Backend Engineer

This role is for one of the Weekday's clients

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain backend APIs and systems at scale.
• Lead data engineering initiatives to transform messy, unstructured data from multiple sources into reliable, structured datasets.
• Profile and optimize database queries and API endpoints for performance.
• Integrate media and streaming tools such as Zoom, Slack, and Discord to enable immersive learning experiences.
• Build internal tools that improve productivity across non-engineering teams such as marketing and product.
• Contribute to open-source projects, with the potential to grow contributions over time.
  

Technical Requirements

• Production experience in JavaScript (Node.js), Python, Go, or Ruby.
• Strong SQL skills, preferably with PostgreSQL expertise.
• Experience working with Node.js-based technology stacks.
• Performance engineering skills, including:
• Profiling with APM tools.
• Debugging and experimentation to isolate issues.
• Interpreting complex query execution plans.
• Proficiency in Linux/BSD environments, including:
• Bash scripting.
• Monitoring using htop, iotop, perf, and similar tools.
• Managing system-level constraints (CPU, memory, I/O, file handles).
• Familiarity with Git or other version control systems.
  

Professional Experience

• 2.5+ years of experience with medium to large-scale production systems OR
• 5+ years of freelance/contract work with equivalent scope and measurable impact, with the ability to clearly articulate contributions.
  

Initiative & Impact

• Starting a company or impactful side project.
• Contributing meaningfully to open-source communities.
• Leading community or educational initiatives.
• Mastering complex skills (e.g., chess, competitive sports).
• Volunteering or contributing to causes like teaching or animal rescue.
  

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with data science or statistical methods.
• Experience with big data tools or processing pipelines.
• Deep knowledge of PostgreSQL internals or other database engines.
  

Core Skills

• Ruby
• Golang
• Node.js
• Python
• PostgreSQL
• APM tools
• Backend Development