eBay

Senior Engineering Manager - Backend

eBay$120K — $150K *
Information Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Computer Science or equivalent degree.
  • 15+ years of software engineering experience in backend systems.
  • Deep expertise in Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and SOLID principles.
  • Strong mentoring and team management abilities.
  • Hands-on coding experience in Java/Kotlin or Node.js.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a backend engineering team of 5-8 engineers.
  • Engage in system design and hands-on coding.
  • Drive best practices in backend software design.
  • Provide technical leadership through mentorship.
  • Own architectural decisions for distributed systems.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet goals.
  • Translate ambiguous requirements into actionable deliverables.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to shape backend architecture and system designs.
  • Hands-on involvement in coding and development discussions.
  • Supportive environment for mentorship and team growth.
  • Emphasis on building a strong engineering culture.
  • Agile working environment promoting iterative delivery.
Full Job Description
Senior Engineering Manager - Backend (Selling Experience)

Location: Toronto/San Jose

About the Role

We are looking for a Senior Engineering Manager to lead a backend engineering team within the Selling Experience organization. This role is ideal for a highly technical leader who is passionate about building scalable systems, driving strong software design practices, and developing high-performing teams.

You will play a critical role in shaping backend architecture, guiding technical decisions, and ensuring the delivery of robust, high-quality systems that power seller-facing experiences. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires active participation in design and development alongside team leadership responsibilities.

What You'll Do
  • AI-first. You treat agentic AI as a core design and operating lever, using it as a force multiplier for engineering productivity, reliability, and customer impact while setting clear guardrails for safety and ethics.
  • Generative leadership. You lead with outcomes over outputs, optimize flow (shorter lead times, limited WIP, fast feedback), create psychological safety for intelligent failure, invite rather than inflict change, and practice servant leadership with continuous experimentation and improvement.
  • Lead and support a team of 5-8 engineers focused on backend platform and service development.
  • Stay actively involved in system design and hands-on coding (primarily in Java/Kotlin, Node.js, or similar backend technologies).
  • Drive best practices in backend software design, including scalability, reliability, and maintainability.
  • Provide technical leadership through mentorship, code reviews, and architectural guidance.
  • Own and drive architectural decisions for distributed systems and backend services.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with product, design, and partner teams to align on goals and execution.
  • Translate ambiguous requirements into clear technical strategies and actionable deliverables.
  • Foster a strong engineering culture centered on ownership, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.


Minimum Requirements
  • BS in Computer Science or equivalent technical degree.
  • 12+ years of software engineering experience with deep expertise in backend systems, including:
    • Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
    • SOLID principles
    • Multithreaded systems
    • Designing and building distributed systems with strong understanding of consistency, durability, and availability trade-offs
    • Scalable API design (REST and service-oriented architectures)
  • Proven experience managing and mentoring engineers, building strong teams, and handling performance and growth with empathy and clarity.
  • Strong hands-on coding experience - this role requires active technical contribution.
  • Excellent knowledge of software design principles and backend architecture.
  • Experience working in Agile environments (Scrum, Kanban), including sprint planning and iterative delivery.
  • Proficiency with tools like Jira (or equivalent) for backlog management and delivery tracking.
  • Strong planning and prioritization skills, including breaking down complex initiatives into manageable tasks.
  • Ability to provide accurate estimations and balance delivery speed with technical quality.
  • Experience translating product requirements into technical designs and execution plans.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to proactively identify and mitigate risks and dependencies.


Bonus Skills
  • Experience with cloud-native architectures and infrastructure.
  • Familiarity with Kubernetes, Docker, and containerized deployments.
  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines, monitoring, and operational tooling.
  • Understanding of distributed system observability (logging, tracing, metrics).
  • Experience working on large-scale backend platforms or customer-facing systems.


Additional Details

This job posting relates to an existing vacancy within eBay.

About eBay

As a leader in automotive ecommerce, eBay Motors brings you millions of potential customers. Our new simplified listing plans give you unmatched levels of customization and control. So whether you're listing twenty cars a month or an entire lot, you know you're getting the value that you deserve.

eBay Careers

Joining eBay’s dynamic team offers more than just job opportunities; it’s a chance to be part of a global marketplace that values innovation, leadership, and diversity. As a leader in online retail, eBay provides a platform where ambitions flourish and career growth is fostered through comprehensive diversity training and professional development. Work You’ll Do At eBay, we empower you to drive your career path forward with a range of employment options, from internships to full-time positions. Our culture thrives on innovation and the pursuit of excellence in the digital commerce landscape. By joining our team, you’ll collaborate with skilled professionals who are adept at blending technology and creativity to achieve high-impact results. Explore eBay’s Diverse Opportunities Whether you’re starting out with an internship or seeking a leadership role, eBay’s global presence offers vast opportunities for professional growth and networking. Our commitment to diversity and inclusive culture allows every team member to feel valued and motivated. Innovate and Lead At eBay, every position contributes to our mission of creating a more connected and seamless e-commerce experience. We encourage our team to lead projects that challenge the status quo and promote innovation. With eBay, you’re not just filling a role; you’re part of a pioneering company that’s continually reshaping the world of online retail. Benefits and Growth eBay is dedicated to the well-being and development of our employees. We offer competitive benefits, leadership training, and opportunities for career advancement. Investing in our team’s growth is paramount, as they are the driving force behind our success. Join Our Team Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore the job opportunities at eBay where your skills and creativity can shine. We are hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and eager to drive change in the e-commerce industry. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest career tips, company news, and industry insights available through our eBay Careers Blog. Personalize your experience by subscribing to job alert emails that match your career interests and skills. Apply Now Start your journey with eBay today. Search open positions that align with your professional aspirations and submit your resume. Our interview process is designed to understand your capabilities and potential to grow with us. Join eBay and be part of a team that’s committed to creating impactful change in the marketplace. Discover the opportunities waiting for you at eBay – a place where your career can thrive in an environment of innovation and leadership.
Learn more about eBay
Size
10,800 employees
Market Cap
$21.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$5.6 billion
Founded
1995
5 Year Trend
+2.3%
Revenue
$10.7 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at eBay

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar Senior Engineering Manager - Backend jobs: