Software Engineer, Acquisition and Identity
Handshake
Location
San Francisco, CA
Employment Type
Full time
Location Type
On-site
Department
Engineering
Compensation
- $145K – $170K • Offers Equity
For cash compensation, we set standard ranges for all U.S.-based roles based on function, level, and geographic location, benchmarked against similar stage growth companies. In order to be compliant with local legislation, as well as to provide greater transparency to candidates, we share salary ranges on all job postings regardless of desired hiring location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including geographic location as well as candidate experience and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed above.
About Handshake
Handshake is the career network for the AI economy. 20 million knowledge workers, 1,600 educational institutions, 1 million employers (including 100% of the Fortune 50), and every foundational AI lab trust Handshake to power career discovery, hiring, and upskilling, from freelance AI training gigs to first internships to full-time careers and beyond. This unique value is leading to unparalleled growth; in 2025, we tripled our ARR at scale.
Why join Handshake now:
Shape how every career evolves in the AI economy, at global scale, with impact your friends, family and peers can see and feel
Work hand-in-hand with world-class AI labs, Fortune 500 partners and the world’s top educational institutions
Join a team with leadership from Scale AI, Meta, xAI, Notion, Coinbase, and Palantir, among others
Build a massive, fast-growing business with billions in revenue
About the Role
As a Software Engineer, you will contribute to the development of critical systems that power how users join and trust our platform; spanning user acquisition, onboarding, identity, and fraud prevention. You will work alongside experienced engineers and cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, scalable, and high-performance software solutions. This role is ideal for someone with a strong foundation in software engineering principles and the drive to grow through meaningful, impactful work.
In this role, you will:
Contribute to the design and implementation of platform systems that support user acquisition, onboarding, and identity infrastructure.
Help build and maintain fraud prevention systems to protect the integrity of our platform.
Write high-quality code and support robust testing strategies to ensure product reliability.
Collaborate with product managers, designers, and senior engineers to create seamless user experiences from first touch through activation.
Actively participate in code reviews and learn from experienced engineers to accelerate your technical growth.
Desired Capabilities
2+ years of software engineering experience, with a backend-leaning full stack orientation.
Foundational proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or Ruby.
Familiarity with building or contributing to platforms and scalable infrastructure systems.
Exposure to cloud platforms like AWS or Azure.
Ability to break down problems, take ownership of well-scoped tasks, and see them through to completion.
Strong problem-solving skills and eagerness to tackle new technical challenges.
Clear communication skills and a collaborative, team-first mindset.
Extra Credit
Interest in identity, trust & safety, or fraud prevention.
Perks
Handshake delivers benefits that help you feel supported—and thrive at work and in life.
The below benefits are for full-time US employees.
🎯 Ownership: Equity in a fast-growing company
💰 Financial Wellness: 401(k) match, competitive compensation, financial coaching
🍼 Family Support: Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, parental coaching
💝 Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision, mental health support, wellness stipend
📚 Growth: Learning stipend, ongoing development
💻 Remote & Office: Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office
🏝 Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days
🤝 Connection: Team outings & referral bonuses
Explore our mission, values, and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.
Compensation Range: $145K - $170K