Lead Backend Engineer for Fintech Operations & AI

Happen Bank; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Happen Bank seeks a Lead Software Engineer to design and build backend-centric systems with strong ownership, spanning operations and underwriting workflows. The role requires deep Java/Spring Boot experience and cloud proficiency, with a focus on secure data handling and scalable architecture.

The ideal candidate will partner with Operations, Underwriting, and cross-functional teams to deliver efficient, reliable tools.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of backend software engineering experience or equivalent
• Bachelor's degree or higher, or equivalent experience
• Deep expertise building backend services in Java and Spring Boot
• Strong command of AWS and both relational and NoSQL data stores
• Ownership mindset and proactive improvement of outcomes
• Curiosity about banking/underwriting domain
• Responsible handling of PII and sensitive financial data
• Hands-on experience using AI tools to accelerate work and improve output quality
• Clear communication with engineers and non-technical stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver tools and services that improve operational efficiency, from design through production
• Build understanding of banking and underwriting domains to fit workflows
• Make architecture decisions balancing speed, reliability, and maintainability
• Apply security and data access practices for PII and sensitive data
• Identify opportunities to automate workflows, including AI where appropriate
• Partner with Operations and Underwriting stakeholders to understand pain points
• Review code and designs to raise quality and security
• Troubleshoot production issues, lead root cause analysis, implement improvements
• Share context and mentor other engineers on systems and ways of working

Skills

Java

Spring Boot

Backend engineering

AWS

Relational databases

NoSQL databases

Ownership & accountability

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Spring Boot

AWS

Relational Databases

NoSQL Databases

Job description

Happen Bank seeks a Lead Software Engineer to design and build backend-centric systems with strong ownership, spanning operations and underwriting workflows. The role requires deep Java/Spring Boot experience and cloud proficiency, with a focus on secure data handling and scalable architecture.

The ideal candidate will partner with Operations, Underwriting, and cross-functional teams to deliver efficient, reliable tools.