Senior Backend Engineer

Corelight; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

Corelight is looking for a Senior Backend Engineer to join our Investigator team in San Francisco. You will play a crucial role in building the evidence-based security platform that helps disrupt cyber attacks by architecting scalable, cloud-native systems.

The ideal candidate will possess over 7 years of software development experience, with a strong proficiency in Python, Java, and experience in cloud environments like AWS. Competitive compensation and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional software development experience, preferably in SaaS.
• High proficiency in core programming languages like Python, Java, or Go.
• Experience with AWS cloud services and API development required.

Responsibilities

• Architect scalable systems using AWS serverless architectures.
• Design and maintain data pipelines for real-time data ingestion.
• Develop REST and GraphQL services for backend support.

Skills

SaaS development experience

Cloud services mastery

API development

Agile experience

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

AWS (Lambda, API Gateway, DynamoDB, S3)

Python

Java

Go

Docker/Kubernetes

Elasticsearch/Splunk

Job description

Corelight defends the world’s most sensitive networks—from global commerce to national defense—quietly, relentlessly, and with resolve. As cyber threats grow faster and smarter, we serve as the trusted force behind network resilience, putting elite defense within reach. By transforming digital footprints from physical, virtual, and cloud networks into actionable insights, we empower defenders to illuminate blind spots and stay ahead of an evolving threat landscape.

Senior Backend Engineer – Investigator

As a Senior Backend Engineer for our Investigator team, you will be a primary builder of the evidence-based security platform that elite defenders use to disrupt cyber attacks. You won’t just be writing code; you will be architecting the scalable, cloud-native systems that transform massive streams of network data into actionable intelligence. By bridging the gap between complex data pipelines and high-performance APIs, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of Corelight’s Open NDR SaaS platform and ensuring our customers stay ahead of the most sophisticated adversaries.

Specific Responsibilities

• Architect Scalable Systems: Lead technical design discussions to build and operate elastic, secure microservices using AWS serverless architectures (Lambda, API Gateway).
• Engineer Data Pipelines: Design and maintain robust Machine Learning and Data Analytics pipelines, utilizing Apache Kafka or similar technologies for real-time data ingestion and transformation.
• Build High-Performance Interfaces: Develop REST and GraphQL services designed to interface with massive datasets, providing the backend power for a data-heavy visual user interface.
• Drive End-to-End Ownership: Work within an Agile team to take features from initial design through to production deployment, monitoring, and iterative improvement.
• Champion Engineering Excellence: Evangelize and implement best practices for code health, testing stability, maintainability, and overall system quality.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Partner with product and architecture teams to influence product direction and translate complex security requirements into reliable software solutions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Applied Curiosity: Desire to understand the “why” behind complex system behaviors and passion for learning new technologies.
• Low-Ego Results: Prioritize team success and project outcomes over personal recognition, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Technical Influence: Thrive on collaborating with multiple teams and use communication skills to steer the technical and product roadmap.
• High Agency: Proactive problem solver who takes end-to-end ownership, ensuring features are stable and performant in production.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Professional Experience: 7+ years of professional software development experience, ideally within a SaaS or cloud-focused environment.
• Backend Expertise: High proficiency in at least one core language (Python, Java, and/or Go) and experience with both relational and NoSQL databases.
• Cloud Mastery: Hands-on experience building and deploying services using AWS (Lambda, API Gateway, DynamoDB, S3) or equivalent cloud providers.
• API Development: Proven track record of building REST or GraphQL APIs that support complex, data-intensive user interfaces.
• Methodology: Strong experience working in Agile development environments and a commitment to modern CI/CD practices.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Preferred Differentiators: Experience with Docker/Kubernetes, familiarity with search tools like Elasticsearch/Splunk, or knowledge of network-based security detections and attack techniques.

Notice of Pay Transparency

The compensation for this position may vary depending on factors such as your location, skills and experience. Depending on the nature and seniority of the role, a percentage of compensation may come in the form of a commission-based or discretionary bonus. Equity and additional benefits will also be awarded.

Compensation Range

$145,000—$188,000 USD