Software Engineer I (Backend)

WHOOP; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

WHOOP is hiring a Software Engineer I to design, develop, and maintain backend services powering member-facing experiences. You will work with cross-functional teams to translate requirements into scalable solutions, write high-quality code, and help ensure reliability and performance of production systems.

Ideal candidates have backend development experience, RESTful API skills, and knowledge of distributed systems.

Qualifications

• Professional backend development experience (internship, co-op, or academic project acceptable).
• Experience building or interacting with RESTful APIs and relational databases (Postgres).
• Proficiency in Java or ability to quickly learn backend tech.
• Familiarity with Git and standard development workflows.
• Understanding CS concepts including data structures, algorithms, system design basics.
• Interest in distributed systems and cloud platforms (AWS).
• Strong problem-solving, growth mindset, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain backend services and APIs powering WHOOP features using Java, Kafka, Postgres, and AWS.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate requirements into technical solutions.
• Write clean, tested code and participate in code reviews to improve quality.
• Support production systems operations, troubleshooting, reliability, and performance.
• Break down features into tasks, identify risks, and iterate quickly to deliver value.
• Contribute to technical documentation and knowledge sharing to boost velocity.

Skills

Backend development

RESTful APIs

Java

Kafka

PostgreSQL

AWS

Git

CS fundamentals

Distributed systems

System design basics

Tools

PostgreSQL

Kafka

Java

AWS

Git

Job description

At WHOOP, we’re on a mission to unlock human performance and healthspan. WHOOP empowers members to perform at a higher level through a deeper understanding of their bodies and daily lives. Our wearable technology monitors vital physiological metrics to provide personalized insights that improve fitness, health, and recovery.

As a Software Engineer I, you will contribute to the design, development, and maintenance of the services that power WHOOP’s core product experiences. You will work closely with experienced engineers, product managers, designers, and data scientists to build scalable, reliable systems that deliver meaningful insights to our members. This is a growth-oriented role ideal for engineers who are excited to learn, ship high-quality code, and make an impact in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

This posting is for an immediate new hire to our team. For those graduating in the fall of 2026 seeking entry level roles, we kindly ask that you check out this New Grad Opportunities job posting instead to be considered for roles opening at that time. Thank you.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of backend services and APIs that power WHOOP’s member-facing features using technologies such as Java, Kafka, Postgres, and AWS.

• Collaborate with cross-functional partners across Product, Design, Data Science, and Engineering to translate requirements into well-scoped technical solutions.

• Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code while participating in code reviews to continuously improve engineering quality and standards.

• Support the operation and monitoring of production systems, helping to troubleshoot issues and ensure reliability, scalability, and performance.

• Break down feature requirements into actionable tasks, identify risks early, and iterate quickly to deliver value to members.

• Contribute to technical documentation and knowledge sharing to support team velocity and long-term maintainability.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Professional experience in backend software development (internship, co-op, or academic project experience acceptable).

• Experience building or interacting with RESTful APIs and relational databases (e.g., Postgres or similar SQL-based systems).

• Proficiency in an object-oriented programming language such as Java, or demonstrated ability to quickly learn new backend technologies.

• Familiarity with version control systems such as Git and standard development workflows.

• Understanding of fundamental computer science concepts including data structures, algorithms, and system design basics.

• Interest in distributed systems, event-driven architectures (e.g., Kafka or similar technologies), and cloud platforms such as AWS.

• Strong problem-solving skills and a growth mindset, with a willingness to seek feedback and continuously improve.

• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate within a cross-functional team environment.

Learn more about our Software Org and how to be successful in yourengineeringcareer at WHOOP via our Career Framework.

This role is based in the WHOOP office located in Boston, MA. The successful candidate must be prepared to relocate if necessary to work out of the Boston, MA office.

WHOOP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-verify to determine employment eligibility. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The WHOOP compensation philosophy is designed to attract, motivate, and retain exceptional talent by offering competitive base salaries, meaningful equity, and consistent pay practices that reflect our mission and core values.

At WHOOP, we view total compensation as the combination of base salary, equity, and benefits, with equity serving as a key differentiator that aligns our employees with the long-term success of the company and allows every member of our corporate team to own part of WHOOP and share in the company’s long-term growth and success.

The U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $105,000 - 145,000. Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within each range, individual pay is based on factors such as job-related skills, experience, performance, and relevant education or training.

In addition to the base salary, the successful candidate will also receive benefits and a generous equity package.

These ranges may be modified in the future to reflect evolving market conditions and organizational needs. While most offers will typically fall toward the starting point of the range, total compensation will depend on the candidate’s specific qualifications, expertise, and alignment with the role’s requirements.