Backend Software Engineer

About the Team:

Our Backend Engineering teams build the core services and systems that power Quizlet’s product experiences m APIs to distributed systems, we focus on reliability, performance, and scalability to support millions of learners worldwide.

We partner closely with Product, Data, and Infrastructure teams to deliver robust systems that enable rapid product development.

We’re hiring Backend Software Engineers across multiple levels (Staff Backend Software Engineers – Principal Backend Software Engineers), with leveling and team placement determined through the interview process.

In this role, you’ll design, build, and operate backend services that power key product features and internal systems. You’ll work on high-impact systems that require strong engineering fundamentals, thoughtful system design, and a focus on performance and reliability.

Success is measured by your ability to deliver scalable systems, improve platform quality, and drive engineering excellence.

We’re happy to share that this is an onsite position in our San Francisco office. To support collaboration, we ask employees to be in the office at least three days a week:
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

• Design, build, and maintain scalable backend services and APIs
• Develop systems that are reliable, performant, and easy to operate
• Collaborate with Product, Frontend, Data, and Infrastructure teams to deliver end‑to‑end solutions
• Improve system architecture, performance, and scalability
• Contribute to observability, testing, and operational excellence
• Participate in system design, code reviews, and technical discussions

• Experience building and operating backend systems in production
• Strong fundamentals in system design, APIs, and distributed systems
• Experience with modern backend technologies (e.g., Java, Kotlin, Python, Go or similar)
• Familiarity with cloud infrastructure and scalable architectures
• Ability to work across ambiguity and drive projects end‑to‑end
• Strong collaboration and communication skills

• Quizlet is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Salary transparency helps to mitigate unfair hiring practices when it comes to discrimination and pay gaps. Total compensation for this role is market competitive, including a starting base salary of $198,000 - $350,000, depending on location and experience, as well as company stock options.
• Collaborate with your manager and team to create a healthy work‑life balance
• 20 vacation days that we expect you to take
• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance (100% employee and 75% dependent PPO, Dental, VSP Choice)
• Employer‑sponsored 401(k) plan with company match
• Access to Linked In Learning and other resources to support professional growth
• Paid Family Leave, FSA, HSA, Commuter benefits, and Wellness benefits
• 40 hours of annual paid time off to participate in volunteer programs of choice

Quizlet is an equal opportunity employer and a tech company committed to societal change. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.