software Engineer

Summary

Join Airbnb's Identity Defense team as a senior backend engineer and play a critical role in safeguarding the platform by ensuring user identity. You will design and implement scalable backend systems for identity verification and fraud prevention, build and maintain real-time detection systems, train and deploy machine learning models, and integrate advanced verification methods. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including ML, iOS/Android, and web engineers, to deliver end-to-end solutions. Identify risk trends, improve detection quality, and contribute to foundational infrastructure. Mentor other engineers and shape the team's technical direction. This US-remote eligible position requires 5+ years of experience in software engineering with a focus on backend development and/or applied machine learning.

Requirements

• 5+ years of industry experience in software engineering, with a focus on backend development and/or applied Machine learning
• BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, a related field, or equivalent work experience
• Proficient in Java, Python, or similar languages
• Experience with machine learning and/or computer vision systems (e.g., face detection, liveness, tampering detection)
• Familiarity with ML infrastructure components such as model serving, feature stores, or embedding pipelines
• Strong collaboration skills and experience working with cross-functional teams
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving projects from concept to production

Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable backend systems that support identity verification and fraud prevention at global scale
• Build and maintain services that power real-time detection and decisioning systems
• Train and deploy machine learning models for identity misuse detection and risk scoring
• Integrate advanced verification methods, including biometrics and NFC-based flows
• Collaborate closely with ML, iOS/Android, and web engineers to deliver end-to-end solutions
• Work with product managers, data scientists, and operations to identify risk trends and improve detection quality
• Contribute to foundational infrastructure including secure data handling, image processing, model serving, and feature engineering
• Shape technical direction and influence the team roadmap through long-term strategy and investment planning
• Mentor other engineers and promote best practices to strengthen Airbnb’s engineering culture and foundations

Benefits

This role may also be eligible for bonus, equity, benefits, and Employee Travel Credits