Software Engineer III
Fanatics
Role Overview:
We’re seeking a Software Engineer III to design and build scalable backend services, data pipelines, and master data management (MDM) solutions that power our next-generation e-commerce platform. You’ll play a key role in developing the foundational data and services layer that enables reliable, consistent, and high-quality data across the enterprise—driving business growth, operational excellence, and AI-powered innovation.
As a Software Engineer III, you’ll work independently on complex backend and data engineering problems and produce high-quality code with minimal oversight. You’ll triage production issues, contribute to root cause analysis, and maintain comprehensive technical documentation. Your expertise in distributed systems, data modeling, integration patterns, and AI-augmented development will be instrumental in delivering reliable, scalable solutions. You consistently demonstrate technical excellence, take ownership of your work, and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams. You’re proactive in identifying and resolving issues, passionate about data quality and governance, and committed to raising the quality bar.
What you’ll do:
- Design and build scalable backend microservices, data pipelines, and integration services with minimal oversight, ensuring high code quality, reliability, and performance
- Develop and maintain master data management solutions that ensure consistency, accuracy, and governance of core business entities across the enterprise
- Write modular, testable, resilient, production-grade code with strong attention to edge cases, idempotency, and data integrity
- Design and implement data models, schemas, and APIs that support domain-driven design principles and composable, event-driven architectures
- Leverage AI/ML tools (Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, etc.) to enhance developer productivity, automate data quality checks, and integrate intelligent capabilities into data workflows
- Implement and optimize RESTful/GraphQL APIs and event-driven integrations (Kafka, message queues) with internal and third-party systems
- Effectively debug and resolve production issues across distributed systems. Identify and communicate potential risks. Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) sessions
- Collaborate effectively with architects, data engineers, product managers, and domain stakeholders. Clearly communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences
What you bring to the team:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or equivalent practical experience
- 3 – 5 years of experience in software development with a strong focus on backend systems, data engineering, or data platform development
- Mastery of at least one modern programming language (e.g. Go, Python, Java) with deep understanding of algorithms, data structures, concurrency, and optimization
- Expertise in building RESTful/GraphQL APIs, microservices architecture, and event-driven systems (Kafka, SNS/SQS)
- Strong understanding of data modeling (dimensional, relational, graph), schema evolution, and data governance practices including master data management concepts: entity resolution, data stewardship, golden record creation, and cross-system data synchronization
- Strong knowledge of SQL (PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL databases (Cassandra, MongoDB, Redis), with experience in data warehousing platforms (Snowflake, Redshift, BigQuery) and data lake architectures
- Experience with AWS (or other cloud providers) utilizing services such as EC2, S3, Lambda, Step Functions, Glue, EMR, and ECS/EKS. Understanding of infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, CloudFormation) and CI/CD pipelines
- Proficiency using AI-powered development tools (Claude Code, GitHub Copilot) for code generation, refactoring, and documentation. Understanding of prompt engineering and LLM integration patterns for building AI-augmented data workflows
- Experience in retail, ecommerce, or consumer goods industries preferred. Strong problem-solving and debugging skills across distributed backend systems, data pipelines, and integration layers
At Fanatics, we value transparency and honesty. If you don’t meet every single requirement, that’s okay – we still want to hear from you! We believe in the power of diverse experiences and talents. If you’re excited about the role and confident that you can contribute, don’t hesitate to apply. We’re genuinely interested in how your unique skills and perspective can help us build something amazing together.
The salary range for this position is $145,000 - $180,000 which represents base pay only and does not include short-term or long-term incentive compensation. When determining base pay, as part of a final compensation package, we consider several factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and training.
Where You’ll Work and What’s required:
- Location: San Mateo, CA Office
- Hybrid work environment flexibility, with Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in office; Mondays and Fridays days remote.
- Fast-paced team environment with exposure to multiple aspects of the Fanatics Commerce business.
- Ability to travel up to 10% of the time for partner meetings, events, and other related activities.
What’s in it for you:
- Culture: Join a team where you're surrounded by top-tier talent, driven by a shared passion to relentlessly enhance the fan experience. With a focus on collaboration, support, and continuous development, you’ll be empowered to help shape a our culture that celebrates both individual and team successes.
- Benefits: We provide a wide range of health, financial, legal, and development assistance, including wellness programs with fitness and weight management partners, paid maternity paternity leave, and infertility treatment. Additionally, we offer flexible time off to help you recharge, along with a competitive 401k plan to support your financial future. At Fanatics, we’re dedicated to supporting you in all aspects of work and life.
Fanatics Commerce is a leading designer, manufacturer, and seller of licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods. It operates a vertically-integrated platform of digital and physical capabilities for leading sports leagues, teams, colleges, and associations globally – as well as its flagship site, www.fanatics.com.
Fanatics Commerce has a broad range of online, sports venue, and vertical apparel partnerships worldwide, including comprehensive partnerships with leading leagues, teams, colleges, and sports organizations across the world—including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, Formula 1, and Australian Football League (AFL); the Dallas Cowboys, Golden State Warriors, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Chelsea FC, and Tokyo Giants; the University of Notre Dame, University of Alabama, and University of Texas; the International Olympic Committee (IOC), England Rugby, and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).
At Fanatics Commerce, we infuse our BOLD Leadership Principles in everything we do:
· Build Championship Teams
· Obsessed with Fans
· Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit
· Determined and Relentless Mindset
We’re seeking a Software Engineer III to design and build scalable backend services, data pipelines, and master data management (MDM) solutions that power our next-generation e-commerce platform. You’ll play a key role in developing the foundational data and services layer that enables reliable, consistent, and high-quality data across the enterprise—driving business growth, operational excellence, and AI-powered innovation. As a Software Engineer III, you’ll work independently on complex backend and data engineering problems and produce high-quality code with minimal oversight. You’ll triage production issues, contribute to root cause analysis, and maintain comprehensive technical documentation. Your expertise in distributed systems, data modeling, integration patterns, and AI-augmented development will be instrumental in delivering reliable, scalable solutions. You consistently demonstrate technical excellence, take ownership of your work, and communicate effectively with