Senior Software Engineer, Personalization and AI

Job Description

The Washington Post is seeking a Senior Software Engineer with expertise in personalization, AI-powered development, and scalable full-stack solutions. You'll contribute to the design, development, and deployment of intelligent user experiences using technologies like Python, Postgres, and AWS services. In this role, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams, work on complex projects, and help shape how millions of users experience personalized content on our platform.
What Drives You

• You're passionate about solving meaningful technical challenges that directly impact user experience
• You have a curious mindset, always exploring new technologies and approaches
• You're driven by collaboration, continuous learning, and building software that's both scalable and impactful
• You thrive in environments where you have autonomy but also enjoy being part of a close-knit, supportive team

Key Responsibilities Software Engineering

• Design, build, and maintain full-stack web applications using Python, React, Node.js, and AWS services
• Develop and optimize database schemas and queries, primarily using Postgres
• Follow best practices in version control, code reviews, unit testing, and continuous integration

AI and Personalization

• Partner with data scientists to integrate and deploy AI models and personalization features
• Help build recommendation systems, content optimization tools, and other user-centric solutions

Collaboration

• Work closely with product managers, designers, and other engineers to define, scope, and deliver solutions
• Translate business requirements into technical solutions that are robust, scalable, and user-focused

Mentorship

• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers through code reviews and knowledge sharing
• Contribute to team-wide engineering standards and best practices

Project Involvement

• Participate in technical planning and design discussions for new features and infrastructure improvements
• Take ownership of end-to-end development efforts from idea to production

Requirements Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (Master's degree is a plus)
• 5+ years of experience in software development, including 1+ years working with AI or personalization-focused features

Technical Skills

• Strong experience with full-stack development using Python, React, Node.js, and relational databases like Postgres
• Familiarity with NoSQL solutions like MongoDB or DocumentDB
• Proficient with AWS services such as EC2, Lambda, S3, ECS, and RDS
• Comfortable working with CI/CD pipelines and monitoring tools (e.g., Datadog, Splunk)

Soft Skills

• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills
• Effective communicator, able to articulate ideas to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate in team environments

The Washington Post's policy for employees is five days per week in the office, with exceptions for newsgathering and general business travel.

Compensation and Benefits

Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:

• Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage
• Company-paid pension and 401(k) match
• Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave
• Nine paid holidays and two personal days
• 20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent
• Robust mental health resources
• Backup care and caregiver concierge services
• Gender affirming services
• Pet insurance
• Free Post digital subscription
• Leadership and career development programs

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.

The salary range for this position is:
119,700.00 - 199,300.00 USD Annual

The actual salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements. This position may be eligible for a bonus or incentive program, and a member of the Talent Acquisition team will discuss bonus payment terms and conditions during the interview process.

The Post strives to provide its readers with high-quality, trustworthy news and information while constantly innovating. That mission is best served by a diverse, multi-generational workforce with varied life experiences and perspectives. All cultures and backgrounds are welcomed.

The innovation doesn't end in the Newsroom - dozens of teams power The Washington Post. We are now hiring the next innovator - how will you Impact Tomorrow?

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