Staff Software Engineer - Japan

Whatnot
Tokyo
Workplace: HybridFull timeFunction: Software EngineeringExperience: 8+ yearsSkills: ["Technical leadership","Cross-functional collaboration","Strategic thinking","Outcome orientation","Problem-solving"]

Lead the technical direction for Whatnot’s Japan engineering pod and help launch a repeatable product experience for the Japanese market. Own strategy and execution across full-stack workstreams spanning payments/payouts, logistics integrations, seller onboarding and compliance, and locally tailored buyer/seller experiences. Partner with the Japan GM, coordinate globally with engineers and cross-functional partners, and establish the architecture, patterns, quality bar, and culture for future hires.

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FursaFursa
Whatnot
Whatnot
11 hours ago

Staff Software Engineer - Japan

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Source: Company careers pageValidated by: Fursa AI
Last checked: 2 hours agoStatus: Live

Job Summary

Lead the technical direction for Whatnot’s Japan engineering pod and help launch a repeatable product experience for the Japanese market. Own strategy and execution across full-stack workstreams spanning payments/payouts, logistics integrations, seller onboarding and compliance, and locally tailored buyer/seller experiences. Partner with the Japan GM, coordinate globally with engineers and cross-functional partners, and establish the architecture, patterns, quality bar, and culture for future hires.
Location: Tokyo
Workplace: Hybrid
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Software Engineering
Seniority: Mid level

Key Responsibilities

  • •Design, build, and ship features critical to growing the Japan market, including payments/payout methods, logistics integrations, seller onboarding and compliance, and locally tailored experiences.
  • •Own the technical strategy for Japan by translating market needs into a roadmap and deciding what to build, including trade-offs with Whatnot’s global architecture.
  • •Lead execution across multiple workstreams, coordinating with engineers and cross-functional partners in Japan and globally.
  • •Lay the technical foundation for the Japan engineering presence, including architecture, patterns, quality bar, and culture for future hires.
  • •Bridge the Japan business with the global engineering org to align technical delivery with business outcomes.

Pay and Benefits

Perks:Health InsuranceDentalVisionRemote WorkHome OfficeCell PhoneInternet AllowanceWellness StipendChildcareParental Leave401kPensionRetirement

Key Requirements

  • •8+ years of software engineering experience, including at high-growth technology companies.
  • •Experience acting as a technical lead of a team or initiative without direct reports, setting direction and unblocking others.
  • •Full-stack range with comfort moving between backend and frontend and integrating systems end-to-end.
  • •Comfort with 0→1 work in a small team with no playbook and direct line to outcomes.
  • •Near-fluent Japanese and English (written and verbal).
Experience:8+ yearsE-commerceMarketplacesLive shoppingLivestream
Skills:Technical leadershipCross-functional collaborationStrategic thinkingOutcome orientationProblem-solving
Languages:JapaneseEnglish
Tech Stack:PythonElixirJavaScript

Company Brief

Whatnot
Whatnot is a live-stream shopping marketplace connecting sellers and collectors for trading cards, toys, and collectibles. The platform hosts live auctions and interactive streams, enabling creators and small businesses to sell directly to engaged communities.
Industry: Online Marketplaces
Company Size: Large (251 to 1,000 employees)
Growth: Scaleup
Valuation: Unicorn (USD 1B+)
Funding: Series D
Headquarters: United States
Founded: 2019
WebsiteLinkedIn