STEM OPT Java Backend Engineer Jobs
Java Backend Engineer roles qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension if your degree is in computer science, software engineering, or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign your I-983 training plan before your extension starts. With 36 months of total OPT, you have a realistic window to secure H-1B sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsThe Company
PayPal has been revolutionizing commerce globally for more than 25 years. Creating innovative experiences that make moving money, selling, and shopping simple, personalized, and secure, PayPal empowers consumers and businesses in approximately 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy.
We operate a global, two-sided network at scale that connects hundreds of millions of merchants and consumers. We help merchants and consumers connect, transact, and complete payments, whether they are online or in person. PayPal is more than a connection to third-party payment networks. We provide proprietary payment solutions accepted by merchants that enable the completion of payments on our platform on behalf of our customers.
We offer our customers the flexibility to use their accounts to purchase and receive payments for goods and services, as well as the ability to transfer and withdraw funds. We enable consumers to exchange funds more safely with merchants using a variety of funding sources, which may include a bank account, a PayPal or Venmo account balance, PayPal and Venmo branded credit products, a credit card, a debit card, certain cryptocurrencies, or other stored value products such as gift cards, and eligible credit card rewards. Our PayPal, Venmo, and Xoom products also make it safer and simpler for friends and family to transfer funds to each other. We offer merchants an end-to-end payments solution that provides authorization and settlement capabilities, as well as instant access to funds and payouts. We also help merchants connect with their customers, process exchanges and returns, and manage risk. We enable consumers to engage in cross-border shopping and merchants to extend their global reach while reducing the complexity and friction involved in enabling cross-border trade.
Our beliefs are the foundation for how we conduct business every day. We live each day guided by our core values of Inclusion, Innovation, Collaboration, and Wellness. Together, our values ensure that we work together as one global team with our customers at the center of everything we do – and they push us to ensure we take care of ourselves, each other, and our communities.
Job Description Summary: This job acts as a project leader, coordinating the activities of other engineers, determining technical tasks, and improving existing structures and processes. It involves making technical decisions, collaborating with management to set standards, and representing the company to external partners.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Acts as a project or system leader, coordinating the activities of other engineers on the project or within the system
- Determines the technical tasks that other engineers will follow
- Actions result in the achievement of customer, operational, program or service objectives
- Proactively improves existing structures & processes
- Exercises judgement in reconciling diverse and competing priorities (time, quality, complexity risk) to identify optimal solutions to problems
- Notices patterns and condenses repetition into densely meaningful generalized solutions
- Collaborates with management to set/improve standards for engineering rigor
- Trusted to represent PayPal, Inc to the outside world via interactions with partners, customers, or industry organizations
Expected Qualifications:
- 5+ years relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Additional Responsibilities And Preferred Qualifications:
Meet Your Team
Core Platforms builds and delivers PayPal’s foundational capabilities across compliance, privacy, identity, risk, customer servicing, and shared platform services that protect, engage, and power PayPal’s global ecosystem. The team provides secure, scalable, and composable platforms that enable faster time-to-market, seamless end-to-end customer journeys, and trusted experiences that drive growth across PayPal’s business.
Your way to impact
At PayPal, Backend Software Engineers are the architects of our global payment platform. You'll design, develop, and optimize core systems that power millions of transactions daily, directly impacting on our customers' experiences and our company's success.
Your day-to-day:
As a Software Engineer, Backend Java, you'll define the technical roadmap and drive innovation. You'll collaborate with product and engineering leadership to deliver impactful solutions.
- Strong analytical skills to analyze requirements and transform into scalable software designs.
- Strong advocate of code craftsmanship, good coding standards and use of tools that will improve the quality of the delivered code
- Define and execute the backend technology strategy.
- Drive innovation and experimentation.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver business outcomes
What do you need to bring:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field.
- 5+ years of backend development experience.
- Proficiency in at least one backend language (Java)
- Expert in back-end development using Java EE technologies (e.g. Java language, application servers, servlet containers, JMS, JPA, Spring MVC, Hibernate)
- Leadership in designing and architecting scalable backend systems with a focus on cloud-native solutions, microservices, and serverless architectures.
- Expertise in architecting and developing large-scale backend systems using Java EE, with extensive experience in Spring MVC or Hibernate.
- Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams, drive technical roadmaps, and ensure alignment with business objectives.
- Expertise in designing and implementing fault-tolerant systems with a focus on high availability and disaster recovery.
- Experience with advanced security practices, including secure coding, encryption, and access control.
- Proven ability to influence and mentor engineering teams, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
- Deep expertise in backend technologies and architecture.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with using Agile/Scrum methodology for software development
- Experience with large-scale, high-performance systems.
- Knowledge of the payment processing industry and relevant regulations.
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure).
- Contributions to open-source projects.
The base pay for this role will depend on where you work and the relevant experience and expertise you bring. The expected range of pay for this role by location is:
Primary Location | Pay Range:
San Jose, California | ($176,500-$262,350 Salary)
Additional compensation for this role may include an annual performance bonus, equity, or other incentive compensation, as applicable.
PayPal does not charge candidates any fees for courses, applications, resume reviews, interviews, background checks, or onboarding. Any such request is a red flag and likely part of a scam. To learn more about how to identify and avoid recruitment fraud please visit https://careers.pypl.com/contact-us.
For the majority of employees, PayPal's balanced hybrid work model offers 3 days in the office for effective in-person collaboration and 2 days at your choice of either the PayPal office or your home workspace, ensuring that you equally have the benefits and conveniences of both locations.
Our Benefits:
At PayPal, we’re committed to building an equitable and inclusive global economy. And we can’t do this without our most important asset - you. That’s why we offer benefits to help you thrive in every stage of life. We champion your financial, physical, and mental health by offering valuable benefits and resources to help you care for the whole you.
We have great benefits including a flexible work environment, employee shares options, health and life insurance and more. To learn more about our benefits please visit https://www.paypalbenefits.com
Who We Are:
To learn more about our culture and community visit https://about.pypl.com/who-we-are/default.aspx
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
PayPal provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, PayPal will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at paypalglobaltalentacquisition@paypal.com.
Belonging at PayPal:
Our employees are central to advancing our mission, and we strive to create an environment where everyone can do their best work with a sense of purpose and belonging. Belonging at PayPal means creating a workplace with a sense of acceptance and security where all employees feel included and valued. We are proud to have a diverse workforce reflective of the merchants, consumers, and communities that we serve, and we continue to take tangible actions to cultivate inclusivity and belonging at PayPal.
Any general requests for consideration of your skills, please Join our Talent Community.
We know the confidence gap and imposter syndrome can get in the way of meeting spectacular candidates. Please don’t hesitate to apply.
The Company
PayPal has been revolutionizing commerce globally for more than 25 years. Creating innovative experiences that make moving money, selling, and shopping simple, personalized, and secure, PayPal empowers consumers and businesses in approximately 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy.
We operate a global, two-sided network at scale that connects hundreds of millions of merchants and consumers. We help merchants and consumers connect, transact, and complete payments, whether they are online or in person. PayPal is more than a connection to third-party payment networks. We provide proprietary payment solutions accepted by merchants that enable the completion of payments on our platform on behalf of our customers.
We offer our customers the flexibility to use their accounts to purchase and receive payments for goods and services, as well as the ability to transfer and withdraw funds. We enable consumers to exchange funds more safely with merchants using a variety of funding sources, which may include a bank account, a PayPal or Venmo account balance, PayPal and Venmo branded credit products, a credit card, a debit card, certain cryptocurrencies, or other stored value products such as gift cards, and eligible credit card rewards. Our PayPal, Venmo, and Xoom products also make it safer and simpler for friends and family to transfer funds to each other. We offer merchants an end-to-end payments solution that provides authorization and settlement capabilities, as well as instant access to funds and payouts. We also help merchants connect with their customers, process exchanges and returns, and manage risk. We enable consumers to engage in cross-border shopping and merchants to extend their global reach while reducing the complexity and friction involved in enabling cross-border trade.
Our beliefs are the foundation for how we conduct business every day. We live each day guided by our core values of Inclusion, Innovation, Collaboration, and Wellness. Together, our values ensure that we work together as one global team with our customers at the center of everything we do – and they push us to ensure we take care of ourselves, each other, and our communities.
Job Description Summary: This job acts as a project leader, coordinating the activities of other engineers, determining technical tasks, and improving existing structures and processes. It involves making technical decisions, collaborating with management to set standards, and representing the company to external partners.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Acts as a project or system leader, coordinating the activities of other engineers on the project or within the system
- Determines the technical tasks that other engineers will follow
- Actions result in the achievement of customer, operational, program or service objectives
- Proactively improves existing structures & processes
- Exercises judgement in reconciling diverse and competing priorities (time, quality, complexity risk) to identify optimal solutions to problems
- Notices patterns and condenses repetition into densely meaningful generalized solutions
- Collaborates with management to set/improve standards for engineering rigor
- Trusted to represent PayPal, Inc to the outside world via interactions with partners, customers, or industry organizations
Expected Qualifications:
- 5+ years relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Additional Responsibilities And Preferred Qualifications:
Meet Your Team
Core Platforms builds and delivers PayPal’s foundational capabilities across compliance, privacy, identity, risk, customer servicing, and shared platform services that protect, engage, and power PayPal’s global ecosystem. The team provides secure, scalable, and composable platforms that enable faster time-to-market, seamless end-to-end customer journeys, and trusted experiences that drive growth across PayPal’s business.
Your way to impact
At PayPal, Backend Software Engineers are the architects of our global payment platform. You'll design, develop, and optimize core systems that power millions of transactions daily, directly impacting on our customers' experiences and our company's success.
Your day-to-day:
As a Software Engineer, Backend Java, you'll define the technical roadmap and drive innovation. You'll collaborate with product and engineering leadership to deliver impactful solutions.
- Strong analytical skills to analyze requirements and transform into scalable software designs.
- Strong advocate of code craftsmanship, good coding standards and use of tools that will improve the quality of the delivered code
- Define and execute the backend technology strategy.
- Drive innovation and experimentation.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver business outcomes
What do you need to bring:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field.
- 5+ years of backend development experience.
- Proficiency in at least one backend language (Java)
- Expert in back-end development using Java EE technologies (e.g. Java language, application servers, servlet containers, JMS, JPA, Spring MVC, Hibernate)
- Leadership in designing and architecting scalable backend systems with a focus on cloud-native solutions, microservices, and serverless architectures.
- Expertise in architecting and developing large-scale backend systems using Java EE, with extensive experience in Spring MVC or Hibernate.
- Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams, drive technical roadmaps, and ensure alignment with business objectives.
- Expertise in designing and implementing fault-tolerant systems with a focus on high availability and disaster recovery.
- Experience with advanced security practices, including secure coding, encryption, and access control.
- Proven ability to influence and mentor engineering teams, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
- Deep expertise in backend technologies and architecture.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with using Agile/Scrum methodology for software development
- Experience with large-scale, high-performance systems.
- Knowledge of the payment processing industry and relevant regulations.
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure).
- Contributions to open-source projects.
The base pay for this role will depend on where you work and the relevant experience and expertise you bring. The expected range of pay for this role by location is:
Primary Location | Pay Range:
San Jose, California | ($176,500-$262,350 Salary)
Additional compensation for this role may include an annual performance bonus, equity, or other incentive compensation, as applicable.
PayPal does not charge candidates any fees for courses, applications, resume reviews, interviews, background checks, or onboarding. Any such request is a red flag and likely part of a scam. To learn more about how to identify and avoid recruitment fraud please visit https://careers.pypl.com/contact-us.
For the majority of employees, PayPal's balanced hybrid work model offers 3 days in the office for effective in-person collaboration and 2 days at your choice of either the PayPal office or your home workspace, ensuring that you equally have the benefits and conveniences of both locations.
Our Benefits:
At PayPal, we’re committed to building an equitable and inclusive global economy. And we can’t do this without our most important asset - you. That’s why we offer benefits to help you thrive in every stage of life. We champion your financial, physical, and mental health by offering valuable benefits and resources to help you care for the whole you.
We have great benefits including a flexible work environment, employee shares options, health and life insurance and more. To learn more about our benefits please visit https://www.paypalbenefits.com
Who We Are:
To learn more about our culture and community visit https://about.pypl.com/who-we-are/default.aspx
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
PayPal provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, PayPal will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at paypalglobaltalentacquisition@paypal.com.
Belonging at PayPal:
Our employees are central to advancing our mission, and we strive to create an environment where everyone can do their best work with a sense of purpose and belonging. Belonging at PayPal means creating a workplace with a sense of acceptance and security where all employees feel included and valued. We are proud to have a diverse workforce reflective of the merchants, consumers, and communities that we serve, and we continue to take tangible actions to cultivate inclusivity and belonging at PayPal.
Any general requests for consideration of your skills, please Join our Talent Community.
We know the confidence gap and imposter syndrome can get in the way of meeting spectacular candidates. Please don’t hesitate to apply.
See all 79+ Java Backend Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Java Backend Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Java Backend Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code maps to a DHS-designated STEM field. Computer science (11.0701) and software engineering (14.0903) both qualify, but information systems degrees vary by institution. Confirm with your DSO before your extension application.
Filter roles by E-Verify enrollment status
Before submitting applications, confirm the employer is enrolled in E-Verify. You can check directly through the E-Verify employer search. An employer not enrolled cannot legally hire you on STEM OPT, regardless of how far along you are in the process.
Negotiate your I-983 training plan scope early
Java backend roles often span multiple systems. Define your training goals narrowly enough to match your STEM degree field but broadly enough to cover the actual work. A poorly scoped I-983 creates compliance risk at your annual review, not just at submission.
Target employers with active H-1B LCA filings
Use Migrate Mate to filter Java Backend Engineer roles by employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for H-1B positions. DOL LCA data shows which companies have already navigated visa sponsorship, making them stronger candidates for converting your OPT to H-1B.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer
Before accepting a Java Backend Engineer offer, look up the prevailing wage for your SOC code and work location using OFLC Wage Search. Your employer must pay at least that wage on your LCA, and offers below it are a signal the company may struggle at the H-1B stage.
File your extension 90 days before OPT expiration
USCIS requires your STEM OPT extension application to be filed no earlier than 90 days before your current EAD expires. Your DSO must update SEVIS before you file. Late submissions leave a gap in work authorization that can interrupt active employment at a Java backend role.
Java Backend Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Java Backend Engineer JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Java Backend Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in a DHS-designated STEM field such as computer science, software engineering, or information technology. The role itself must also be directly related to your degree field. Most Java backend positions align with software engineering or computer science programs, but confirm the match with your DSO before filing your extension application with USCIS.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my STEM OPT employer?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before you can begin working on the STEM OPT extension. Enrollment is a hard legal requirement, not a preference. You can confirm enrollment through the E-Verify employer search before you accept an offer. If your employer is not enrolled, they cannot hire you on STEM OPT regardless of their intent to sponsor you later.
What should my I-983 training plan include for a Java backend role?
Your I-983 must describe specific learning goals tied to your STEM degree field, not just a job description. For Java backend engineers, this means identifying skills like distributed systems design, API architecture, or database optimization that connect directly to your degree coursework. Your employer signs the plan and is responsible for providing the described training. USCIS can audit I-983 compliance, so vague or generic plans create risk for both you and your employer.
How does cap-gap protection work if I'm on STEM OPT and get selected in the H-1B lottery?
If your STEM OPT EAD is still valid on April 1 of the year your H-1B petition is filed and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. You can continue working in your Java backend role without interruption. If your EAD expires before October 1, cap-gap covers the gap, but only if your petition was timely filed and properly approved.
Where can I find Java Backend Engineer jobs at E-Verify enrolled employers?
Migrate Mate lists Java Backend Engineer roles filtered for employers with verified sponsorship history, so you're not applying blind to companies that can't legally hire you on STEM OPT. Searching through a general job board gives you no visibility into E-Verify enrollment or LCA filing history. Migrate Mate surfaces that data directly so you can prioritize roles where the employer is already set up to hire international students.
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