Senior/Staff Backend Engineer

Senior Backend EngineerAt Blackbird, we believe every guest should feel like a VIP the moment they walk into a restaurant. Whether it's last-minute tables, welcome drinks, off-menu items, or exclusive perks, we're building a platform that helps restaurants identify, connect with, and reward their guests in meaningful and personalized ways.Our vision? The more you check in at your favorite spots, the more you unlock—from unique rewards to seamless direct messaging for reservations. With each visit, you'll earn $FLY, our universal rewards currency, which you can use across our network of outstanding restaurants.As a Senior Backend Engineer, you'll be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining our core APIs. You'll work closely with product managers, designers, and fellow engineers to define and execute the technical vision behind our payments and loyalty platforms. You'll contribute to key architectural decisions, help establish engineering best practices, and play a critical role in scaling the platform. We're looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-ownership environment and is excited to build products from the ground up.ResponsibilitiesDesign, build, and maintain core backend APIsCollaborate with product, design, and engineering peers to deliver features aligned with business goalsContribute to system architecture and implement scalable, robust solutionsUphold and promote backend best practices, with a focus on code quality, testing, and performanceMentor junior and mid-level engineers and foster a collaborative, growth-oriented team cultureParticipate in product and design discussions, offering backend perspectives on implementation and feasibilityRequirements5+ years of experience building and deploying backend APIsStrong proficiency in Kotlin or another statically typed JVM languageDeep experience designing and maintaining RESTful APIs using domain-driven design principlesSolid understanding of SQL databases, including schema design and performance tuningStrong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality user experiencesAbility to work autonomously and make sound decisions in a fast-moving environmentExperience mentoring engineers and contributing positively to team cultureComfortable working cross-functionally with product, design, and other stakeholdersNice to HavesExperience with the Spring framework and database abstraction layers such as HibernateFamiliarity with the U.S. payments ecosystem, including debit, credit, and ACH processingExposure to DevOps practices, including AWS infrastructure and TerraformInterest or experience in blockchain, especially with cryptography fundamentalsExperience productionizing generative AI features (e.g. retrieval-augmented generation, prompt engineering, or model integration)Pay Transparency Notice & BenefitsDepending on your work location and experience the target annual salary for this position can range from: $180,000-$220,000 USD. Disclosure in accordance with New York City's Pay Transparency Law.Full time offers from Blackbird may also include stock options, benefits (including medical, dental, vision, flexible time off, 401(k)), and some not-so-standard, extra-fun perks — subject to applicable taxes and based on eligibility.Commitment to Equal OpportunityBlackbird Labs is committed to diversity in its workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by applicable law. Blackbird will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. For US applicants, you may view the Know Your Rights notice here. Additionally, Blackbird participates in the E-Verify program.Join us and find out what the best work of your career could look like here at Blackbird.