Backend Platform Tech Lead

Job Summary

Instrumental is seeking a Backend Platform Tech Lead to build a cloud-native, high-performing, scalable, and reliable SaaS platform to manage distributed edge devices on factory floors, collect and process large volumes of manufacturing data, enable ML/AI and analytics, support powerful UX, and integrate with manufacturing systems.

About the Role

Leading companies like NVIDIA, Cisco, and Meta rely on Instrumental to accelerate new product development and scale manufacturing. Instrumental is looking for a tech lead with experience building cloud platforms at scale to join their team.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the development of a cloud-native, high-performance, scalable, and reliable SaaS platform to manage distributed edge devices on factory floors.
• Collect and process large volumes of manufacturing data to enable ML/AI and analytics.
• Support powerful yet efficient user experience (UX).
• Integrate with manufacturing systems.

Requirements

• Experience leading the buildout of multi-tenant cloud platforms at scale, with a good understanding of isolation, data growth, and performance tradeoffs.
• Successful track record of leading large, ambiguous projects end-to-end - defined the approach, sequenced the work across multiple engineers, and drove execution through to delivery.
• Skillful in leveraging and directing AI agents to improve productivity.
• A reputable tech lead with the ability to elevate the team through technical judgment and engagement in design and code reviews.
• High energy, able to thrive in a fast-paced environment with a can-do attitude.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in building large-scale cloud backend platforms.
• 3+ years in a technical architecture or equivalent leadership role.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or related fields.
• Strong proficiency in backend programming languages: Go (preferred), Rust, Java, or Scala.
• Cloud-native architecture expertise (AWS preferred).
• Development and production experience on queuing and batch/stream processing (Kafka, Spark, Flink, Beam) at scale.
• Experience with SQL and NoSQL databases and data access.
• Experience building backend platforms for highly specialized industries, such as manufacturing, networking, cybersecurity, and securities trading.

Benefits

• Commuter plans
• Parental leave

Pay

The following is a representative annual base salary range for this position within the Bay Area: $205,000-$310,000.

Schedule

Flexible work schedule to accommodate the needs of the team and the industry.