Software Dev Engineer II - Backend/Data

It takes powerful technology to connect our brands and partners with an audience of hundreds of millions of people. Whether you’re looking to write mobile app code, engineer the servers behind our massive ad tech stacks, or develop algorithms to help us process trillions of data points a day, what you do here will have a huge impact on our business—and the world.

This candidate needs to be located in EST timezone (Reston, VA preferred).

Software Development Engineer II – Backend/Data

The Software Development Engineer II – Backend/Data designs, builds, and maintains robust, scalable data pipelines and backend services. This role requires strong technical expertise in backend development, distributed systems, and cloud-based data platforms. You’ll play a key role in ensuring the performance, reliability, and scalability of data solutions that power critical business operations and products.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain automated, cloud-native ETL/ELT pipelines using GCP services (e.g., Dataflow, Dataproc, Cloud Composer, Pub/Sub, BigQuery).

• Ingest and process structured and unstructured data from diverse sources into BigQuery and other GCP data systems.

• Transform, clean, and enrich datasets to support analytics, machine learning, and reporting use cases.

• Implement data validation, monitoring, and alerting for pipeline reliability and data quality.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams using Git, Jira, and CI/CD pipelines

• Troubleshoot and resolve production data and backend issues, ensuring system reliability and scalability.

• Document system design, data flows, and operational processes for transparency and maintainability.

• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to engineering best practices for cloud-based data systems

Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.

• 3+ years of experience in backend or data engineering.

• Proficiency in at least one backend language — Python, Java, or Go preferred.

• Hands-on experience with GCP data services: BigQuery, Dataflow, Dataproc, Cloud Storage, Pub/Sub, and Composer (Airflow).

• Solid understanding of relational and distributed databases, data modeling, and performance optimization.

• Familiarity with containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes/GKE).

• Strong Unix/Linux and shell scripting skills.

• Experience building and managing workflow orchestration (Airflow or Cloud Composer).

• Knowledge of CI/CD, logging, and monitoring (Stackdriver, Cloud Logging, Prometheus, etc.).

• Strong problem-solving, debugging, and communication skills with a focus on reliability and scalability.

Nice to Have

• Exposure to AI/ML workflows or tools such as Vertex AI.

• Experience with streaming data processing (Dataflow, Kafka, or Pub/Sub).

• Understanding of concurrency, multithreading, and distributed systems design.

• Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, Deployment Manager).

• rol tools (e.g., Git, Maven, JIRA).

• Troubleshoot and resolve production issues post-deployment.

• Document designs, processes, and outcomes to ensure maintainability.

• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team development best practices.
   

Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science (or equivalent experience).

• 3+ years of experience in backend or data engineering.

• Proficiency in at least one backend programming language (Java, Python, or JavaScript) and ETL frameworks/tools.

• Hands-on experience with relational and distributed databases (e.g., Oracle, MySQL, Vertica, BigQuery, HBase).

• Strong knowledge of Unix/Linux systems and shell scripting.

• Experience with workflow/schedulers (e.g., Airflow, Oozie).

• Solid understanding of database structures, principles, and performance optimization.

• Proven expertise with the Hadoop ecosystem (Dataproc, HBase, Hive, Pig).

• Cloud platform knowledge (AWS, GCP, or Azure).

• Familiarity with version control tools (Git).

• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills; ability to troubleshoot production issues.

• Effective communication, collaboration, and customer focus.

Nice to Have

• Exposure to AI/ML workflows.

• Understanding of multithreading and concurrency concepts.

The material job duties and responsibilities of this role include those listed above as well as adhering to Yahoo policies; exercising sound judgment; working effectively, safely and inclusively with others; exhibiting trustworthiness and meeting expectations; and safeguarding business operations and brand integrity.

At Yahoo, we offer flexible hybrid work options that our employees love! While most roles don’t require regular office attendance, you may occasionally be asked to attend in-person events or team sessions. You’ll always get notice to make arrangements. Your recruiter will let you know if a specific job requires regular attendance at a Yahoo office or facility. If you have any questions about how this applies to the role, just ask the recruiter!

Yahoo is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against based on age, race, gender, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or any other protected category. Yahoo will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. Yahoo is dedicated to providing an accessible environment for all candidates during the application process and for employees during their employment. If you need accessibility assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please submit a request via the Accommodation Request Form (www.yahooinc.com/careers/contact-us.html) or call +1.866.772.3182. Requests and calls received for non-disability related issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace strengthens Yahoo and deepens our relationships. When you support everyone to be their best selves, they spark discovery, innovation and creativity. Among other efforts, our 11 employee resource groups (ERGs) enhance a culture of belonging with programs, events and fellowship that help educate, support and create a workplace where all feel welcome.

The compensation for this position ranges from $111,000.00 - $231,250.00/yr and will vary depending on factors such as your location, skills and experience.The compensation package may also include incentive compensation opportunities in the form of discretionary annual bonus or commissions. Our comprehensive benefits include healthcare, a great 401k, backup childcare, education stipends and much (much) more.

Currently work for Yahoo? Please apply on our internal career site.