The Role
Staff Engineer responsible for architecting and scaling cloud-based eCommerce MarTech platforms using Java, Spring Boot, distributed systems, microservices, and event-driven architectures. The role leads technical strategy, system design, CI/CD, observability, incident response, roadmap development, and mentorship while partnering cross-functionally to deliver reliable, revenue-driving solutions.
Summary Generated by Built In
Title: Staff Engineer
Reports To: Sr. Manager - Engineering
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
American Eagle is a youth culture brand grounded in denim. Our purpose extends beyond making the best jeans–we embrace self expression, culture, optimism and connection. Through the brand platform Live Your Life, we empower our community to be who they want to be all while wearing the clothes that make them most confident.
Get to Know the Role:
We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Staff Engineer to join our dynamic Marketing Technology (MarTech) team. In this critical Individual Contributor (IC) leadership role, you will be instrumental in designing, developing, and scaling our core eCommerce MarTech platform. Leveraging deep expertise in Java, Spring Boot, and event-driven microservices, you will build robust, high-availability solutions that drive customer engagement.
As a Staff Engineer, you will act as a force multiplier for the engineering organization—setting the technical vision, architecting complex distributed systems, and providing elite mentorship to the development team. This role requires a strong technical foundation, proven cross-functional leadership capabilities, and a passion for building innovative, revenue-driving MarTech solutions.
What You’ll Do:
- Architecture & Technical Leadership: Serve as the technical anchor for the MarTech team, architecting and delivering distributed, cloud-based microservices, event-driven architectures, and RESTful APIs using Java and Spring Boot.
- Design & Roadmap: Lead the technical design process, write highly effective narrative design documents (RFCs/Architecture Decision Records), and translate complex business needs into clear technical roadmaps with accurate estimations and mitigation plans.
- Engineering Excellence: Drive automated CI/CD practices and deployment pipelines (e.g., Bamboo, GitHub Actions, Bitbucket) for zero-downtime releases.
- Operations & Observability: Design for observability (Grafana, New Relic), act as the escalation point in a 24/7 environment, and lead detailed Root Cause Analysis (RCAs) and Correction of Errors (COEs).
- Vision & Mentorship: Define the technical strategic vision, align software delivery with eCommerce goals, and elevate the engineering team through direct mentorship, technical coaching, and pair programming.
What You Bring:
- Domain Expertise: Extensive architectural experience working specifically within eCommerce domains and Marketing Technologies (MarTech).
- AI/ML Readiness: Demonstrated proficiency, hands-on experience, or formal certification in AI/ML implementations and generative AI toolsets.
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Experience: Minimum of 10 years of software engineering experience, with a heavy emphasis on Java development and substantial experience leading complex, multi-quarter engineering projects.
- Technical Leadership: Proven track record operating at a Senior, Lead, or Staff level, driving technical strategy without requiring formal direct-line management authority.
- Systems Design: Deep expertise architecting large-scale, highly available distributed systems and cloud architectures (advanced system design demonstration required during the interview process).
- Database & Cloud: Strong hands-on proficiency with relational and transactional databases (PostgreSQL, CloudSQL) and Google Cloud Platform services (e.g., Pub/Sub, Cloud SQL).
- Soft Skills: Exceptional communication, presentation, and cross-functional networking skills, capable of distilling complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
- Adaptability: Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented eCommerce environment with competing priorities.
Perks: Why You’ll Love it Here
- Generous Associate Discount: Treat yourself to the best our brands offer!
- Summer Fridays (For Pittsburgh, NYC and Remote Corporate Associates): More time for the sun and the weekend between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
- Casual Dress Code: Come as you are (and stay comfy).
- Hybrid Schedule: Enjoy a blend of home-office focus and in-office collaboration.
- In-Person Connection: While we love our digital tools, we love our people even more! To keep our culture thriving, in-person presence is required at one of our Pittsburgh or NYC headquarters, distribution centers or field locations for interviews, orientation and periodic quarterly meetups.
- In-Office Events: Exciting company-wide events you won’t want to miss!
Pay/Benefits Information:
- Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.
- Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
- Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click HERE.
- AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.
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About Us Get to Know AEO
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer with a portfolio of beloved apparel brands including American Eagle, Aerie, OFFL/NE by Aerie, Todd Snyder and Unsubscribed.
Rooted in optimism, inclusivity and authenticity, AEO’s brands empower every customer to celebrate their unique personal style by offering casual, comfortable, timeless outfitting and high-quality products that are made to last. In addition to a robust e-commerce business, we operate stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with merchandise available in more than 30 countries through a global network of license partners.
At AEO, we believe in the power of our people and our brands. Our Better Together culture creates a mutual desire to succeed–inspiring our community to excel, while driving future growth for the business and associates. Through experience, exposure and education we empower associates to build their unique career journey.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access at AEO
We remain committed to building an inclusive culture that is welcoming and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone. Please see more about our initiatives here.
AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity ("EEO") laws. AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law.
Applications will be accepted until the Apply Before date (if applicable), but may be extended based on applicant volume.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field
- Minimum 10 years of software engineering experience
- Extensive Java development experience
- Experience leading complex, multi-quarter engineering projects
- Senior, Lead, or Staff-level technical leadership experience
- Experience architecting large-scale, highly available distributed systems and cloud architectures
- Advanced system design demonstration during the interview process
- eCommerce and Marketing Technology domain experience
- Proficiency in AI/ML implementations and generative AI toolsets, through experience or formal certification
- Hands-on proficiency with PostgreSQL, CloudSQL, and transactional databases
- Hands-on proficiency with Google Cloud Platform services, including Pub/Sub and Cloud SQL
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and cross-functional networking skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented eCommerce environment
American Eagle Outfitters Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about American Eagle Outfitters and has not been reviewed or approved by American Eagle Outfitters.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive, spanning medical, prescription, dental, and vision, with added services like telemedicine and expert second opinions. Additional offerings like HSA/HRA/FSA options, prescription savings programs, and wellness supports increase perceived plan breadth.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-focused benefits include parental leave, caregiver leave, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and backup care for children, elders, and pets. Fertility management benefits and pregnancy-related support are also described as included, signaling a broad family-building and caregiving design.
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Retirement Support — Retirement and wealth-building options include a 401(k)/Roth 401(k) with company match and an employee stock purchase plan with a company match. Life and disability benefits are also described as available, adding to the overall financial-protection package.
American Eagle Outfitters Insights
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The Company
What We Do
Shop American Eagle men's and women's jeans, tops, bottoms, activewear, loungewear and more. Find hoodies, t-shirts, jeans, shorts, and more in additional sizes and styles at AE.com
