Senior Software Engineer, Backend

Recruiting From Scratch; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic growth-stage startup is seeking a Senior Backend Software Engineer to develop and optimize robust systems for logistics solutions. Candidates will work with Python, Django, and cloud technologies while collaborating in a fully remote environment. Join a mission-driven team to tackle pivotal challenges in the transportation technology space.

Benefits

Competitive equity compensation

Health, dental, vision, and wellness benefits

Meaningful ownership in technical decisions

Fully remote work policy

Qualifications

• 4+ years of backend software engineering experience.
• Strong proficiency in Python 3 and Django.
• Hands-on development of scalable APIs and backend services.

Responsibilities

• Designing, building, and maintaining backend services and APIs using Python and Django.
• Developing cloud-native infrastructure using Terraform and major cloud providers.
• Building robust data pipelines and frameworks.

Skills

Python

Django

Cloud Platforms

APIs

CI/CD

Education

BSc or MSc in Computer Science or equivalent experience

Tools

Terraform

AWS

GCP

Azure

Postgres

Job description

Who is Recruiting from Scratch:

Recruiting from Scratch is a premier talent firm that focuses on placing the best product managers, software, and hardware talent at innovative companies. Our team is 100% remote and we work with teams across the United States to help them hire.

About the client:

Title of Role: Senior Software Engineer – Backend

Location: Remote (U.S.-based)
Company Stage of Funding: Growth-Stage Startup (Series B, ~$40M raised)
Office Type: Remote (with optional in-person HQ in NYC)
Salary: $160,000 – $180,000 base (plus competitive equity)

Company Description

Our client is a fast-growing AI logistics platform transforming how transportation and supply chain companies plan and optimize their operations. Born from 40+ years of research at Princeton University, this startup is now one of the most promising names in intelligent logistics, helping private fleets, carriers, and brokers improve strategic and real-time decision-making through cutting-edge simulation and optimization technology.

With strong venture backing and a high-caliber team, this company is building foundational infrastructure for the future of freight—using deep AI and robust software engineering to solve real-world operational problems in a $1T+ industry.

What You Will Do

As a Senior Backend Software Engineer, you’ll play a key role in building robust systems that power critical partner integrations and advanced data engineering workflows. You’ll work with technologies such as Python, Django, Terraform, and modern data tools to build scalable, maintainable systems used by logistics leaders across North America.

You’ll have the opportunity to influence technical strategy and drive architectural decisions that shape the future of the platform. You’ll collaborate closely with other engineers, data scientists, and product managers to deliver high-impact features in a fast-moving environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing, building, and maintaining backend services and APIs using Python and Django

• Developing cloud-native infrastructure using Terraform and major cloud providers (AWS, GCP, or Azure)

• Building robust data pipelines and frameworks to support sophisticated analytics and domain models

• Working with relational databases and event-driven systems (e.g., Postgres, Kafka)

• Contributing to architecture and system design discussions with a focus on performance, security, and scalability

• Collaborating in a distributed team environment and contributing to remote-first culture

Ideal Candidate Background

Minimum Qualifications:

• 4+ years of backend software engineering experience

• Strong proficiency in Python 3 and Django

• Experience with at least one major cloud platform (AWS, GCP, Azure)

• Solid understanding of relational databases like Postgres, MySQL, or SQL Server

• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform preferred)

• Hands-on development of scalable APIs and backend services

• Experience working in modern CI/CD environments

Preferred but not required:

• Experience with logistics platforms or transportation systems (e.g., TMS, ELD)

• Background in analytics platforms or scientific computing

• Familiarity with data engineering tools like Apache Kafka, Airflow, dbt, DuckDB, or Dagster

• Experience with monorepos or build tools like Bazel or Buck

• BSc or MSc in Computer Science or equivalent experience

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary range: $160,000 – $180,000, depending on experience

• Competitive equity compensation

• Fully remote work policy with optional in-office access in NYC

• Health, dental, vision, and wellness benefits

• Fast-growing, mission-driven team tackling high-impact challenges

• Meaningful ownership and influence in technical decision-making

Other Notes

• This is a remote-first position open to candidates based in the U.S.

• The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-moving, startup-paced environment and brings a “bias for action”

• Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential, especially in a distributed setting

Ready to help revolutionize logistics through real-world AI and backend craftsmanship?
Apply now to join a mission-driven team solving some of the toughest challenges in transportation technology.