Senior Backend Software Engineer (NYC)

Socket.dev; New York (NY); On-site; USD 176,000 - 242,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Senior Backend Software Engineer in New York City to build the services, APIs, and data systems for a high-volume food-operation backend. You will work on distributed, reliable systems and make thoughtful architectural decisions in ambiguous environments.

Ideal candidates have 5–8 years of backend experience, a CS or STEM degree, and strong skills in Java or Go, with experience in cloud platforms and databases like PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and Redis.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of backend software engineering experience.
• A degree in computer science or a STEM field.
• Experience at a large technology company followed by a startup with a strong engineering team.
• Proficiency in backend languages such as Java or Go.
• Familiarity with relational or NoSQL databases (PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis).
• Experience with AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure.
• Understanding of RESTful APIs, microservices, and distributed systems.
• Strong debugging, problem-solving, and system-architecture skills.
• Sustained ownership with no more than two job changes in the past five years.

Responsibilities

• Build backend services in Java and Go.
• Design and operate distributed services, APIs, and data stores for high-scale workflows.
• Improve routing, optimization, automation, reliability, and operational scalability.
• Make architectural decisions in ambiguous problem spaces and contribute to quarterly technical roadmaps.
• Build monitoring, testing, observability, and safeguards into production systems.
• Partner with frontend, mobile, product, and operations teams to deliver end-to-end capabilities.
• Mentor teammates and contribute to high-quality code reviews.

Skills

Java

Go

RESTful APIs

Distributed systems

Debugging

Problem solving

Ownership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or STEM

Tools

PostgreSQL

MongoDB

Redis

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

GCP

Azure

Job description

About the company

Our client operates a food-logistics business within an established physical automation group. Its office-lunch service coordinates batch restaurant orders and delivers individually packed meals without fees or tips. The team is looking for a backend engineer to help build reliable systems behind a high-volume, real-world operation.

The role

We are hiring a Senior Backend Software Engineer to build the services, APIs, and data systems that power a growing food operation. You will work on distributed systems where reliability, scale, routing, optimization, and automation matter every day. This role suits an engineer who can make thoughtful architectural decisions in ambiguous environments and turn them into durable production systems.

What you'll do

• Build backend services in Java and Go.
• Design and operate distributed services, APIs, and data stores for high-scale workflows.
• Improve routing, optimization, automation, reliability, and operational scalability.
• Make architectural decisions in ambiguous problem spaces and contribute to quarterly technical roadmaps.
• Build monitoring, testing, observability, and operational safeguards into production systems.
• Partner with frontend, mobile, product, and operations teams to deliver end-to-end capabilities.
• Mentor teammates and contribute to high-quality code review practices.

What we're looking for

• 5 to 8 years of backend software engineering experience.
• A degree in computer science or another STEM field.
• Experience at a large technology company followed by experience at a startup with a strong engineering team.
• Proficiency in backend programming languages such as Java or Go.
• Familiarity with relational or NoSQL databases such as PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Redis.
• Experience with AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure.
• Understanding of RESTful APIs, microservices, and distributed systems.
• Strong debugging, problem-solving, and system architecture skills.
• A record of sustained ownership, with no more than two job changes in the past five years.

Bonus points

• Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.
• Experience with Docker and Kubernetes.
• Exposure to large-scale data processing or event-driven architectures.
• Leadership in engineering projects or experience mentoring other engineers.

Compensation and benefits

• Base salary of $176K to $242K.
• Equity awards and an annual performance bonus.

Location and work model

• Five days per week onsite in New York City.
• Full-time position.
• Visa transfers are supported.