📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff Software Engineer, Online Database Infrastructure - Ingestion
Company: Airbnb
Location: United States (Remote Eligible)
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Senior Backend Engineer - Data Infrastructure
Date Posted: June 25, 2025
Experience Level: 9+ years
Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Build and operate a managed, reliable, performant, and scalable platform for exporting data out of Airbnb's online databases for offline processing.
Key Technologies: Large scale online distributed databases, offline data warehouse systems, Java, Scala, Python, SPARK, Kafka, AWS, GCP, Flink, K8s, Airflow, Aurora, TiDB, Iceberg.
Impact: Enable offline accessing and processing of online data at Airbnb, guide internal product teams, and influence the team's long-term roadmap and strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on building and operating large-scale data ingestion systems, requiring a strong background in backend distributed systems and data pipelines. Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP) and relevant technologies (Flink, K8s, Airflow) is beneficial.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Expertise in Data Ingestion: Become an expert in building and operating a data ingestion system that enables offline accessing and processing of online data at Airbnb.
Collaboration and Project Delivery: Collaborate with cross-team partners to deliver multi-month projects in a timely fashion, providing technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance.
Operational Excellence: Raise operational standards by proactively identifying, debugging, and fixing operational issues. Participate in the on-call rotation for the Ingestion team.
Technical Innovation: Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in data ingestion systems and evaluate new technologies and methodologies to improve the existing data ingestion architecture.
Strategic Influence: Influence the team's and organization's long-term roadmap and strategy, providing technical leadership and guidance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a deep understanding of large-scale distributed systems, data pipelines, and cloud platforms. Strong collaboration and communication skills are essential for working with cross-functional teams and providing technical leadership.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.

Experience: 9+ years of experience building and operating large-scale core backend distributed systems. Proven experience with large-scale online distributed databases and offline data warehouse systems.

Required Skills:

Proficiency in Java, Scala, or Python.
Strong experience with SPARK and Kafka.
Familiarity with the internals of distributed databases and offline data warehouse systems.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and convey complex technical concepts effectively.
Proven ability to own and dive deeply into a complex codebase, writing clean, readable, testable, and maintainable code.
Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver multi-month projects on time.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with AWS and/or GCP.
Experience working with Flink, K8s, Airflow, AWS Aurora, or TiDB.
Experience working with Iceberg and generating incremental Iceberg DB snapshots.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not required, experience with relevant cloud platforms, data processing tools, and data warehousing systems can provide a significant advantage in this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience building and operating large-scale data ingestion systems, with a focus on offline data processing and cloud-based solutions.
Showcase your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and deliver complex projects on time.
Highlight your expertise in backend distributed systems, data pipelines, and relevant technologies (e.g., SPARK, Kafka, cloud platforms).

Technical Documentation:

Provide code samples and documentation demonstrating your proficiency in Java, Scala, or Python, as well as your experience with SPARK, Kafka, and other relevant technologies.
Showcase your ability to write clean, readable, testable, and maintainable code, with a focus on operational excellence and debugging skills.
Include project case studies that highlight your ability to plan, deliver, and manage multi-month projects successfully.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior nature of this role, a strong portfolio showcasing your technical leadership, mentorship, and project delivery skills is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $204,000 - $255,000 USD per year

Benefits:

Bonus
Equity
Benefits
Employee Travel Credits

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with occasional work at an Airbnb office or attendance at offsites, as agreed with your manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on Airbnb's pay transparency statement and may vary depending on factors such as training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs, and market demands.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

Industry: Airbnb operates in the hospitality and travel industry, with a strong focus on user experience, innovation, and data-driven decision-making.
Company Size: Airbnb is a large, global company with a diverse and distributed workforce. This role is part of the Online Database Infrastructure org, which focuses on providing reliable and scalable data infrastructure for Airbnb's online databases.
Founded: Airbnb was founded in 2007 and has since grown to over 5 million hosts and 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe.

Team Structure:

The Ingestion team is responsible for providing a managed, reliable, performant, and scalable platform for exporting data out of Airbnb's online databases for offline processing.
The team works closely with internal product teams, dependencies, and leadership to deliver multi-month projects in a timely fashion.
The team is part of the broader Online Database Infrastructure org, which consists of multiple teams focused on different aspects of Airbnb's data infrastructure.

Development Methodology:

The team follows Agile methodologies, with a focus on cross-functional collaboration, code reviews, and quality assurance practices.
The team uses CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment strategies to ensure the reliability and scalability of the data ingestion platform.
The team operates in a distributed, cloud-based environment, with a focus on scalability, performance, and high availability.

Company Website: Airbnb

📝 Enhancement Note: Airbnb's culture emphasizes innovation, user experience, and data-driven decision-making. The company values cross-functional collaboration, continuous learning, and a growth mindset.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior Staff Software Engineer - Data Infrastructure

This role is a senior-level position within Airbnb's Online Database Infrastructure org, focusing on data ingestion systems and offline data processing.
The role requires a deep understanding of large-scale distributed systems, data pipelines, and cloud platforms, as well as strong leadership, mentorship, and project delivery skills.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Engineering Manager of the Ingestion team within the Online Database Infrastructure org.

Technical Impact: The role has a significant impact on Airbnb's ability to process and analyze large-scale data for offline processing, enabling data-driven decision-making and improving user experience.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Leadership: As a senior staff software engineer, there is ample opportunity for technical growth and leadership within the Ingestion team and the broader Online Database Infrastructure org.
Architecture Decisions: The role involves making critical architecture decisions that impact the scalability, performance, and reliability of Airbnb's data ingestion platform.
Mentorship and Coaching: The role provides opportunities to mentor and coach team members, enhancing their skills and technical standards within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities for senior backend engineers with a strong background in data ingestion systems, distributed systems, and cloud platforms.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Airbnb's offices are designed to be collaborative, innovative, and comfortable, with a focus on fostering cross-functional teamwork and creativity.

Office Location(s): Airbnb has offices in various locations worldwide, with this role being US-remote eligible. Occasional work at an Airbnb office or attendance at offsites may be required, as agreed with your manager.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: Airbnb's offices are designed to encourage collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, with open workspaces, meeting rooms, and communal areas.
Development Tools: The Ingestion team uses a variety of development tools, including integrated development environments (IDEs), version control systems (e.g., Git), and cloud-based collaboration platforms (e.g., Google Workspace).
Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Ingestion team works closely with various teams within Airbnb, including data engineering, data science, and product management, to deliver multi-month projects in a timely fashion.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with occasional work at an Airbnb office or attendance at offsites, as agreed with your manager. Airbnb offers flexible working hours and remote work options to accommodate individual needs and preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Airbnb's work environment emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and user experience, with a focus on fostering a creative and productive workspace for its employees.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Phone Screen (60 minutes): A technical phone screen to assess your understanding of data ingestion systems, distributed systems, and relevant technologies (e.g., SPARK, Kafka, cloud platforms).
On-site Technical Deep Dive (4-5 hours): An on-site technical deep dive to evaluate your ability to design, implement, and optimize data ingestion systems, as well as your understanding of large-scale distributed systems and cloud platforms.
Behavioral and Cultural Fit Interview (60 minutes): An interview to assess your communication, collaboration, and cultural fit with Airbnb's values and work environment.
Final Decision: A final decision based on your performance throughout the interview process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Technical Depth: Highlight your expertise in building and operating large-scale data ingestion systems, with a focus on offline data processing and cloud-based solutions.
Collaboration and Project Delivery: Showcase your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and deliver complex projects on time, with a focus on technical leadership, mentorship, and project delivery skills.
Code Quality and Documentation: Demonstrate your ability to write clean, readable, testable, and maintainable code, with a focus on operational excellence and debugging skills.
Airbnb-Specific Considerations: Tailor your portfolio to Airbnb's data ingestion challenges and user experience goals, highlighting your understanding of the company's data infrastructure and business needs.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Data Ingestion Systems: Brush up on your knowledge of large-scale data ingestion systems, distributed systems, and relevant technologies (e.g., SPARK, Kafka, cloud platforms).
System Design and Optimization: Prepare for system design and optimization challenges, focusing on scalability, performance, and reliability.
Cloud Platforms: Familiarize yourself with Airbnb's preferred cloud platforms (AWS, GCP) and relevant services, such as data processing, data warehousing, and data streaming tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to evaluate your technical expertise in data ingestion systems, distributed systems, and cloud platforms, as well as your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide technical leadership.

ATS Keywords:

Programming Languages: Java, Scala, Python, SQL
Web Frameworks: SPARK, Kafka, Apache Flink, Apache Airflow
Server Technologies: AWS, GCP, Kubernetes, TiDB, Aurora
Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, Amazon Redshift, Google BigQuery
Tools: Git, JIRA, Confluence, Google Workspace, AWS CloudFormation, Terraform
Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, CI/CD, DevOps
Soft Skills: Communication, Collaboration, Leadership, Mentorship, Project Delivery
Industry Terms: Data Ingestion, Data Pipeline, ETL, ELT, Change Data Capture (CDC), Data Warehousing, Cloud Computing, Distributed Systems

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: N/A (This role focuses on backend and infrastructure technologies)

Backend & Server Technologies:

Programming Languages: Java, Scala, Python
Data Processing: SPARK, Kafka, Apache Flink, Apache Airflow
Cloud Platforms: AWS, GCP
Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, Amazon Redshift, Google BigQuery, TiDB, Aurora
Server Infrastructure: Kubernetes, Docker, Terraform, AWS CloudFormation

Development & DevOps Tools:

Version Control: Git
Collaboration: JIRA, Confluence, Google Workspace
CI/CD: Jenkins, GitHub Actions, CircleCI
Monitoring: Prometheus, Grafana, Datadog, New Relic
Logging: ELK Stack, AWS CloudWatch, Google Cloud Logging

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role focuses on backend and infrastructure technologies, with a strong emphasis on data processing, cloud platforms, and distributed systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

User Experience: Airbnb prioritizes user experience and data-driven decision-making, with a focus on providing a seamless and enjoyable user experience for both hosts and guests.
Innovation: Airbnb encourages innovation and continuous learning, with a strong emphasis on staying up-to-date with the latest developments in data ingestion systems and emerging technologies.
Collaboration: Airbnb values cross-functional collaboration and teamwork, with a focus on fostering a creative and productive work environment for its employees.
Code Quality: Airbnb emphasizes code quality and operational excellence, with a strong focus on writing clean, readable, testable, and maintainable code.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Airbnb encourages cross-functional collaboration between developers, designers, and stakeholders, with a focus on fostering a creative and productive work environment.
Code Review Culture: Airbnb prioritizes code reviews and peer programming practices, with a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning.
Knowledge Sharing: Airbnb encourages knowledge sharing and technical mentoring, with a focus on enhancing the skills and technical standards of its employees.

📝 Enhancement Note: Airbnb's culture emphasizes innovation, user experience, and data-driven decision-making, with a strong focus on cross-functional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Scalability and Performance: Design and implement scalable and high-performance data ingestion systems that can handle large-scale data processing and offline data processing requirements.
Cloud Platforms: Work with Airbnb's preferred cloud platforms (AWS, GCP) and relevant services, such as data processing, data warehousing, and data streaming tools.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in data ingestion systems and evaluate new technologies and methodologies to improve the existing data ingestion architecture.
User Experience: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that data ingestion systems meet user experience goals and improve overall user experience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Enhance your technical skills in data ingestion systems, distributed systems, and cloud platforms, with a focus on emerging technologies and best practices.
Conference Attendance and Certification: Attend industry conferences, webinars, and workshops to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in data ingestion systems and emerging technologies.
Technical Mentorship and Leadership: Provide technical mentorship and guidance to team members, enhancing their skills and technical standards within the team.
Architecture Decision-Making: Participate in architecture decision-making processes, contributing to the long-term roadmap and strategy of the Ingestion team and the broader Online Database Infrastructure org.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant technical challenges and growth opportunities for senior backend engineers with a strong background in data ingestion systems, distributed systems, and cloud platforms.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Data Ingestion Systems: Prepare for technical questions focused on data ingestion systems, distributed systems, and relevant technologies (e.g., SPARK, Kafka, cloud platforms).
System Design and Optimization: Brush up on your system design and optimization skills, focusing on scalability, performance, and reliability.
Cloud Platforms: Familiarize yourself with Airbnb's preferred cloud platforms (AWS, GCP) and relevant services, such as data processing, data warehousing, and data streaming tools.

Company & Culture Questions:

Airbnb's Mission and Values: Research Airbnb's mission, values, and company culture, focusing on user experience, innovation, and data-driven decision-making.
Team Dynamics: Prepare for questions about team dynamics, collaboration, and cross-functional teamwork within Airbnb's Ingestion team and the broader Online Database Infrastructure org.
Technical Leadership: Brush up on your technical leadership, mentorship, and project delivery skills, focusing on your ability to guide and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Technical Depth: Highlight your expertise in building and operating large-scale data ingestion systems, with a focus on offline data processing and cloud-based solutions.
Collaboration and Project Delivery: Showcase your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and deliver complex projects on time, with a focus on technical leadership, mentorship, and project delivery skills.
Code Quality and Documentation: Demonstrate your ability to write clean, readable, testable, and maintainable code, with a focus on operational excellence and debugging skills.
Airbnb-Specific Considerations: Tailor your portfolio to Airbnb's data ingestion challenges and user experience goals, highlighting your understanding of the company's data infrastructure and business needs.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff Software Engineer, Online Database Infrastructure - Ingestion position at Airbnb:

Customize Your Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to Airbnb's data ingestion challenges and user experience goals, highlighting your expertise in building and operating large-scale data ingestion systems, with a focus on offline data processing and cloud-based solutions.
Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements in data ingestion systems, distributed systems, and cloud platforms, with a focus on technical leadership, mentorship, and project delivery skills.
Prepare for Technical Challenges: Brush up on your knowledge of data ingestion systems, distributed systems, and relevant technologies (e.g., SPARK, Kafka, cloud platforms), focusing on system design, optimization, and cloud platform-specific challenges.
Research Airbnb: Familiarize yourself with Airbnb's mission, values, and company culture, focusing on user experience, innovation, and data-driven decision-making. Prepare for company-specific questions about team dynamics, collaboration, and cross-functional teamwork.

📝 Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Staff Software Engineer, Online Database Infrastructure - Ingestion