Fast Facts

Handshake is looking for a Senior Software Engineer to lead the development of critical platform systems focused on user acquisition, onboarding, and fraud prevention, contributing to the AI economy's career network.

Responsibilities: Drive the architecture and design of systems for user acquisition, develop fraud prevention initiatives, write high-quality code, and mentor junior engineers.

Skills: Strong proficiency in Java, Python, or C++, with experience in scalable infrastructure systems and cloud platforms like AWS or Azure.

Qualifications: 5+ years of software engineering experience with a backend-leaning full stack orientation; demonstrated success in leading technical projects.

Location: San Francisco, California, United States

Compensation: $200000 - $235000 / Annually

About Handshake

Handshake is the career network for the AI economy. 20 million knowledge workers, 1,600 educational institutions, 1 million employers (including 100% of the Fortune 50), and every foundational AI lab trust Handshake to power career discovery, hiring, and upskilling, from freelance AI training gigs to first internships to full-time careers and beyond. This unique value is leading to unparalleled growth; in 2025, we tripled our ARR at scale.

Why join Handshake now:

• Shape how every career evolves in the AI economy, at global scale, with impact your friends, family and peers can see and feel
• Work hand-in-hand with world-class AI labs, Fortune 500 partners and the world’s top educational institutions
• Join a team with leadership from Scale AI, Meta, xAI, Notion, Coinbase, and Palantir, among others
• Build a massive, fast-growing business with billions in revenue

About the Role

As a Senior Software Engineer, you will drive the development of critical systems that power how users join and trust our platform; spanning user acquisition, onboarding, identity, and fraud prevention. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, scalable, and high-performance software solutions. This role requires a deep understanding of software engineering principles and the ambition to lead impactful projects.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the architecture and design of platform systems that support user acquisition, onboarding, and identity infrastructure.
• Build and scale fraud prevention systems to protect the integrity of our platform.
• Develop high-quality code and implement robust testing strategies to ensure product reliability.
• Collaborate with product managers and designers to create seamless user experiences from first touch through activation.
• Mentor junior engineers to foster technical growth and innovation.

Desired Capabilities

• 5+ years of software engineering experience, with a backend-leaning full stack orientation.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++ to deliver robust solutions.
• Experience building platforms and scalable infrastructure systems.
• Experience with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure to enable scalable applications.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects and drive them to success.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to address complex technical challenges.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with diverse teams.

Extra Credit

• Interest in identity, trust & safety, or fraud prevention.

Perks

Handshake delivers benefits that help you feel supported—and thrive at work and in life.

The below benefits are for full-time US employees.

🎯 Ownership: Equity in a fast-growing company

💰 Financial Wellness: 401(k) match, competitive compensation, financial coaching

🍼 Family Support: Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, parental coaching

💝 Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision, mental health support, wellness stipend

📚 Growth: Learning stipend, ongoing development

💻 Remote & Office: Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office

🏝 Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days

🤝 Connection: Team outings & referral bonuses

Explore our mission, values, and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.