Lead Backend Engineer
Role overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Backend Engineer who will own the backend architecture, system design, and scalability of the Collective’s AI-driven platforms and applications. This role is critical for ensuring that our AI solutions are built on robust, scalable, and secure foundations. The ideal candidate will not only develop backend solutions but also define the tech stack, establish best practices, and ensure seamless integration across systems, including the bridge from our AI platform work into the APIs, data, and product surfaces clients actually use.
This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of AI and scalable technology, influencing both high-level system architecture and hands-on backend development.
Key responsibilities
System architecture & technical leadership
- Define and maintain the backend architecture for scalable, high-performance AI-driven mobile and web applications.
- Select and implement the appropriate tech stack, ensuring compatibility with AI models and APIs.
- Design and document backend infrastructure, including data flow, APIs, and integrations.
- Establish best practices for software development, including version control, CI/CD, and security protocols.
- Ensure system scalability, considering future growth and multi-client deployment strategies.
- Own the product spine that connects AI platform capabilities to data platforms, backend services, and the frontend clients use.
- Collaborate with UI/UX designers, front-end engineers, and AI specialists to ensure smooth integration.
Backend development & performance optimization
- Develop, optimize, and maintain server-side applications, APIs, and databases.
- Ensure high availability, security, and scalability of backend systems.
- Implement authentication, authorization, and data security measures.
- Work on real-time data processing, caching, and performance enhancements.
- Debug and resolve complex backend issues efficiently.
Collaboration & team growth
- Work closely with AI engineers, frontend developers, and DevOps to ensure seamless system integration.
- Provide technical mentorship to junior developers and other team members.
- Stay ahead of emerging backend technologies and best practices to improve system performance.
Requirements
- 7+ years of experience in backend development with expertise in Python (or 5+ years with a clear technical-lead track record).
- Strong experience in designing system architectures, API frameworks, and scalable infrastructure.
- Proven ability to lead and make architectural decisions in complex projects.
- Deep knowledge of Python frameworks (FastAPI, Django, Flask) and API development.
- Experience with database design (SQL and NoSQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, etc.).
- Experience working with cloud services (AWS, Azure and GCP).
- Strong understanding of microservices architecture, caching, and API gateways.
- Solid knowledge of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
- Strong problem-solving skills and a detail-oriented approach.
Preferences
- Experience in AI/ML-powered applications.
- Familiarity with event-driven architecture and real-time data processing.
- Hands-on experience with message queues (RabbitMQ, Kafka, Redis).
- Strong knowledge of security best practices, including OAuth, JWT, and encryption techniques.
- Prior experience in a technical leadership role or as a Tech Lead/Architect.