Backend Software Engineer (Technical API)

Job Description

We’re looking for a highly capable Backend Software Engineer to help build the technical foundation of a global, digital-first higher education institution.

This organization enables professors and academic groups to launch accredited degree programs through a distributed model. It combines regulatory compliance with purpose-built technology infrastructure, allowing scholars to operate under a recognized university framework without relying on traditional campus systems.

This role sits at the core of that infrastructure. You will design and build APIs, backend services, and system architecture that power academic operations, compliance workflows, and institutional tooling. The work is complex, structured, and deeply technical. We are looking for someone who thinks clearly, writes clean systems, and can operate with autonomy in a fast-moving environment.

You must be comfortable working US time zone hours and collaborating across distributed teams.

Why You’ll Want to Join

• You will be paid in USD (bi-monthly: every 15th and 30th)
• Up to 14 days of Paid Time Off annually (starting Day 1)
• Observance of Holidays per company guidelines
• 100% remote setup so you can work wherever you’re most productive
• Opportunity to build infrastructure that supports accredited higher education globally
• Direct collaboration with product and leadership in a high-ownership environment
• Exposure to regulatory-aware, mission-critical system design

What You’ll Work On

Core Backend Architecture

• Design and build scalable backend systems that power academic and operational workflows
• Develop clean, well-documented APIs for internal and external integrations
• Architect services that handle compliance-sensitive data with precision and reliability
• Ensure system integrity, performance, and long-term maintainability

API Development and Integrations

• Build and maintain RESTful or GraphQL APIs with clear versioning and documentation
• Integrate with third-party services, identity providers, and compliance systems
• Design authentication, authorization, and role-based access controls
• Maintain high standards around API security and reliability

Data and Infrastructure

• Design efficient data models aligned with academic and regulatory structures
• Optimize database performance and query efficiency
• Contribute to infrastructure decisions around deployment, monitoring, and scaling
• Support CI and CD workflows to ensure stable releases

Engineering Ownership

• Translate product requirements into structured technical solutions
• Write clear technical documentation for internal use
• Participate in architectural discussions and long-term technical planning
• Identify technical debt and propose pragmatic improvements

What You Bring

• 4 to 8+ years of backend engineering experience in production environments
• Strong experience designing and building APIs in modern backend frameworks
• Proven experience working on technically complex systems with real-world constraints
• Strong understanding of system architecture, database design, and scalability
• Experience working in startup or high-growth technology environments
• Clear, structured thinking and strong problem-solving ability
• Comfort working US time zone hours in a fully remote setup

Nice to Have

• Experience in edtech, fintech, healthtech, or other regulated industries
• Familiarity with compliance-driven systems or accreditation frameworks
• Experience designing multi-tenant platforms
• Exposure to cloud infrastructure such as AWS, GCP, or Azure
• Experience mentoring junior engineers or contributing to technical standards

How to Apply

Please include:

1. Your updated resume
2. A short 1–2 minute Loom video introducing yourself and describing a technically complex backend system you have built, including your role in designing APIs or architecture decisions

Only complete applications with a Loom video will be considered.

If you are a sharp, systems-oriented backend engineer who enjoys building structured infrastructure inside a mission-driven technology organization, this role offers ownership, technical depth, and meaningful long-term impact.

Application Process Overview

Our comprehensive selection process ensures we find the right fit for both you and our clients:

1. Initial Application - Submit your application and complete our prequalifying questions
2. Video Introduction - Record an video introduction to showcase your communication skills and work experience
3. Role-Specific Assessment - Complete a homework assignment tailored to the position (if applicable)
4. Recruitment Interview - Initial screening with our talent team
5. Executive Interview - Meet with senior leadership to discuss role alignment
6. Client Interview - Final interview with the client team you'd be supporting
7. Background & Reference Check - Professional reference verification
8. Job Offer - Successful candidates receive a formal offer to join the team

Each stage is designed to evaluate your fit for the role while giving you insights into our company culture and expectations. We'll keep you informed throughout the process and provide feedback at each step.