Senior Software Engineer, Fellow Experience at Handshake

Role Overview

Handshake is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join our Fellows Allocations team. This role is based in San Francisco, CA, and focuses on architecting and scaling the systems that power the middle-of-funnel experience for fellows, from project discovery through successful onboarding. You will own the technical vision for our auto-allocations system, which automatically matches fellows to projects based on profiles and project needs, directly impacting fellow volume and quality at scale. This is a high-visibility, customer-facing role with direct exposure to executive leadership.

About Handshake

Handshake is the career network for the AI economy. We connect 20 million knowledge workers, 1,600 educational institutions, 1 million employers (including 100% of the Fortune 50), and every foundational AI lab. We power career discovery, hiring, and upskilling, from freelance AI training gigs to first internships to full-time careers and beyond. In 2025, we tripled our ARR at scale.

Why Join Handshake Now?

• Shape how every career evolves in the AI economy, at a global scale.
• Work hand-in-hand with world-class AI labs, Fortune 500 partners, and top educational institutions.
• Join a team with leadership from Scale AI, Meta, xAI, Notion, Coinbase, and Palantir.
• Build a massive, fast-growing business with billions in revenue.

About the Role

As a Senior Software Engineer on the Fellows Allocations team, you will own critical user journeys, including the landing page experience for project invitations and applications, project onboarding flows (confidentiality agreements, video/camera checks, educational programs, reading materials), project-specific assessments and recordings, and the tools that support our growth team's manual matching efforts.

Day in the Life

A typical day for a Senior Software Engineer on the Fellows Allocations team might include:

• Designing and implementing new features for the auto-allocations system.
• Reviewing code and providing feedback to other engineers on the team.
• Participating in sprint planning and stand-up meetings.
• Collaborating with product managers to define and prioritize new features.
• Troubleshooting and resolving production issues.
• Mentoring junior engineers.

Why San Francisco, CA?

San Francisco is a hub of innovation and technology, offering a vibrant and diverse community. Working in San Francisco provides access to a wealth of opportunities for professional growth and personal enrichment. The city is home to numerous tech companies, startups, and research institutions, making it an ideal location for individuals passionate about technology and innovation. San Francisco also offers a wide range of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and dining experiences.

Career Path

The Senior Software Engineer role offers a clear path for career advancement within Handshake. With experience and demonstrated leadership, you can progress to roles such as Staff Engineer, Principal Engineer, or Engineering Manager. Handshake is committed to providing opportunities for growth and development, supporting employees in achieving their career goals.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition to a competitive salary, Handshake offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, equity options, and a 401k plan.

Mission

Handshake's mission is to democratize opportunity and connect talent with the right opportunities. As a Senior Software Engineer, you will play a critical role in fulfilling this mission by building and scaling the systems that power the fellow experience.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the Handshake careers page. Please submit a resume and cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications.

FAQ

1. What is the interview process for this role?

   The interview process typically includes a phone screen, a technical interview, and a final interview with the hiring manager and other team members.

2. What are the key skills and qualifications for this role?

   The key skills and qualifications include 5+ years of software engineering experience, strong proficiency in TypeScript, experience with full-stack development, and proven ability to architect systems at scale.

3. What is the work environment like at Handshake?

   Handshake offers a collaborative and supportive work environment, where employees are encouraged to learn and grow.

4. What is the company culture at Handshake?

   Handshake fosters a culture of ownership, innovation, and impact. The company values diversity and inclusion, and is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all employees.

5. What are the opportunities for professional development at Handshake?

   Handshake provides opportunities for professional development through training programs, mentorship opportunities, and conference attendance.

6. Does Handshake offer flexible work arrangements?

   Yes, Handshake offers flexible work arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.

7. What technologies does the Fellows Allocations team use?

   The Fellows Allocations team uses TypeScript, Next.js, TRPC, GraphQL, and PostgreSQL.

8. What is the team structure of the Fellows Allocations team?

   The Fellows Allocations team consists of software engineers, product managers, and designers.

9. How does Handshake support employee well-being?

   Handshake supports employee well-being through comprehensive health insurance, mental health resources, and wellness programs.

10. What is Handshake's commitment to diversity and inclusion?

    Handshake is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected.