Senior Backend Engineer

Summary

Join Guidewheel, a fast-growing startup on a mission to empower factories to reach sustainable peak performance. As a Senior Backend Engineer, you will play a key role in developing and enhancing the backend architecture of our cloud-based dashboard. You will design and implement APIs, databases, and infrastructure, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability. This role requires 7+ years of experience in backend development, expertise in various technologies, and a proven track record of success. Guidewheel offers a 100% remote culture, flexible PTO, generous equity, comprehensive health benefits, and additional perks such as a 401k match and parental leave. We are looking for a proactive, self-directed team player who values transparency and collaboration.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience as a professional software developer, with a strong track record of designing, developing, and deploying scalable backend systems
• Technical degree in computer science or equivalent, or comparable demonstration of expertise in backend development
• Deep expertise in backend technologies, including API design, microservices architecture, databases (SQL & NoSQL), and distributed systems
• Proficiency with CI/CD, automated testing, and DevOps best practices to ensure seamless deployment and maintainability
• Experience optimizing system performance, scalability, and security in cloud or on-prem environments
• Comfortable working remotely in a cross-cultural, Agile environment with team members across multiple time zones
• Entrepreneurial mindset – thrives in a fast-growing team, works closely with stakeholders, and drives product improvements
• Detail-oriented and highly organized, balancing big-picture thinking with rigorous execution
• Proactive, self-directed team player, able to prioritize tasks, communicate clearly, and manage multiple work streams
• Values transparency and constructive feedback, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture

Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance the backend architecture of our cloud-based dashboard, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability
• Design and implement APIs, databases, and infrastructure, optimizing for performance and security
• Go beyond execution – ask “why,” understand the broader system architecture, and deliver the most effective backend solutions
• Translate business and customer needs into scalable, high-performance backend solutions that support long-term growth
• Architect and design backend systems, gathering and integrating additional resources as needed
• Own projects end-to-end, driving backend initiatives while coordinating with cross-functional teams
• Write clean, modular, and maintainable code, ensuring long-term system flexibility and scalability
• Implement robust testing strategies and promote a culture of test-driven development
• Maintain clear documentation and proactively communicate technical decisions and trade-offs
• Conduct thoughtful code reviews, continuously improving code quality and backend best practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing a team of software developers
• Familiarity with design thinking tools
• Experience scaling a web-based software product with billions of data points

Benefits

• Fair & equitable pay. Annual on-target earnings for this role are in the range of $165,000 - $195,000, dependent on many factors and our internal compensation and role bands
• 100% remote culture. Work from wherever, whenever - we hired you to get a job done, and as long as that is happening, you have the autonomy to get it done where and when you feel comfortable
• Flexible PTO policy. We value balance and boundaries. To be the best version of you, you need time away from your screen, so we want you to take it
• Generous equity. Everyone at Guidewheel receives equity in the business. You will be working hard to build something great, and when we reach the finish line, you should be rewarded for your hard work
• Health Benefits. We offer different health benefits to cover your personal needs from day one of employment - you pick the plan that makes the most sense to you
• 401k (match up to 4%)
• $500 home office set-up
• Parental leave
• Company laptop
• Retirement plan
• Paid company holidays
• Company travel to spend time with your Guidewheel peers