
Staff Software Engineer, Backend
WorkWhile
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Remote
Location: California • United States
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Salary
💰 $150,000 - $250,000 per year
Job Level
Tech Stack
About the role
- Own and evolve complex backend systems that power core product flows, from architecture and data modelling to reliability and long-term scalability
- Partner closely with engineering leadership, product, and design to shape technical direction and translate ambiguous problems into durable solutions
- Lead high-impact initiatives that span multiple services or teams, setting clear technical direction and unblocking others
- Raise the bar on system design, correctness, and operational excellence across the backend codebase
- Act as a force multiplier for the team: reviewing designs, mentoring engineers, and helping others make strong technical decisions
- Contribute to our engineering culture by modelling thoughtful tradeoffs, clear communication, and ownership at scale
Requirements
- Significant experience designing and building backend systems in Python (or similar), including APIs, data models, and distributed services
- A strong track record of owning technical systems or product areas end-to-end, especially in growing or evolving codebases
- Comfort working in ambiguity: able to define problems, propose options, and guide teams toward pragmatic solutions
- Deep care for system correctness, reliability, and long-term maintainability, balanced with real product needs
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence technical direction across the team
- Experience mentoring engineers and elevating team-wide technical quality (formal management experience not required)
Benefits
- Hybrid work culture with office hubs in SF, NY, Seattle & Toronto
- In-person company offsites
- Medical, dental, & vision coverage
- Flexible time off
- 401(k) with employer match
- WFH stipend to support your home office needs
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
PythonAPIsdata modelingdistributed servicessystem designoperational excellencebackend systemstechnical directionreliabilitymaintainability
Soft Skills
communicationmentoringproblem-solvinginfluenceownershipcollaborationleadershipdecision-makingtradeoff analysisambiguity management