Staff Software Engineer, Backend (Identity Decisioning)

Ladders; United States; Remote; USD 181,000 - 241,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Tech stipend

Flexible time off

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

Ladders is seeking a Staff Software Engineer, Backend (Identity Decisioning) to shape backend direction for a scalable identity platform. This remote US-based role partners with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable services in a fast-moving financial environment.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in backend design (Python or Kotlin), strong experience with AWS, MySQL, Spark, and Kubernetes, and a proven track record in leading teams and delivering high-impact features.

Qualifications

• 8+ years backend design and development experience using Python or Kotlin.
• Proficient in building highly available distributed systems with AWS, MySQL, Spark, and Kubernetes.
• Experience in delivering significant features and managing technical execution plans.
• Ability to navigate complex system architectures and low-level programming idioms effectively.
• Proven track record of incorporating feedback from peers to enhance growth and impact.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with a global engineering team.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities

• Set and align technical strategy for the team over a year-long timeline.
• Collaborate across teams to ensure technical sustainability and risk management.
• Advocate for technical solutions and operational processes within your team.
• Oversee team operations and availability with proper monitoring and support setups.
• Foster a team culture emphasizing quality through established standards and advocacy.
• Develop team talent through regular feedback, guidance, and leading by example.

Skills

Python

Kotlin

Distributed systems

AWS

MySQL

Spark

Kubernetes

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

AWS

MySQL

Spark

Kubernetes

Job description

For our client, we are seeking a Staff Software Engineer, Backend (Identity Decisioning) to join the team of a leader in the Finance & Insurance space.

This role will shape backend technical direction for a critical identity-focused platform, with an emphasis on scalable decisioning systems and long-term architectural sustainability. The engineer will partner closely with cross-functional technology teams to manage system risk, operational readiness, and reliable service delivery. It is a strong fit for someone who enjoys balancing hands-on backend design with team leadership, technical influence, and high-impact execution in a fast-moving financial environment.

Location: Remote - US based candidates only, no visa sponsorship available

Compensation: $181,000 – $241,000 annually

Responsibilities

• Set and align technical strategy for the team over a year-long timeline.
• Collaborate across teams to ensure technical sustainability and risk management.
• Advocate for technical solutions and operational processes within your team.
• Oversee team operations and availability with proper monitoring and support setups.
• Foster a team culture emphasizing quality through established standards and advocacy.
• Develop team talent through regular feedback, guidance, and leading by example.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of backend system design and development experience using Python or Kotlin.
• Proficient in building highly available distributed systems with AWS, MySQL, Spark, and Kubernetes.
• Experience in delivering significant features and managing technical execution plans.
• Ability to navigate complex system architectures and low-level programming idioms effectively.
• Proven track record of incorporating feedback from peers to enhance growth and impact.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with a global engineering team.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent practical experience.

Benefits

• 100% of health coverage premiums paid for employees and dependents.
• Monthly stipends for tech setup and personalized health/wellness options.
• Flexible time off and generous holiday allocations.
• Employee stock purchase plan offering shares at a discount.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer.