Staff Backend Engineer

About The Role

We’re looking for a Staff Backend Engineer to lead the architecture, development, and scaling of backend systems that power the Made Card and homeowner platform. You’ll set engineering standards, mentor teammates, and collaborate cross-functionally to deliver secure, performant, and reliable services at scale. As one of the most senior backend engineers on the team, you’ll play a critical role in defining technical strategy and building the infrastructure to support millions of homeowners.

What You’ll Do

• Backend Ownership: Lead the design and development of highly scalable backend services and APIs using Python.
• Architecture & Standards: Define backend architecture, coding standards, and processes for rapid, high-quality delivery.
• Database & Systems: Design and optimize data models using Postgres, DynamoDB, and Redis for performance and reliability.
• Infrastructure: Drive adoption of best practices with Kubernetes, Docker, and AWS for deployment, monitoring, and scaling.
• Feature Delivery: Collaborate with product, design, and frontend engineers to deliver end-to-end features.
• Performance & Security: Ensure backend systems are performant, secure, and resilient under scale.
• Team Leadership: Mentor other backend engineers, conduct code reviews, and raise the engineering bar.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Communicate trade-offs, technical decisions, and progress clearly to stakeholders across product and leadership.

Ideal Background

• 5–8+ years in front-end engineering, with 3+ years in a lead or senior capacity.
• Deep expertise in Python and distributed systems.
• Strong experience with Postgres, DynamoDB, Redis, and database modeling.
• Proven track record building reliable, large-scale backend services and RESTful APIs.
• Proficiency with Kubernetes, Docker, and AWS infrastructure.
• Strong computer science fundamentals in algorithms, data structures, and system design.
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring engineers and setting team-wide standards.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Nice to Have Experience

• In fintech, credit cards, or regulated financial products.
• Familiarity with event-driven architectures, streaming, or microservices.
• Exposure to CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and monitoring tools.
• Passion for building financial products that improve people’s lives.