Senior Backend Engineer & Team Lead

Roadpost; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A communication technology company based in Toronto is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer & Team Lead to architect a new messaging API. This role requires expertise in TypeScript, Node.js, AWS services, and microservices architecture. The candidate will lead a small team of offshore developers, focusing on writing high-quality code and ensuring seamless integration with existing systems. This full-time hybrid role offers competitive pay and career growth opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Performance bonuses

Flexible work model

Comprehensive health benefits

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proficient in TypeScript and Node.js with deep hands-on experience.
• Experience in leadership and managing implementation alongside offshore teams.
• Ability to evaluate architectural trade-offs and provide solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement initial architecture for a new backend messaging API.
• Develop backend services in TypeScript, applying TDD and CI/CD best practices.
• Lead and mentor 2-3 offshore developers, providing technical guidance.

Skills

TypeScript

Node.js

AWS Services

Distributed Systems

Microservices

Test-Driven Development

Education

8+ years of backend engineering experience

Tools

Amazon SQS

Lambda

EC2

S3

GitHub Copilot

Job description

Overview

Why This Role Matters

At Roadpost, we enable reliable communications beyond cellular coverage, connecting people wherever they go. Through our flagship product ZOLEO, a global messaging solution powered by the Iridium satellite network, we provide peace of mind for outdoor adventurers, remote workers, and enterprise users operating in off-grid environments. Our impact is real - just ask the people whose lives have been saved thanks to ZOLEO rescue alerts (read their stories).

As we transition to become an AI-first organization, we're undertaking a major technical evolution, building a core backend messaging API to replace a legacy system. This role leads the engineering vision and implementation of that initiative.

Reporting to the Principal Developer with a dotted line to the VP of Technology, we are seeking a technical expert, driven by curiosity, ownership, and collaboration; someone who embraces modern approaches and the power of AI. As the new Senior Backend Engineer & Team Lead, you will drive the architecture and backend development of a Messaging API, leveraging AWS, distributed systems, microservices, and TypeScript. You will be part of a dynamic team structure, focusing initially on designing and implementing services that deliver secure, reliable messaging over satellite and mobile networks, leading a small feature team that includes offshore developers.

This is a full-time, hybrid role based in the Greater Toronto Area, with three days a week in the office.

What’s In It For You

Impact and ownership. This is a chance to architect and build a core component of ZOLEO’s intellectual property. You will be at the centre of one of our most critical technical initiatives, building a new critical messaging API and quickly evolving it into differentiated, scalable service.

Technical challenges and rewards. This is a true greenfield development opportunity in a cloud-native, microservices environment. You’ll solve complex problems in distributed systems while leveraging AI-powered development tools such as Cursor, GitHub Copilot, and OpenAI Codex, to accelerate delivery and focus on high-value design decisions.

Career growth and influence. You will work closely with the Principal Developer, gaining mentorship and the chance to shape technical direction. As the team grows, you’ll have the opportunity to advance into a Principal Engineer role, people leadership, or expand your expertise across our broader technology stack, with support to choose the path that’s right for you.

Culture and collaboration. You will join a team of curious, problem-solving engineers who take pride in doing things the right way. We are focused on technical rigour (code quality, reviews, automated testing) alongside collaboration. Guided by a VP, Technology who supports and champions his team, offering in-depth technical guidance, you will thrive in a role where your ideas will have weight, your code will be respected, and your impact will be visible.

What You’ll Do

• Architect. You will design and implement the initial architecture for a new backend messaging API that replicates current third-party integrations while laying the foundation for future features. You will evaluate and present architectural trade-offs to senior technical leaders, ensuring solutions are secure, scalable, cloud-native, and aligned with modern microservices best practices.
• Develop. You will focus on coding: building backend services in TypeScript and Node.js and using AWS services such as Amazon SQS, Lambda, EC2, and S3. You will apply test-driven development (TDD), write automated tests, and contribute to CI/CD pipelines to deliver reliable, production-ready software.
• Lead. You will manage and mentor 2–3 offshore developers, providing technical guidance, setting clear expectations, and onboarding the right skills to the team. You will facilitate code reviews, promote engineering best practices, and ensure high-quality delivery across distributed teams.
• Collaborate. You will partner with the Principal Developer, VP of Technology, Product, and other feature teams to integrate backend systems seamlessly with the ZOLEO mobile app and broader infrastructure. You will work cross-functionally with QA, Product, and Infrastructure teams to plan, estimate, and deliver performant, secure, and high-availability services.
• Innovate. You will leverage AI-powered development tools to accelerate scaffolding, eliminate repetitive coding, and free time for advanced problem-solving. You will continuously evaluate new technologies and champion modern development practices, always asking: “Is there a better way?”

Qualifications & Skills

• The technical expertise. You have 8+ years of professional experience in backend software engineering with distributed systems, and at least 3 years in a leadership, coordination, or project ownership role. You are highly skilled in TypeScript and Node.js, with deep hands-on experience building RESTful APIs, messaging systems, and microservices. You are proficient with AWS services, including Amazon SQS (Simple Queue Service), Lambda, EC2, and S3, and you apply test-driven development (TDD) and CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) best practices to deliver secure, scalable, production-ready systems.
• The leadership. You thrive in a role where you can both write code and lead people. You have experience managing implementation alongside offshore development teams, conducting code reviews, and guiding solution design.
• The problem-solving mindset. You are naturally curious and analytical. You enjoy breaking down complex problems into actionable solutions, evaluating trade-offs, and finding the best path forward. You leverage AI-assisted development tools to accelerate delivery and reduce repetitive coding tasks, freeing time for higher-value architectural and design work.
• The collaborative approach. You are a strong communicator who can build trust and alignment across engineering, product, and infrastructure teams. You are comfortable working in cloud-based, agile software environments where priorities shift, and you actively contribute to design discussions, sprint planning, and cross-functional problem solving.
• The cultural fit. You want to be part of a nimble, cloud-focused software organization where engineers work side by side to solve problems the right way, not the quick way. You bring curiosity, humility, and a team-first attitude, and you value the chance to roll up your sleeves at the whiteboard to brainstorm and collaborate.

What Success Looks Like

• Delivery of a robust and scalable core backend API(s) powering ZOLEO’s next-gen services.
• A cohesive, productive team executing at high velocity, despite geographic distribution.
• Seamless backend integration with the ZOLEO mobile app with low latency and high reliability.
• Measurable improvements in development efficiency through AI and DevOps integration.
• Strong cross-functional alignment and positive stakeholder feedback.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay: Market-aligned salaries that reflect your skills and impact.
• Performance bonuses: Rewards tied to personal and company success.
• Flexible work: A hybrid model balancing collaboration and lifestyle flexibility.
• Comprehensive benefits: Health, dental, and flexible spending accounts tailored to your needs.
• Paid time off: Vacation and sick days to help you rest, recharge, and stay well.
• Learning & development: A continuous learning environment with a professional development budget.
• Inclusive culture: A values-driven workplace where diverse perspectives are celebrated.

Apply Now

We welcome and appreciate candidates with a range of backgrounds and experiences. If you have 70% of the qualifications we are looking for, express your interest.

What you can expect from our interview process

• A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor to discuss your background, interest in Roadpost, and how you will make an impact as our new Senior Backend Engineer & Team Lead.
• A virtual interview with the Principal Developer and VP of Technology. This is a technical interview exploring your experience and your approach to research and problem-solving. This is an opportunity to ask about the tech stack, collaborative approach, and current and future status of our offerings.
• A virtual interview with leadership and members of the cross-functional team. This is an opportunity to ask questions about the company and the role.

Roadpost is committed to providing accessible employment practices that comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation for disability, please notify Human Resources at [e-mail].

Frequently Asked Questions

What technologies will I work with?

You will work primarily with TypeScript and Node.js, building backend services on AWS using tools like SQS, Lambda, EC2, and S3, Temporal. You will apply test-driven development (TDD) and leverage CI/CD pipelines to deliver production-ready software.

What makes this role unique?

You will architect and build a greenfield messaging API that begins by mirroring a third-party system but quickly evolves into a core component of ZOLEO’s intellectual property. You will shape a foundational system that directly impacts our products and customers.

What does success look like in the first 6–12 months?

You will:

• Architect and deliver the first release of the messaging API.
• Establish a strong technical foundation for scalability, performance, and security.
• Mentor and guide 2–3 offshore developers, ensuring high-quality contributions.
• Collaborate with the Principal Developer, VP of Technology, and cross-functional teams to deliver seamless integrations.

What opportunities for growth will I have?

You will gain mentorship from senior technical leaders and shape your career path as we grow. Whether you aspire to become a Principal Engineer, move into people management, or broaden your expertise across our technology stack, you will have the support to get there.

What is the team culture like?

You will join a team of curious, problem-solving engineers who take pride in doing things the right way. Our leaders are hands-on and highly technical, not top-down micromanagers. You will work in a flat structure where your ideas are welcomed, problems are solved together, and everyone is empowered to succeed.

Is this a remote or hybrid role?

You will be part of our hybrid model, working onsite in the west end of Toronto with access to free parking, 3 days per week.

Who will I collaborate with most often?

You will work closely with the Principal Developer and VP of Technology, as well as cross-functional teams in QA, Infrastructure, and Product. You will lead the work of offshore developers.

How does AI fit into the role?

You will use AI-powered development tools such as Cursor, GitHub Copilot, and OpenAI Codex and others as the team experiments to accelerate scaffolding, reduce repetitive coding tasks, and focus on higher-value problem-solving. You will champion modern practices and continuously ask, “Is there a better way?”

#LI-Hybrid #LI-DNI