Senior Backend Engineer — Build Scalable Platforms & Lead Tech

WHOOP; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

WHOOP seeks a Senior Software Engineer to build the foundations powering the WHOOP App and features that optimize performance, sleep, and recovery. You will shape scalable backend systems and partner with product, design, data science, and performance science to deliver polished member-facing experiences.

Based in Boston, MA, this role involves leading architecture discussions, mentoring engineers, and driving technical planning for high-impact initiatives, with a focus on reliability and

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead complex technical initiatives and influence engineering direction.
• Deep backend development expertise.
• Experience with distributed systems and relational databases (Postgres).
• Experience designing scalable, observable systems using cloud-native and event-driven architectures (Kafka/SQS).
• Strong collaboration and communication with cross-functional partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of foundational backend capabilities that improve scalability, reliability, and developer productivity.
• Drive technical planning for complex initiatives by defining scope, sequencing work, identifying risks, and communicating technical tradeoffs.
• Deliver high-impact platform capabilities while balancing technical quality, business priorities, and data-informed engineering decisions.
• Establish and evolve backend engineering standards through architecture discussions, code reviews, documentation, and technical leadership.
• Mentor engineers and help grow the team's technical capabilities through coaching, feedback, and knowledge sharing.

Skills

Technical leadership

Backend development

Distributed systems

Java

API design

Cloud-native

Event-driven architectures

Tools

PostgreSQL

Kafka

AWS

SQS

Job description

WHOOP seeks a Senior Software Engineer to build the foundations powering the WHOOP App and features that optimize performance, sleep, and recovery. You will shape scalable backend systems and partner with product, design, data science, and performance science to deliver polished member-facing experiences.

Based in Boston, MA, this role involves leading architecture discussions, mentoring engineers, and driving technical planning for high-impact initiatives, with a focus on reliability and