At eBay, we're more than a global ecommerce leader — we’re changing the way the world shops and sells. Our platform empowers millions of buyers and sellers in more than 190 markets around the world. We’re committed to pushing boundaries and leaving our mark as we reinvent the future of ecommerce for enthusiasts.
Our customers are our compass, authenticity thrives, bold ideas are welcome, and everyone can bring their unique selves to work — every day. We're in this together, sustaining the future of our customers, our company, and our planet.
Join a team of passionate thinkers, innovators, and dreamers — and help us connect people and build communities to create economic opportunity for all.
Principal Software Engineer – eBay Ads (Backend / Platform Engineering)Amsterdam, Netherlands
At eBay, we’re more than a global ecommerce leader — we’re changing the way the world shops and connects. Our platform empowers millions of buyers and sellers in more than 190 markets around the world. We’re committed to creating economic opportunity for all while fostering an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.
About the TeameBay Ads powers the advertising ecosystem that connects buyers with sellers through relevant and engaging ad experiences. Our teams build scalable platforms and services that support ad targeting, ranking, delivery, and measurement at global scale.
The RoleWe are looking for an experienced Principal Software Engineer to help shape the architecture and technical direction of eBay’s Ads platform. You will lead large-scale initiatives, drive platform modernization, and build highly scalable distributed systems that directly impact eBay’s business and customer experience.
What You Will AccomplishLead the design and evolution of large-scale, low-latency distributed systems
Drive technical strategy and architecture across multiple engineering teams
Build scalable services supporting ad serving, targeting, ranking, and reporting
Partner closely with product, data science, ML, and analytics teams
Improve system reliability, scalability, and operational efficiency
Mentor engineers and influence engineering best practices across the organization
Drive modernization initiatives and adoption of new technologies
10+ years of experience building large-scale distributed systems and APIs
Strong expertise in system design, distributed architectures, and cloud technologies
Experience with Java, Scala, or other JVM-based technologies
Deep understanding of messaging systems, databases, and real-time platforms
Proven technical leadership across complex cross-functional initiatives
Strong communication, collaboration, and mentorship skills
Experience in Ads platforms or ML-driven products is a plus
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
Experience with:
Distributed systems and microservices
REST/GraphQL APIs
Kafka or similar messaging technologies
RDBMS and NoSQL databases
Cloud-native and containerized environments
Opportunity to work on high-impact systems at global scale
Collaborative, inclusive, and innovative engineering culture
Flexible working environment and strong wellbeing support
Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
eBay is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Additional Details
eBay is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, and disability, or other legally protected status. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please contact us at [email protected]. We will make every effort to respond to your request for accommodation as soon as possible. View our accessibility statement to learn more about eBay's commitment to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities.
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Skills Required
- 10+ years of experience building large-scale distributed systems and APIs
- Strong expertise in system design, distributed architectures, and cloud technologies
- Experience with Java, Scala, or other JVM-based technologies
- Deep understanding of messaging systems, databases, and real-time platforms
- Proven technical leadership across complex cross-functional initiatives
- Strong communication, collaboration, and mentorship skills
- Experience in Ads platforms or ML-driven products
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
eBay Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about eBay and has not been reviewed or approved by eBay.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage begin on the date of hire, complemented by mental health resources, an EAP, disability coverage, FSAs, and wellness initiatives.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — A robust mix of PTO, paid holidays, flexible work styles, parental leave, and a four‑week paid sabbatical after five years supports work‑life balance.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Total compensation commonly includes stock components, with access to an employee stock purchase plan at a discount and stock awards enhancing overall packages.
eBay Insights
What We Do
eBay Inc. is a global commerce leader that connects millions of buyers and sellers around the world. We exist to enable economic opportunity for individuals, entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations of all sizes. Our portfolio of brands includes eBay Marketplace and eBay Classifieds Group, operating in 190 markets around the world. We offer sellers the ability to grow a business with little barrier to entry regardless of size, background or geographic location. We never compete with our sellers. We win when our sellers succeed. Buyers who shop on our Marketplace and Classifieds platforms enjoy a highly personalized experience with an unparalleled selection at great value.
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