BACKEND ENGINEER JOBS

Backend Engineer Jobs

Build the systems that power products. APIs, databases, and infrastructure at startups.

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What is a Backend Engineer?

Backend engineers build server-side logic, APIs, and data systems. At startups, you'll design and implement the core systems that power the product, from database schemas to API endpoints to background job processing.

Salary Ranges

$75k - $110k
Junior (0-2 years)
$110k - $160k
Mid-Level (2-5 years)
$160k - $240k
Senior (5+ years)

Typical Responsibilities

Design and build REST or GraphQL APIs

Write efficient database queries and schemas

Implement authentication and authorization

Build background jobs and data pipelines

Optimize performance and scalability

Maintain server infrastructure and monitoring

Required Skills

Python, Node.js, or Go
SQL databases
REST API design
Git version control
Basic Linux/Unix
Data structures & algorithms

Nice to Have

Docker & containers
AWS/GCP/Azure
Message queues (Redis, RabbitMQ)
GraphQL
Microservices architecture
CI/CD pipelines

Career Path

Entry
Junior Backend Engineer
0-2 years
Mid
Backend Engineer
2-5 years
Senior
Senior Backend Engineer
5-8 years
Staff
Staff Backend Engineer
8+ years
Lead
Backend Tech Lead
6+ years

Interview Tips

Know Your Data Structures

Be comfortable with arrays, hash maps, trees, and when to use each. Backend interviews often test algorithmic thinking.

Understand Database Design

Be ready to design schemas, write queries, and discuss trade-offs between SQL and NoSQL.

Prepare System Design

Even for junior roles, understand basic architecture: load balancers, caching, and horizontal scaling.

Show Production Awareness

Mention monitoring, logging, error handling, and deployment. Startups need production-ready engineers.

Profile Tips for Backend Engineers

Show API projects with documentationInclude database design examplesMention specific technologies you've usedHighlight any performance optimizationsExplain system architecture decisions
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Python is most versatile (web, data, ML). Node.js is popular at startups and lets you use JavaScript everywhere. Go is excellent for performance-critical systems. Start with Python or Node.js for maximum job opportunities.

Increasingly important. AWS is most common, but understanding cloud concepts (compute, storage, networking) matters more than specific platforms. Learn the basics of at least one major provider.

At startups, backend and DevOps often overlap. You don't need to be an expert, but understanding Docker, CI/CD, and basic infrastructure helps tremendously.

Yes, especially at competitive companies. Backend interviews often include coding challenges. Practice on LeetCode, but focus on practical problems relevant to backend work.

Explore More

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