Senior Software Engineer, San Diego

Company Description

It all started when engineer Fred Luddy wrote code that automated a tedious task for his coworker, Phyllis. She cried tears of joy. That moment inspired Fred to build a company that could do that for everyone—freeing people from busywork so they could focus on meaningful work. Today, ServiceNow is the AI control tower for business reinvention. Our ServiceNow AI platform brings together any AI, any data, and any workflow— helping 85% of the Fortune 500® work smarter, faster, and better. We're building an AI-native culture where technology and talent are unstoppable together. And we're just getting started.

Join us to put AI to work for people.

Job Description

We are the platform engineers handling app lifecycle at ServiceNow. We develop and maintain the server-side JavaScript engine at the heart of the ServiceNow platform — the runtime that powers custom applications, workflows, and business logic. We ensure apps move smoothly and securely from development to production. This role requires deep expertise in compiler and runtime systems you'll optimize execution engines, memory management, and performance at the systems level.

Own code from design, implementation, test automation, and delivery across the scripting engine and the broader platform surfaces it touches
Work with platform teams and internal stakeholders to understand requirements and drive the full development lifecycle
Build software that is simple to use, allowing customers to extend and customize functionality to meet their specific needs
Contribute to the design and implementation of new capabilities while maintaining and enhancing existing functionality
Mentor colleagues and promote knowledge-sharing across teams
Apply advanced knowledge of data structures, algorithms, object-oriented design, design patterns, and performance/scale considerations
Architect modular, reusable systems for scalability and extensibility

Qualifications

Experience in leveraging or critically thinking about how to integrate AI into work processes, decision-making, or problem-solving (may include using AI-powered tools, automating workflows, analyzing AI-driven insights, or exploring AI's potential impact on the industry)
3+ years of experience with Java or similar OO language (C++, C#, Go equivalent acceptable)
Passion for JavaScript as a language — its semantics, execution model, and evolution — as well as the Web as a platform
Experience with backend or systems-level programming; exposure to language internals (parsing, compilation, interpretation) is a plus but not required
Advanced knowledge of data structures, algorithms, object-oriented design, design patterns, and performance/scale considerations
Familiarity with distributed systems concepts — resource isolation, concurrency, and scaling execution across shared infrastructure
Demonstrated capability to manage multiple projects with material technical risk across teams and processes
Track record serving as functional lead or technical owner
Exposure to multiple technology stacks (JVM/backend systems, platform infrastructure, security and sandboxing, service-oriented architecture) is a strong plus

For positions in this location, we offer a base pay of $128,900 - $219,100, plus equity (when applicable), variable/incentive compensation and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the base pay shown is a guideline, and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, and work location. We also offer health plans, including flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) Plan with company match, ESPP, matching donations, a flexible time away plan and family leave programs. Compensation is based on the geographic location in which the role is located and is subject to change based on work location.

Additional Information

Work Personas

We approach our distributed world of work with flexibility and trust. Work personas (flexible, remote, or required in office) are categories that are assigned to ServiceNow employees depending on the nature of their work and their assigned work location. Learn more here. To determine eligibility for a work persona, ServiceNow may confirm the distance between your primary residence and the closest ServiceNow office using a third-party service.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ServiceNow is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity, veteran status, or any other category protected by law. In addition, all qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with legal requirements.

Accommodations

We strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are unable to use this online application and need an alternative method to apply, please contact [email protected] for assistance.

Export Control Regulations

For positions requiring access to controlled technology subject to export control regulations, including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), ServiceNow may be required to obtain export control approval from government authorities for certain individuals. All employment is contingent upon ServiceNow obtaining any export license or other approval that may be required by relevant export control authorities.