The Lead Backend Engineer will design and develop scalable backend systems, lead architecture discussions, mentor engineers, and ensure high system reliability.
Sortly, known for its simplicity and user-focused design, is seeking a Lead Backend Engineer to drive the scalability, reliability, and performance of our backend systems. In this role, you’ll lead by example - writing clean, maintainable code, guiding design decisions, and mentoring engineers. You’ll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact features and ensure our systems are robust, efficient, and built for growth.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Design, develop, and maintain scalable, high-performance backend services and APIs.
- Lead architecture discussions and guide technical design decisions across projects.
- Write clean, testable, and efficient code while enforcing best engineering practices through code reviews.
- Monitor system health and participate in on-call rotations to ensure uptime and reliability.
- Troubleshoot production issues, perform root cause analysis, and drive long-term solutions.
- Mentor and support engineers through technical guidance and knowledge sharing.
Requirements
- 7+ years of backend engineering experience in product-based companies.
- Strong knowledge of any coding language & ability to pick up new languages quickly
- Proven experience designing distributed systems and working with cloud platforms.
- Solid understanding of databases, caching, and system design fundamentals.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking, with a focus on reliability and scalability.
- Demonstrated leadership in owning projects end-to-end and mentoring peers.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and passionate about building high-quality systems that power delightful user experiences.
Benefits
In addition to working with fun, passionate, and inspired colleagues, you’ll enjoy:
- A remote-first culture with flexible hours to help you do your best work.
- A competitive compensation package.
- Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family including term life insurance, unlimited telehealth (including mental health), annual health checkups, diet coaching, veterinary care, and physiotherapy support.
- Learning and development stipend to keep your skills sharp.
- Home office setup allowance for a comfortable workspace.
- Team offsites focused on fun, connection, and collaboration.
- Supportive colleagues invested in your growth and success.
Top Skills
APIs
Backend Services
Caching
Cloud Platforms
Databases
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Home to tech titans like Microsoft and Amazon, Seattle punches far above its weight in innovation. But its surrounding mountains, sprinkled with world-famous hiking trails and climbing routes, make the city a destination for outdoorsy types as well. Established as a logging town before shifting to shipbuilding and logistics, the Emerald City is now known for its contributions to aerospace, software, biotech and cloud computing. And its status as a thriving tech ecosystem is attracting out-of-town companies looking to establish new tech and engineering hubs.
Key Facts About Seattle Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 287,000; 13% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
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- Research Centers and Universities: University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, Allen Institute for Brain Science, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle Children’s Research Institute
