Senior Backend Software Engineer

The RoleRaydar is recruiting for this role on behalf of our client. Serve as the lead backend engineer for an early-stage software platform, owning system design, reliability and delivery across a range of high-stakes services. The work spans real-time data processing, transaction handling and payment flows, with broad architectural influence from day one.What You'll DoOwn the full backend, including APIs, database design, access controls, backups, staging environments, monitoring and deployments.Build and operate a real-time pricing service that collects data from several sources on a frequent schedule and routes requests to the best option.Manage data flowing in and out of a third-party processing system where errors have immediate real-world consequences.Design and build an in-house processing engine, validating it against the existing system using replayed production traffic until results match.Own payment infrastructure for incoming and outgoing fund flows, meeting strict uptime targets.Make foundational architecture and schema decisions so the platform scales smoothly as usage grows many times over.What We're Looking For3+ years of backend engineering experience with strong architecture skills.Experience owning production systems where downtime or errors directly affect revenue, such as payments, ledgers, trading or critical infrastructure.Background in backend-focused full-stack work, system architecture and database schema design.Comfort working as the sole engineer in an early-stage startup environment.Proficiency with AI-assisted development tools.Confidence to challenge technical decisions and give candid pushback to a strong-minded founder.Ability to work in person from the New York office.A computer science or related degree is preferred.Bonus PointsExperience at a well-regarded fintech or infrastructure startup.Location and Work ModelNew York, NY, United StatesOn-siteFull-timeCompensation, As The Posting Describes ItEquity