Senior Backend Architect PK

We are seeking a highly experienced backend engineer to join our team at a Lead Engineer or Architect level. This role demands more than just ticket execution; it requires independent architecture decision-making, designing scalable systems, and transforming ambiguous product requirements into robust backend solutions. You will take full ownership of backend services within a lean team, working in an AI-first environment where AI tools accelerate research, planning, implementation, testing, and refinement. However, ultimate responsibility for quality, security, performance, and reliability remains with you. Candidates with prior experience in lead engineering or architectural roles will thrive in this position.

Key Responsibilities

- Design and own backend services using NestJS and TypeScript, managing everything from database schema to production deployment.
- Make independent architecture decisions focused on scalability, maintainability, and reliability.
- Develop and maintain GraphQL APIs within a microservices ecosystem.
- Take ownership of database design, optimization, and reliability, particularly with PostgreSQL.
- Define the overall technical direction beyond just implementation details.
- Establish and enforce quality standards for both AI-generated and manually written code.
- Translate unclear product requirements into clear, actionable technical solutions.
- Contribute to system design, infrastructure choices, testing strategies, and improving developer productivity.
- Operate effectively within an AI-first workflow without compromising engineering standards.

This is a fast-paced role with significant production impact. You will be expected to think at a systems level, make strong technical decisions independently, and raise the technical bar in a high-accountability environment.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Extensive hands-on experience with Node.js, Express.js, or NestJS frameworks.
- Proficiency in GraphQL and TypeORM.
- Proven production experience with backend frameworks in high-scale environments.
- Expertise in both relational and non-relational databases.
- Advanced knowledge of MongoDB and/or PostgreSQL, including database design, administration, and optimization.
- Strong experience designing and consuming RESTful and GraphQL APIs, and working within microservices architectures.
- Proficiency in client-side scripting, JavaScript frameworks, and managing cross-browser compatibility issues.
- Experience with version control systems such as Git and familiarity with CI/CD pipelines.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

- This is a fully remote position, offering flexibility in work location.
- Compensation is paid in USD.
- Work hours are aligned with EST or PST time zones.

If you are a proactive engineer who thrives on ownership, architectural leadership, and working at the intersection of AI and backend development, this role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our platform.