Lead Backend Engineer

Lead Backend Engineer

Key Responsibilities

1. API Development & Design

   • Design, build, and maintain robust RESTful and GraphQL APIs to support front-end applications (Vue.js & React Native).

   • Define and implement best practices for API architecture, versioning, and security to ensure seamless integrations.

   • Develop APIs that enable smooth interaction between internal systems and external third-party services.

2. Database Architecture & Performance Optimization

   • Design and optimize MySQL database schemas to ensure data integrity, high performance, and scalability.

   • Work closely with engineering teams to implement backward-compatible schema changes with proper documentation.

   • Establish strategies for efficient indexing, query optimization, and data migration processes.

   • Develop plans for handling high transaction volumes and data growth in a scalable manner.

3. Leadership & Team Collaboration

   • Lead, mentor, and support the back-end engineering team through code reviews and career development.

   • Foster an engineering culture that prioritizes quality, performance, and continuous learning.

   • Work cross-functionally with product managers, designers, and front-end engineers to translate business requirements into technical solutions.

4. Operational Excellence & System Reliability

   • Own the performance, stability, and scalability of the back-end infrastructure.

   • Improve CI/CD pipelines and deployment workflows with Docker and Laravel Vapor.

   • Manage monitoring, logging, and alerting systems to maintain system health and uptime.

   • Implement best practices for code quality, deployment safety, and observability.

5. Innovation & Continuous Improvement

   • Research and integrate new technologies and frameworks to enhance performance and maintainability.

   • Encourage continuous learning and drive innovation within the engineering team.

Skills, Experience & Expertise

Experience:

• 7+ years in back-end development, with at least 3 years in a leadership or mentorship role.

• Proven experience designing scalable architectures for SaaS platforms or similar systems.

Technical Skills:

• Expertise in PHP (Laravel) or comparable back-end frameworks.

• Strong experience in API development, including best practices for security, versioning, and maintainability.

• Advanced knowledge of MySQL, including schema design, indexing, and query optimization.

• Hands-on experience with containerization (Docker) and cloud platforms such as AWS or GCP.

Soft Skills:

• Strong leadership, mentorship, and communication abilities.

• Collaborative mindset, capable of working effectively across technical and non-technical teams.

• Passion for delivering scalable, high-quality solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Bonus Points

• Experience integrating back-end systems with mobile applications.

• Familiarity with caching strategies and edge computing for performance enhancement.

Perks & Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits – Health, dental, vision, and mental health support for full-time employees.

• Paid Time Off – We recognize the importance of work-life balance and encourage time for rest.

• Career Growth – Be part of a fast-growing company with exciting opportunities for advancement.

• Learning & Development – Access to Gallup-Clifton Strengths coaching, workshops, and tailored education programs