Lead Backend Engineer

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced and driven Lead Backend Engineer to oversee and elevate our backend architecture. This role will focus deeply on backend systems, collaborating closely with the founder and core team to turn strategic goals into reality through backend excellence. The ideal candidate will combine strong technical expertise with leadership capabilities, driving backend development while ensuring system security, scalability, and performance.

Key Responsibilities:

Backend Development Leadership

• Ownership of Backend Systems:
  Lead the backend development process, aligning it with the company's broader goals. Gain full understanding of the existing backend infrastructure, especially in the initial phase.
• Roadmap Development:
  Within the first three months, build a detailed roadmap that addresses backend "must-do" tasks (e.g., major bugs, security vulnerabilities, data leakage prevention) alongside longer-term improvements. Continuously update the roadmap based on strategic directions from board meetings.

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Backend Strategy Implementation:
  Translate high-level strategies into backend tasks, ensuring clarity on how each piece fits into the company's larger goals.
• Sprint and Task Management:
  Lead the backend sprint planning process, break down tasks into manageable components, and ensure accurate estimations for efficient execution.

Team Leadership and Development

• Mentoring and Growth:
  Lead backend developers, nurturing their growth while ensuring a culture of responsibility and continuous improvement.
• Process Optimization:
  Regularly assess backend processes, identifying areas to streamline development and ensure adherence to best practices.

Security and Quality Assurance

• Security Oversight:
  Ensure the backend systems are fortified against potential threats, setting the highest standards for security in every aspect of development.
• Quality Assurance:
  Maintain top-tier backend development standards, ensuring the system remains resilient, scalable, and efficient under load.

Innovation and Continuous Learning

• Real-time Strategy Input:
  Offer insights during strategic discussions on backend challenges, providing quick, effective solutions when needed.
• Automation and Efficiency:
  Implement backend automation practices, from CI/CD pipelines to other efficiency-boosting tools that improve the backend workflow.

Research and Communication

• Technology Exploration:
  Stay ahead of backend trends and technologies, providing research and recommendations to stakeholders. Break down complex backend issues into understandable, actionable points.

Workplace Expectations

• Ownership Mentality:
  Embody a strong sense of ownership over the backend systems, with a proactive attitude that eliminates the need for close follow-up.
• On-site Work:
  Work from the office is required to foster close collaboration with the team.

Tech Stack & Skills

Must-Have:

• Programming Languages: Node.js & JavaScript (TypeScript or normal)
• Databases: Firestore, MongoDB, NoSQL
• Cloud Platforms: Google Cloud Platform (GCP), AWS
• Microservices: Google Cloud Functions
• Containerization: Docker (creation, hosting, maintenance, etc.)
• Deployment & Orchestration: Google Cloud Run
• Messaging & Task Management: Pub/Sub, Google Cloud Tasks
• Security: GCP/AWS Security (IAMs)

Good-to-Have:

• Programming Languages: Python

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Lead Backend Engineer or similar role, focusing on backend systems.
• Expertise in the backend technologies specified.
• Strong understanding of CI/CD pipelines and backend security best practices.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and an ability to think critically about backend challenges.
• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to mentor and manage backend developers.
• A passion for continuous learning and applying new backend technologies.
• A high degree of ownership over backend systems, with the ability to work independently.