Staff Software Engineer (Meta AI)

Join KAYAK, a leading travel search engine, as a Staff Software Engineer. In this role, you will design, implement, and maintain reliable production software for KAYAK's travel-search and trip-planning experiences. You will work closely with engineers, product managers, and designers to clarify requirements and deliver user-friendly experiences. Additionally, you will contribute to the evolution of development tools, engineering processes, and delivery practices. Enjoy flexible work options, team-wide time off, and opportunities for career growth.

Design, implement, and maintain reliable production software for KAYAK’s travel-search and trip-planning experiences, including building and evolving APIs and services supporting AI-assisted search.

Responsibilities

• Investigate technical problems, assess trade-offs, and choose practical solutions that improve reliability, performance, and maintainability, while also writing automated tests and contributing to quality across testing.
• Participate in code reviews and technical discussions, providing constructive feedback focused on correctness, clarity, and maintainability, and work with engineers, product managers, and designers to clarify requirements.
• Familiarity with APIs, data structures and software-design principles
• The ability to take ownership of assigned work while asking for input or support when needed

Requirements

• Experience testing software and investigating defects or production issues

Experience building and maintaining production software

• Equivalent practical experience is welcome in place of a specific degree or educational path
• The ability to explain technical decisions clearly in writing and conversation

Proficiency in Java or another relevant programming language

• Experience contributing to projects from design through implementation, release and maintenance
• Experience with AI, machine learning or large language model applications
• Experience working on web products, mobile products or travel-related products
• Experience improving accessibility, reliability or usability
• Experience working with Java and Spring

Preferred

• Experience with distributed systems, search, personalization or other high-volume consumer products
• Experience with relational databases or other structured data stores
• Experience with cloud services, CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks

Pay

USD 160,000 - 180,000