Senior Backend Engineer (Node.js)

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Mokka Studios is seeking a Senior Backend Developer with solid experience in modern JavaScript/TypeScript backend architectures, specifically within the Next.js + Node.js ecosystem, and capable of building reliable, scalable and secure server-side applications.

We are looking for someone who writes excellent code, but also understands architecture, performance, data modelling, and production-grade reliability.

The ideal candidate is able to lead the backend of a product end-to-end, from database schema and API design to deployment, security, and monitoring.

You will work closely with frontend engineers, designers and project managers to deliver high-quality, scalable and maintainable products used in real-world scenarios.

STACK

Backend

• Language: TypeScript / Node.js
• Framework: Next.js
• API Layer: Next.js Routes & Server Actions
  

Database & Storage

• PostgreSQL (Supabase)
• Supabase Storage
• ORM: Drizzle

Authentication & Security

• Auth: BetterAuth
• Session handling: dbSession + cookies
  

DevOps & Hosting

• Hosting: Vercel
• Version Control: GitHub
  

Other Services

• Email delivery: SendGrid

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, implement and maintain backend services using Node.js + Next.js, including API Routes and Server Actions.
• Architect and evolve the backend structure in a modular, scalable and maintainable way.
• Model and manage relational data using PostgreSQL and Drizzle, including schema design, migrations, indexing and optimized queries.
• Work with Supabase for authentication, storage and database operations.
• Implement secure authentication flows using BetterAuth, session management and cookie-based security patterns.
• Build APIs and data-exchange contracts consumed by frontend applications (Next.js, SWR, React).
• Integrate external services such as SendGrid for transactional emails.
• Collaborate closely with frontend developers and designers to align API contracts, performance patterns and product flows.
• Implement automated tests (unit, integration) to guarantee code robustness and reduce regression risks.
• Ensure backend performance using caching strategies, lazy loading, optimized queries and measurable improvements.
• Configure and manage deployment pipelines via Vercel and GitHub (CI/CD automation).
• Monitor backend performance, logs and stability, ensuring high system reliability in production.
• Contribute to technical decisions, documentation, architectural discussions and code reviews.
• Participate actively in Agile processes: estimations, planning, prioritization and sprint reviews.

REQUIREMENTS

• 5+ years of professional experience as a Backend Developer in TypeScript/Node.js.
• Strong experience with Next.js and backend patterns (API Routes, Server Actions).
• Deep knowledge of TypeScript, clean patterns, types, interfaces and modular architectures.
• Solid experience with PostgreSQL, relational design, normalization, indexing and query optimisation.
• Strong hands-on experience with Drizzle ORM or equivalent schema-first ORMs.
• Experience using Supabase (database, storage, auth, edge functions is a plus).
• Experience implementing authentication flows with session-based security and cookie handling.
• Experience integrating third-party services (SendGrid, payment gateways, analytics, etc.).
• Excellent knowledge of Git and GitHub workflows (branching, PR reviews, CI/CD).
• Strong understanding of performance, security, error handling and backend best practices.
• Experience writing maintainable, testable and scalable backend code.
• Ability to estimate, prioritize and deliver tasks within sprint timelines.
• Experience working in Agile environments (Scrum/Kanban).
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate in cross-functional teams.
• Proven experience delivering products from concept to production release.
• Strong problem-solving skills and great attention to detail.