Staff Backend Engineer

Staff Backend Engineer We're looking for a Staff Backend Engineer to lead the architecture, development, and scaling of backend systems that power the Made Card and homeowner platform. You'll set engineering standards, mentor teammates, and collaborate cross-functionally to deliver secure, performant, and reliable services at scale. As one of the most senior backend engineers on the team, you'll play a critical role in defining technical strategy and building the infrastructure to support millions of homeowners. What You'll Do Backend Ownership: Lead the design and development of highly scalable backend services and APIs using Python. Architecture & Standards: Define backend architecture, coding standards, and processes for rapid, high-quality delivery. Database & Systems: Design and optimize data models using Postgres, DynamoDB, and Redis for performance and reliability. Infrastructure: Drive adoption of best practices with Kubernetes, Docker, and AWS for deployment, monitoring, and scaling. Feature Delivery: Collaborate with product, design, and frontend engineers to deliver end-to-end features. Performance & Security: Ensure backend systems are performant, secure, and resilient under scale. Team Leadership: Mentor other backend engineers, conduct code reviews, and raise the engineering bar. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Communicate trade-offs, technical decisions, and progress clearly to stakeholders across product and leadership. Ideal Background 5–8+ years in front-end engineering, with 3+ years in a lead or senior capacity. Deep expertise in Python and distributed systems. Strong experience with Postgres, DynamoDB, Redis, and database modeling. Proven track record building reliable, large-scale backend services and RESTful APIs. Proficiency with Kubernetes, Docker, and AWS infrastructure. Strong computer science fundamentals in algorithms, data structures, and system design. Demonstrated leadership in mentoring engineers and setting team-wide standards. Excellent collaboration and communication skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders. We understand that not everyone comes from a traditional background. If you are a rockstar with a non-traditional path, we'd love to talk to you! Nice to Have Experience in fintech, credit cards, or regulated financial products. Familiarity with event-driven architectures, streaming, or microservices. Exposure to CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and monitoring tools. Passion for building financial products that improve people's lives. Why Join Made Now You'll be one of the most senior backend engineers on a team building the financial infrastructure for millions of homeowners. This is a rare opportunity to shape the architecture, technical direction, and engineering culture of a product redefining homeownership - while staying hands-on with critical systems. Benefits Base Compensation Band: $150,000–$200,000 (determined by experience, qualifications, and location) Compensation: Competitive salary with a meaningful stake in the company via equity Health & Well-being: We'll invest in your physical and mental well-being with comprehensive medical, dental, & vision benefits Grow Together: Company-wide orientation for you to successfully onboard and other learning & development opportunities including regular review cycles that feature 360 degree feedback Mortgage Benefit: Receive up to $25,000 toward closing costs of a new mortgage via our mortgage partners Play Together: Quarterly budgets for team and company outings. Use it for team swag, cooking classes, or team dinners! Generous Time Off: Flexible paid time off, sick days, and 11 company holidays Made Card