Backend Software Engineer (Contract)

About the role

Airbnb is looking for a Backend Software Engineer to join the AirCover Claims Platform team. In this contract role you will help design and build the backend services that enable fast, fair, and reliable support for Hosts when reservations encounter issues.

Key responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable APIs and backend services that power core claim workflows.
• Collaborate with Product, Operations, Data Science, and Engineering to define requirements, create technical designs, and deliver features from concept to production.
• Write clean, well‑tested code and promote engineering excellence through code reviews and shared best practices.
• Instrument and monitor services to ensure reliability, performance, and observability in production.

Required profile

• 5+ years of backend software development experience.
• Proficiency in one or more backend languages such as Kotlin, Java, or Python.
• Strong understanding of microservices architecture and Kubernetes, with experience building end‑to‑end APIs.
• Hands‑on experience designing high‑throughput APIs, data pipelines, and distributed systems.
• Comfort diagnosing complex technical challenges across the backend stack.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work within US time zones, open to candidates in any location.

Required skills

• Kotlin
• Java
• Python
• Microservices
• Kubernetes
• API development
• Data pipelines
• Distributed systems