Staff Software Engineer, Backend (Fraud Decisioning)

Affirm
United States
Remote

In the 12 months to 30 Jun 2026, Affirm filed 18 H-1B positions titled "Software Engineer II". Source: U.S. Department of Labor, LCA disclosure data. A record of filings already made, not a commitment to sponsor.

Who this role is best for

A natural match if you have experience leading complex backend systems in fraud detection. The role favors candidates with a track record in cross-functional collaboration and technical leadership, and it is based in the U.S. with remote flexibility.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with 6-10 years of technical leadership experience and a history of mentoring junior engineers
    — “6-10+ years of experience as a software engineer with leadership responsibilities and experience mentoring junior engineers.”
  • Individuals who have designed and maintained large-scale fraud detection systems
    — “Prior experience architecting, building, launching, coding and maintaining complex systems.”
  • Candidates who thrive in cross-functional environments with Product, ML, and Analytics teams
    — “Passion for working with cross-functional teams including Product, ML, Analytics and Business teams.”

Things to consider

  • The role requires a U.S.-based candidate due to equity and compensation structure
    — “USA base pay range (CA, WA, NY, NJ, CT): $230,000 - $290,000”
  • Some positions may occasionally require in-person work at an Affirm office
    — “Some positions may occasionally require in-person work at an Affirm office”

How to stand out

  • Highlight your experience leading cross-functional initiatives and system design
    — “Work across the org to plan and execute large, cross-functional initiatives”
  • Emphasize your ability to synthesize complex requirements into elegant designs
    — “Expert at synthesizing complex business, product, and technical requirements”
  • Showcase your track record in mentoring and building high-quality engineering teams
    — “A technical leader and team builder who can mentor the team in software development best practices.”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · HighDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • led large cross-functional initiatives
  • mentored junior engineers
  • developed and reviewed technical interview content
Typical background
6-10+ years of software engineering experienceleadership rolesmentoring experience

Skills & requirements

Required

Software EngineeringLeadershipMentorshipTechnical ArchitectureCross-functional Collaboration

Preferred

Fraud DetectionData Analysis

Stack & domain

Software EngineeringLeadershipCross-functional Team ManagementData AnalysisSystem ArchitectureTechnical LeadershipCommunicationTeam BuildingMentorshipProblem SolvingTechnical EvaluationFraud PreventionRisk ManagementData Driven Decision Making

About the role

Original posting from Affirm via Greenhouse

At Affirm, we exist for the moments that matter—giving people a clear, predictable way to pay over time, with no hidden fees, no surprises, and no tradeoffs on what matters most.

We are looking for a Staff Engineer to lead projects and initiatives on the Fraud Decisioning team. You’ll be responsible for building tools and systems that empower Affirm fraud fighting capabilities, work with cross-functional teams to adopt and monitor those and use analytics and data driven decisions to further improve the performance and quality of fraud deciders. Our mission is to drive growth while protecting Affirm, buyers, and merchants. We achieve this by leveraging data to evaluate risk at critical points in the user journey, adapting to the ever-changing fraud landscape, and by introducing new fraud-fighting capabilities..

What You’ll Do

Work across the org to plan and execute large, cross-functional initiatives, including: project definition, technical specification, task break-down, delivery, monitoring, and maintenance.

Generate simple and elegant designs that are easily deployed and debugged, but anticipate the unhappy path. Write high-quality code that can be easily understood and leveraged by others.

Review others’ work and provide constructive feedback in order to maintain high and consistent quality standards across teams.

Lead and mentor engineers to help them succeed and grow. Provide the right context to engineers and train them to take ownership of their respective pieces of the initiative. 

Effectively incorporate needs and opinions from stakeholders, advocate for ideas and initiatives, and create a common understanding where all voices are heard.

Conduct technical and soft skill evaluations to inform and influence the hiring decisions. Develop and review the technical content and requirements of the interview process.

What We Look For

6-10+ years of experience as a software engineer with leadership responsibilities and experience mentoring junior engineers.

Prior experience architecting, building, launching, coding and maintaining complex systems.

Passion for working with cross-functional teams including Product, ML,Analytics and Business teams.

A technical leader and team builder who can mentor the team in software development best practices.

Expert at synthesizing complex business, product, and technical requirements to consistently produce high quality system designs and software.

A system architect who can see the big picture and envision how business and product requirements can be broken up into system modules or components.

This position requires either equivalent practical experience or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Base Pay Grade - P

Equity Grade - USA 13

Employees new to Affirm typically come in at the start of the pay range. Affirm focuses on providing a simple and transparent pay structure which is based on a variety of factors, including location, experience and job-related skills.

Base pay is part of a total compensation package that may include equity rewards, monthly stipends for health, wellness and tech spending, and benefits (including 100% subsidized medical coverage, dental and vision for you and your dependents.)

USA base pay range (CA, WA, NY, NJ, CT): $230,000 - $290,000 

USA base pay range (all other U.S. states): $204,000 - $264,000 

#LI-Remote

Remote-first with flexibility built in

Affirm is proud to be a remote-first company. Most roles can be done from almost anywhere within the country of employment. Some positions may occasionally require in-person work at an Affirm office, and a few are office-based due to the nature of the work. All new hires will be invited to attend an in-person onboarding experience.

Benefits designed for you

Our benefits reflect our commitment to care, transparency, and flexibility. Here are a few highlights:

Health coverage at no cost: We cover 100% of premiums for employees and their dependents.

Spending stipends: Monthly stipends support your tech setup, and the ability to choose health and wellness options that are right for you.

Time off to recharge: Flexible time off and generous holiday calendars help you rest when you need to.

Own a piece of what you build: Our employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) lets you buy Affirm stock at a discount.

We’re committed to providing an inclusive interview process, including accommodations for candidates with disabilities. If you need support, we’re happy to help.

For positions based in San Francisco or Los Angeles: Affirm considers qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, as required by law.

By clicking "Submit Application," you acknowledge that you have read Affirm's Global Candidate Privacy Notice and consent to the use of your personal information as described.

Source: Affirm careers (Greenhouse)

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