Instacart
Senior Software Engineer II, Core Experience
Job Summary
The Senior Software Engineer role involves developing and maintaining backend applications to enhance user experience, focusing on content discoverability and personalized shopping features. The position requires extensive backend development experience, proficiency in languages like Ruby or Go, and familiarity with recommender systems and ML models. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and a focus on scalable, reliable systems are key components of the role. The company offers competitive benefits, remote flexibility, and opportunities for equity and growth.
Required Skills
Benefits
Job Description
We're transforming the grocery industry
At Instacart, we invite the world to share love through food because we believe everyone should have access to the food they love and more time to enjoy it together. Where others see a simple need for grocery delivery, we see exciting complexity and endless opportunity to serve the varied needs of our community. We work to deliver an essential service that customers rely on to get their groceries and household goods, while also offering safe and flexible earnings opportunities to Instacart Personal Shoppers.
Instacart has become a lifeline for millions of people, and we’re building the team to help push our shopping cart forward. If you’re ready to do the best work of your life, come join our table.
Instacart is a Flex First team
There’s no one-size fits all approach to how we do our best work. Our employees have the flexibility to choose where they do their best work—whether it’s from home, an office, or your favorite coffee shop—while staying connected and building community through regular in-person events. Learn more about our flexible approach to where we work.
Overview
This role challenges traditional approaches to digital shopping by improving backend systems that power a seamless user journey. You will lead efforts to enhance content discoverability and purchase processes, helping to perfect the interaction between user desires and our vast product offerings.
About The Role
The Senior Software Engineer will focus on enhancing the user experience by developing robust backend architectures that support advanced recommendation and personalization systems. In close collaboration with ML engineers, product teams, and data scientists, you will lead the innovation of our backend services, enabling sophisticated, data-driven features that adapt to our customers' shopping behaviors.
About the Team
The Core Experience teams are dedicated to creating engaging and straightforward shopping experiences. You will be part of a team that is at the heart of product innovation, focusing on everything from the user interfaces to the underlying systems that support our web and mobile platforms. Our team’s work is guided by a data-driven methodology that ensures decisions are aligned with consumer needs, helping us move swiftly and efficiently in our development processes.
Overview of the Core Experiences teams that are currently hiring:
Search Team:
As a Software Engineer on the Search Results team, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of search technology at Instacart. Your work will directly impact the experience of millions of customers, helping them find the products they need quickly and efficiently.
About the Job
Responsibilities:
- Design, build, and maintain high-quality backend applications.
- Lead the development of our backend system's roadmap, prioritizing scalability and reliability.
- Innovate and think creatively to develop new features that enhance our customer's shopping experiences.
- Own and lead major components of our product, ensuring they meet both internal standards and external expectations.
- Collaborate across teams to foster a unified approach to product development, facilitating consensus and driving effective outcomes.
- Responsible for the strategic planning and execution of projects you oversee, from inception to deployment and maintenance.
About You
Minimum Qualifications
- 5+ years of backend development experience, with a strong record of project delivery.
- Proficiency in backend languages, such as Ruby or Go.
- A solid foundation in unit testing and problem-solving.
- Exceptional communication skills and the ability to lead and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Holds a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with recommender systems and personalization algorithms.
- Familiarity with ML model development and iteration.
- Deep understanding of feed architecture principles.
- Skilled in the use of monitoring and observability tools like Datadog.
- Extensive experience with database management, particularly PostgreSQL.
Instacart provides highly market-competitive compensation and benefits in each location where our employees work. This role is remote and the base pay range for a successful candidate is dependent on their permanent work location. Please review our Flex First remote work policy here.
Offers may vary based on many factors, such as candidate experience and skills required for the role. Additionally, this role is eligible for a new hire equity grant as well as annual refresh grants. Please read more about our benefits offerings here.
For US based candidates, the base pay ranges for a successful candidate are listed below.
Instacart
A grocery delivery service allowing users to order from local stores and have items delivered by personal shoppers.
See more jobsSafe Remote Job Search Tips
Verify Employer Thoroughly
Research the company's identity thoroughly before applying. Check for a professional website with contacts, active social media, and LinkedIn profiles. Verify details across platforms and look for reviews on Glassdoor or Trustpilot to confirm legitimacy.
Never Pay to Get a Job
Legitimate employers never require payment for applications, training, background checks, or equipment. Always reject upfront payment requests or demands for bank details, even if they claim it's for purchasing necessary work gear on your behalf.
Safeguard Your Personal Information
Protect sensitive data like SSN, bank details, or ID copies. Share this only after accepting a formal, written job offer. Ensure it's submitted via a secure company system or portal, never through insecure channels like standard email attachments.
Scrutinize Communication & Interviews
Watch for communication red flags: poor grammar, generic emails (@gmail), vague details, or undue pressure. Be highly suspicious of interviews held only via text or chat apps; legitimate companies typically use video or phone calls.
Beware of Unrealistic Offers
If an offer's salary or benefits seem unrealistically high for the work involved, be cautious. Research standard pay for similar roles. Offers that appear 'too good to be true' are often scams designed to lure you into providing information or payment.
Insist on a Formal Contract
Always secure and review a formal, written job offer or employment contract before starting work or sharing final personal details. Ensure it clearly defines your role, compensation, key terms, and conditions to avoid misunderstandings or scams.