Software Engineer; Backend - Java Platform

About the Team

The Java Platform team is focused on empowering every Java engineer within Uber to efficiently deliver high-quality software solutions, excelling in cost efficiency, continuous innovation, and maximum engineering productivity. Our mission is to make writing the best Java code easy for all Uber engineers by building an end-to-end solution that leverages the latest language features to make Uber backend services performant, reliable, and efficient.

Our work spans core platform pillars including Quality (linters, testing, profiling), Efficiency and Performance (JVM tuning, CPU/memory consumption), and Modernization (latest Java versions, GenAI automation).

We are seeking a Staff Software Engineer (Level 5B) to join the Java Platform team. This high-impact role is a critical position, and you will immediately take ownership of foundational platform initiatives. The role demands an individual who can operate with autonomy and technical depth to set the technical direction for projects that impact the entire company. You will partner closely with other platform teams and engineering leaders to drive performance, efficiency, reliability, and modernization across Uber’s massive Java ecosystem.

• Lead the architecture and implementation of crucial Java platform components, guaranteeing high performance, efficiency, and reliability. Proactively manage and resolve complex platform stability issues to maintain service integrity.
• Spearhead ambitious, long‑term optimization initiatives. This includes enabling virtual threads, developing the Task Graph framework for Java developers, and significantly improving the efficiency of both stateful and stateless services.
• Drive the strategic modernization of Uber’s Java ecosystem, ensuring the adoption of the latest LTS Java versions and enhancing essential developer tooling.
• Ensure that platform designs, including APIs and architecture, result in scalable, resilient solutions that minimize support costs.
• Mentor junior engineers, fostering a strong culture of knowledge exchange and continuous improvement within the platform team.

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 8+ years of full-time engineering experience.
• Systematic problem‑solving approach and knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and complexity analysis.
• Strong understanding of distributed systems or stream processing.
• Proficient in at least one programming language, such as Golang, Java, C#, or C++.

• 5+ years of experience building and managing large‑scale distributed systems.
• Highly proficient in Java.
• Expertise in JVM or managed language runtime tuning, performance benchmarking, and continuous profiling.
• Experience with the Java open‑source community and familiarity with the OpenJDK process.
• Leveraging AI/GenAI technologies to streamline engineering workflows, including the automation of routine development tasks and the enhancement of code quality.
• Great sense of ownership and a proactive bias toward action.

For San Francisco, CA-based roles:
The base salary range for this role is USD 232,000 per year – USD 258,000 per year. For Seattle, WA-based roles:
The base salary range is USD 232,000 per year – USD 258,000 per year. For Sunnyvale, CA-based roles:
The base salary range is USD 232,000 per year – USD 258,000 per year. For all US locations, you will be eligible to participate in Uber’s bonus program and may be offered an equity award and other types of compensation. All full‑time employees are eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan. You will also be eligible for various benefits. More details can be found at