Technical Lead

ShyftLabs; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A Toronto-based data product company is seeking a Technical Lead / Backend Architect to design scalable backend systems. This role involves leading a team, optimizing database performance, and developing data pipelines using technologies such as Kafka and Snowflake. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in backend development and the ability to influence architecture decisions. This position offers hybrid flexibility and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Hybrid model with office days

100% health, dental, and vision insurance coverage

Access to learning and development resources

Qualifications

• 8+ years of backend development experience, including 3+ in a technical leadership or architecture role.
• Deep expertise in distributed systems and data-intensive applications.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and mentorship experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement distributed backend systems handling billions of events.
• Develop robust ingestion frameworks ensuring data quality.
• Lead database optimization efforts to deliver high-availability systems.

Skills

Backend development experience

Distributed systems expertise

Event-driven architecture

Proficiency in Node.js, Python, Go, or Java

Experience with Kafka, ClickHouse, and Snowflake

Communication and mentorship skills

Startup mindset

Tools

AWS

GCP

PostgreSQL

Aurora

Cloud SQL

Job description

About ShyftLabs

At ShyftLabs, we live and breathe data. Since 2020, we’ve been helping Fortune 500 companies unlock growth with cutting-edge digital solutions that transform industries and create measurable business impact. We’re growing fast and we’re looking for passionate problem-solvers who are ready to turn big ideas into real outcomes.

The Opportunity

We’re an ambitious Toronto-based startup building data-driven products that operate at massive scale, and we’re looking for a Technical Lead / Backend Architect to help shape our backend foundation for the next stage of growth. You’ll be hands-on designing distributed systems that handle billions of events monthly, while guiding the engineering team in building scalable, secure, and high-performing services.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of architecture decisions, influence technology direction, and work alongside a passionate team that moves fast, experiments boldly, and values craftsmanship.

What you’ll be doing

• Architect & Deliver: Design and implement distributed backend systems capable of handling billions of monthly events (e.g., AdTech pipelines, CAMS microservices).
• Build Scalable Data Pipelines: Develop robust ingestion and processing frameworks using Kafka, ClickHouse, and Snowflake, ensuring data quality and schema governance.
• Optimize Performance: Lead database optimization efforts across Aurora, Cloud SQL, and PostgreSQL to deliver low-latency, high-availability systems.
• Set the Bar for Engineering: Define and enforce best practices around code quality, CI/CD automation, monitoring, and release management.
• Lead & Mentor: Guide engineers through architectural decisions, conduct design reviews, and balance workload distribution in an Agile setup.
• Drive Cloud Architecture: Design cloud infrastructure on AWS and GCP, with a focus on scalability, cost efficiency, and security compliance.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Partner closely with Product Managers and Data teams to evaluate technical feasibility, define milestones, and deliver on roadmap goals.
• Champion Reliability: Promote observability and reliability engineering practices, building alerting, tracing, and SLO/SLA dashboards for high system visibility.

What you bring

• 8+ years of backend development experience, including 3+ years in a technical leadership or architecture role.
• Deep expertise in distributed systems, event-driven architecture, and data-intensive applications.
• Strong proficiency in at least one backend language (Node.js, Python, Go, or Java).
• Hands-on experience with Kafka, ClickHouse, Snowflake, and relational databases.
• Proven experience scaling systems on AWS or GCP.
• Exceptional communication, mentorship, and problem-solving skills.
• A startup mindset - someone who is adaptable, execution-focused, and unafraid to get hands-on when needed.

Why You’ll Love Working at ShyftLabs

At ShyftLabs, your work matters. We’re a growing data product company making a big impact with Fortune 500 clients and as we scale, you’ll have the chance to shape solutions, influence strategy, and grow your career alongside us.

Here’s what you can expect when you join our team:

-Hybrid Flexibility: Enjoy a hybrid model with 3 days per week in our Toronto office.

-Downtown Toronto Office: Work in the heart of the city.

-Comprehensive Benefits: We cover 100% of health, dental, and vision insurance premiums for you and your dependents which means no out-of-pocket costs. Eligibility starts from day one itself.

-Growth & Learning: Access extensive learning and development resources to keep leveling up your skills.

Inclusion at ShyftLabs

We’re building something big, and we want you on the journey with us. If you’re ready to use data and innovation to make an impact, apply today and let’s grow together.

ShyftLabs is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a safe, diverse, and inclusive environment. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds including ethnicity, religion, disability status, gender identity, sexual orientation, family status, age, and nationality to apply. If you require accommodation during the interview process, let us know and we’ll be happy to support you.