Full-time · Remote
Senior Staff Backend Software Engineer, GraphQL
This is a high-impact leadership role focused on scaling Airbnb's unified data access layer, Viaduct, which powers the majority of the company's traffic. You will serve as a technical visionary, balancing hands-on engine optimization with high-level organizational strategy and open-source advocacy. It is a rare chance to define the future of GraphQL at one of the world's most recognizable tech brands.
Airbnb · San Francisco, California, United Kingdom · Posted 24 April 2026
The role
Overview
This is a high-impact leadership role focused on scaling Airbnb's unified data access layer, Viaduct, which powers the majority of the company's traffic. You will serve as a technical visionary, balancing hands-on engine optimization with high-level organizational strategy and open-source advocacy. It is a rare chance to define the future of GraphQL at one of the world's most recognizable tech brands.
What they need
Requirements & Skills
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the technical direction of the Viaduct GraphQL platform and its core query engine
- Chair the Schema Steering Committee to govern global API standards
- Mentor and develop senior and staff-level engineers across the infrastructure organization
- Partner with leadership to align infrastructure roadmaps with company-wide product goals
- Drive the adoption and evolution of the 'Viaduct Modern' architecture
Essential
- Extensive experience in backend systems architecture and distributed systems
- Proven track record of leading large-scale technical initiatives across multiple teams
- Deep expertise in GraphQL and managing global schema architectures
- Experience in platform engineering and building tools for other developers
- Ability to mentor and grow senior-level engineering talent
- Strong background in API design, reliability, and performance optimization
Preferred
- Experience contributing to or maintaining major open-source projects
- Previous experience with high-traffic data access layers or middleware
- Familiarity with modern infrastructure tools like CI/CD, Observability, and Service Platforms
Key Skills
GraphQLBackend DevelopmentDistributed SystemsAPI DesignTechnical LeadershipSystem ArchitectureOpen Source ContributionPerformance EngineeringSchema Governance
Networking
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Perks
Benefits & perks
- Remote work flexibility within the USA
- Opportunity to lead a major open-source project
- Collaborative environment with high-tenure technical experts
- Influence over global-scale technical architecture
- Professional development and mentorship opportunities
Next step
Apply now
Found via careers.airbnb.com