Sr Software Systems Engineer, Yahoo Search

• Architect, design, and implement highly scalable, reliable, and performant distributed systems and infrastructure for next-generation Search.
• Integrate AI-assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Cursor) into the software lifecycle to accelerate feature delivery and ensure code quality through automated oversight.
• Lead and contribute to the architecture of core platform components, ensuring high quality, maintainability, and extensibility while identifying opportunities for AI-driven automation in manual workflows.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product managers and designers, to define requirements and deliver features, using AI tools to rapidly prototype and validate technical directions.
• Drive the adoption of best practices for software development, including AI-augmented testing strategies, structured code reviews, and automated CI/CD pipelines.
• Troubleshoot and debug complex issues across distributed systems, leveraging AI diagnostics and log analysis to identify root causes and implement durable solutions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and proactively suggest AI-driven improvements to platform scalability and reliability.

• BS in Computer Science or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of industry experience working with large-scale distributed systems.
• 7+ years of professional software development experience in one or more general-purpose programming languages (Java, Go, Python, Ruby, C++, etc.).
• Strong experience with full-stack JavaScript development (Node, Express, Next.js).
• Proficiency in prompt engineering and structured interaction with AI models to assist in system design, documentation, and code generation.
• Strong experience with GraphQL, REST, HTTP, and the ability to design and implement maintainable APIs.
• Database experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or similar database technologies.
• Solid understanding of operating systems, networking, and performance optimization.
• Commitment to staying current on emerging AI tools and a mindset focused on augmenting human oversight with automated validation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mobile and frontend web development.
• Experience with SCRUM or similar agile development methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience in validating and refining AI-generated code to detect errors or hallucinations in complex system architectures.
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).

The material job duties and responsibilities of this role include those listed above as well as adhering to Yahoo policies ; exercising sound judgment ; working effectively, safely and inclusively with others ; exhibiting trustworthiness and meeting expectations ; and safeguarding business operations and brand integrity.

The compensation for this position ranges from $128,250.00 - $266,875.00/yr and will vary depending on factors such as your location, skills and experience.The compensation package may also include incentive compensation opportunities in the form of discretionary annual bonus or commissions. Our comprehensive benefits include healthcare, a great 401k, backup childcare, education stipends and much (much) more.

Yahoo serves as a trusted guide for hundreds of millions of people globally, helping them achieve their goals online through our portfolio of iconic products. For advertisers, Yahoo Advertising offers omnichannel solutions and powerful data to engage with our brands and deliver results. About Yahoo Research Yahoo Research is at the forefront of developing intuitive, intelligent, and forward-looking products across our brand portfolio. We harness AI and emerging technologies to shape the next generation of Yahoo, hiring world-class engineers to support our ambitious product and platform goals. Our engineers thrive in a highly collaborative environment with a strong emphasis on technical excellence and innovation. This is a unique opportunity as we reimagine the future of Search, reinventing how users find information and accomplish their goals. To achieve this vision, we are integrating new technology and expanding our infrastructure. This role demands strategic partnership, analytical thinking, exceptional planning and execution skills, ambitious innovation, an obsession with quality and user needs, a focus on solving complex problems, and the commitment to implement durable solutions quickly and effectively.