Staff Software Engineer

Summary

Join Airbnb's Integrated Knowledge Management team as a Staff Software Engineer and lead the development of our next-generation Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) platform. You will scale and optimize content retrieval and ranking across Airbnb, collaborating with engineering, ML/AI, product, content, data science, and operations teams. A typical day involves leading the implementation of new features, analyzing data to improve services, collaborating with cross-functional teams, mentoring other engineers, and advocating for improved engineering processes. This role requires extensive backend software development experience, expertise in search and retrieval systems, and proficiency in a major backend programming language. The position is US-remote eligible, with occasional office work or offsites.

Requirements

• 9+ years of backend software development experience
• 4+ years of recent industry experience building search, retrieval and ranking systems to power end-to-end Machine Learning powered products; recent industry experience building Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems a must
• Strong proficiency in at least one major backend programming language (e.g., Java, Kotlin, Scala, Python)
• Proven track record of delivering backend solutions in a collaborative environment, from ideation and planning to implementation and launch
• Experience with architectural patterns of large-scale systems, including well-designed APIs, high-volume data pipelines, and efficient algorithms
• Demonstrated ability to make data-driven decisions, articulate technical trade-offs, and communicate effectively with cross-functional partners
• BS, MS or PhD in CS or related field

Responsibilities

• Lead the scoping, technical requirements, architecture, and the implementation of new features and functionality
• Analyze data, build hypotheses, experiment, learn and iterate to improve the Integrated Knowledge Management services
• Collaborate with cross-functional working groups (frontend/backend/ML engineers, design, product and operation teams), in both North America and globally, to design and build end-to-end product solutions to improve Airbnb’s customer service experience
• Mentor other engineers in developing their technical, operational, and collaboration skills
• Advocate and participate in efforts to advance Airbnb’s engineering processes and technical foundations

Benefits

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