Senior Software Development Engineer

JOB LEVEL

P50

EMPLOYEE ROLE

Individual Contributor

The Opportunity

We are looking for a senior software engineer who is passionate about building scalable, reliable and performant applications. You should have a proven track record of crafting innovative solutions and designing and building architecture for the next generation of users. Looking for forward-thinking, motivated individuals to join a dynamic, high-caliber team.

Adobe Express is a unified task-based, web and mobile app. With drag-and-drop technology, it enables users to make rich multimedia content including social media posts and stories, invitations, and marketing materials like logos, flyers and banners. We are a team of hard-working storytellers, technology innovators, and change agents. Our aim is to build fast and easy product experiences that empower students, social influencers, marketers, small businesses - really anyone with something to say - to make something that will stand out and impress their audience.

Join our bold and fast-paced team as an expert Software Development Engineer 5. Help build a new creativity platform that will define the future of Creative Cloud and Adobe’s Digital Media business.

What you’ll do:

• Own end-to-end system design and architecture across frontend, backend, and platform layers, with a focus on building scalable, intelligent, and extensible systems. Drive solutions to high-complexity problems involving distributed services, data pipelines, and AI-driven components.
• Design and develop agentic workflows and systems that leverage generative AI/LLMs to automate tasks, orchestrate multi-step processes, and enhance user productivity across the platform.
• Collaborate cross-functionally (Design, Product, Data, Infra) to deliver cohesive end-to-end user experiences, bridging frontend interactions with intelligent backend and AI-driven services.
• Mentor engineers through architecture reviews, design discussions, and code reviews, with a focus on modern best practices in full-stack and AI-native development.
• Drive rapid prototyping and experimentation, especially around agentic patterns, LLM integrations, and emerging AI frameworks, to validate ideas and accelerate innovation.
• Partner with Product Management to shape requirements that incorporate AI capabilities, identify gaps in current experiences, and propose forward-looking, intelligent solutions.
• Design, implement, and operate systems with strong observability, testing (including AI evaluation strategies), and continuous improvement practices.

What you will bring:

• Expertise in designing and developing scalable, maintainable, performant and resilient application, micro-services and RESTful services.
• Experience with modern frontend technologies such as React, Lit/Web Components, and strong fundamentals in HTML, CSS, JavaScript/TypeScript.
• Hands-on experience building full-stack applications, including Node.js services and middleware.
• Proficiency and interest in developing with and for AI toolsets including agents, MCP, and RAG.
• Strong understanding of micro-frontend architecture and its trade-offs in large-scale applications.
• Familiarity with modern web development patterns, including state management, performance optimization, and component-driven development.
• Solid debugging skills across frontend, backend, and integrated systems (including AI-driven workflows).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, especially in ambiguous or evolving problem spaces.
• Clear and effective communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts and trade-offs.
• A growth mindset, with curiosity and willingness to learn emerging areas such as agentic systems and generative AI.
• Familiarity with implementing/reviewing metrics using NewRelic, Splunk is highly desired.

What you need to succeed:

• At least 10 yrs of software development experience.
• BS or MS in Computer Science or comparable experience.
• Ability to innovate, prioritize, and multi-task and leverage AI tools.
• Growth mindset, eager to learn/receive from feedback of others.

Expected Pay Range:

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several  U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The U.S. pay range for this position is $159,200 -- $301,600 annually. Pay within this range varies by work location and may also depend on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the job location during the hiring process.

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In California, the pay range for this position is $208,300 - $301,600 │ In Washington, the pay range for this position is $190,200 - $275,400

At Adobe, for sales roles starting salaries are expressed as total target compensation (TTC = base + commission), and short-term incentives are in the form of sales commission plans.  Non-sales roles starting salaries are expressed as base salary and short-term incentives are in the form of the Annual Incentive Plan (AIP).

In addition, certain roles may be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of a new hire equity award.

State-Specific Notices:

California:

Fair Chance Ordinances

Adobe will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with state and local laws and “fair chance” ordinances.

Colorado:

Application Window Notice

If this role is open to hiring in Colorado (as listed on the job posting), the application window will remain open until at least the date and time stated above in Pacific Time, in compliance with Colorado pay transparency regulations. If this role does not have Colorado listed as a hiring location, no specific application window applies, and the posting may close at any time based on hiring needs.

Massachusetts:

Massachusetts Legal Notice

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Internal Opportunities

Creativity, curiosity, and constant learning are celebrated aspects of your career growth journey. We’re glad that you’re pursuing a new opportunity at Adobe!

Put your best foot forward:

1. Update your Resume/CV and Workday profile – don’t forget to include your uniquely ‘Adobe’ experiences and volunteer work.

2. Visit the Internal Mobility page on Inside Adobe to learn more about the process and set up a job alert for roles you’re interested in.

3. Check out these tips to help you prep for interviews.

4. If you are applying for a role outside of your current country, ensure you review the International Resources for Relocating Employees on Inside Adobe, including the impacts to your Benefits, AIP, Equity & Payroll. 

Once you apply for a role via Workday, the Talent Team will reach out to you within 2 weeks. If you move into the official interview process with the hiring team, make sure you inform your manager so they can champion your career growth.

At Adobe, you will be immersed in an exceptional work environment that is recognized around the world. You will also be surrounded by colleagues who are committed to helping each other grow through our unique Check-In approach where ongoing feedback flows freely. If you’re looking to make an impact, Adobe's the place for you. Discover what our employees are saying about their career experiences on the Adobe Life blog and explore the meaningful benefits we offer.

Let’s Adobe together

At Adobe, we believe in creating a company culture where all employees are empowered to make an impact. Learn more about Adobe life, including our values and culture, focus on people, purpose and community, Adobe for All, comprehensive benefits programs, the stories we tell, the customers we serve, and how you can help us advance our mission of empowering everyone to create.

Adobe is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on gender, race or color, ethnicity or national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Learn more.

AI Use Guidelines for Interviews:
Our interviews are designed to reflect your own skills and thinking. The use of AI or recording tools during live interviews is not permitted unless explicitly invited by the interviewer or approved in advance as part of a reasonable accommodation. If these tools are used inappropriately or in a way that misrepresents your work, your application may not move forward in the process.

At Adobe, we empower employees to innovate with AI — and we look for candidates eager to do the same. As part of the hiring experience, we provide clear guidance on where AI is encouraged during the process and where it’s restricted during live interviews. See how we think about AI in the hiring experience.