Lead Backend Engineer (API Architect)

About the role

We are seeking a hands-on Lead Backend Engineer to lead the modernization of our enterprise data and integration platform.

Responsibilities

• Data & Integration Platform:
  • Create integration patterns that support current and future business applications.
  • Develop a strategy for reducing direct database dependencies while preserving the database as the organization's source of truth.
  • Establish service-based access patterns for internal applications, reporting platforms, CRM systems, and future AI initiatives.
• Software Development:
  • Design, develop, test, and maintain production backend applications and APIs.
  • Create reusable frameworks, shared services, and integration components.
  • Perform code reviews and establish coding standards.
  • Collaborate with business and technical stakeholders to translate requirements into scalable technical solutions.
• Architecture & Technical Leadership:
  • Define API standards, security models, and integration best practices.
  • Evaluate current systems and recommend modernization opportunities.
  • Guide technical decisions related to data access, application integration, and platform evolution.
  • Create technical documentation and architecture standards.
• Quality & Engineering Practices:
  • Implement unit testing frameworks and testing standards.
  • Establish code quality expectations and development workflows.
  • Introduce CI/CD practices and deployment automation where appropriate.
  • Promote maintainable, testable, and supportable software development practices.
• Reporting, CRM & AI Readiness:
  • Support the organization's transition from legacy reporting solutions to modern reporting and analytics platforms.
  • Create integration patterns that support future CRM initiatives.
  • Enable future AI and automation capabilities through secure, governed APIs and services.

Qualifications

• Strong experience with .NET development and backend application design.
• Strong SQL Server and database integration experience.
• Experience designing and building REST APIs and service-based architectures.
• Experience working with legacy application environments and modernization efforts.
• Experience implementing automated testing and software quality practices.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to independently drive technical initiatives from concept through implementation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with enterprise application integration.
• Experience with authentication, authorization, and API security.
• Experience with reporting platforms such as SSRS, Power BI, or similar tools.
• Experience supporting CRM implementations and integrations.
• Experience with CI/CD platforms and deployment automation.
• Experience enabling AI, automation, or data-driven initiatives through API-based architectures.