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Design and implement backend services, modernize legacy systems into microservices, ensure strong testing and production observability, and collaborate with Product and Engineering teams. The role requires independent project ownership, strong system design, AI-assisted development using tools such as Claude or Cursor, effective communication with nontechnical stakeholders, and adaptability in an ambiguous, fast-changing environment.
About Engine
Engine is the all-in-one travel and spend management platform trusted by 38K+ businesses and groups representing 1.8M+ travelers. We're the retailer and the rails of business travel, one of the fastest-growing companies in travel tech, built on a decade of proprietary technology, supply, and pricing no one else can replicate. Other travel and AI companies run on our infrastructure to book real trips, hold rates, and move payments, without building any of it themselves. We built it, AI-forward at every layer, from how travelers book to how the rails run.
That work has earned recognition as one of Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators (2025), TravelTech's Reservation Platform of the Year (2026), and one of Built In's Best Places to Work (2020–2026).
We're looking for bold, ambitious people to help redefine how businesses manage and experience travel. Working here, you can expect exponential growth, an ambitious pace, full ownership, and high-caliber colleagues who push you to do the best work of your career. Every hire raises the bar.
That work has earned recognition as one of Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators (2025), TravelTech's Reservation Platform of the Year (2026), and one of Built In's Best Places to Work (2020–2026).
We're looking for bold, ambitious people to help redefine how businesses manage and experience travel. Working here, you can expect exponential growth, an ambitious pace, full ownership, and high-caliber colleagues who push you to do the best work of your career. Every hire raises the bar.
Come outpace the ordinary and build the future of travel with us.
We're looking for a Senior Software Engineer who combines strong system design instincts with the communication skills to work across technical and non-technical stakeholders. This is a backend-heavy role with a lot of autonomy, real technical challenge, and a team that runs on AI.
What You'll Do- Drive the design and implementation of greenfield services, replacing legacy code with modern microservices, strong test coverage, and production-grade observability
- Collaborate closely with Product Managers and other Engineering teams to translate requirements into engineering solutions
- Use AI tools (Claude and/or Cursor) as your primary development environment
- Drive projects independently: own your work, surface blockers, keep things moving
Required:
- AI fluency — you're comfortable using Claude, Cursor, or similar tools as your main coding interface; you don't just use them occasionally
- Strong system design skills — you can walk through architectural decisions you've made, explain tradeoffs, and think at the infrastructure level
- Proven delivery — you've shipped complex systems, not just features; you can speak to the weight and scope of what you've built
- Self-directed working style — you don't need daily direction; you identify what needs to happen and drive it
- Comfortable handling ambiguity — cross-team requests don't always come in neatly scoped; you ask the right questions and figure it out
- Adaptable to shifting priorities — lodging is the highest-demand vertical at Engine; plans change
- Excellent communication — you can explain technical problems clearly to non-technical stakeholders like accountants and business ops teams
Nice to Have:
- Java or Kotlin experience (most of our services are Java/Kotlin; not a hard requirement with AI in the loop)
- SQL and relational databases
- Terraform, Datadog, or Splunk experience
This is an evergreen opening, we review applications on an ongoing basis. This is a full-time, contractor role for candidates based in Latin America.
Compensation
Our compensation packages are based on several factors, including your experience, expertise, and location. In addition to a competitive base salary, all roles receive equity. Depending on the role, total compensation may also include an annual bonus. Your recruiter will share your complete compensation package as you move through the process.
Base Pay Range
$75,000—$120,000 USD
The Engine Edge: Perks & Compensation
We believe in rewarding great work with great benefits:
- Compensation: Competitive base pay tied to role and experience, with equity for all employees. Some roles are also eligible for bonuses or commissions.
- Benefits: Check out our full list at engine.com/culture
- Environments for Success: Different roles have different needs in terms of the environments that drive success which is why we have a hybrid-hub model. Whether you are in one of our amazing offices or fully remote, we'll make sure you have what you need to succeed.
Perks and benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and more
Engine Chicago, Illinois, USA Office
500 W Madison St, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60661
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