Senior Backend Engineer at Understood

At Understood, we are dedicated to reshaping the world for those who learn and think differently. Our mission is to raise awareness about the unique strengths and challenges of these individuals, providing the resources and community support they need to thrive. We operate with an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep commitment to values like championing difference and growing together. By joining our team, you help us build a future where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The role

We are seeking a Senior Backend Engineer to join our team on a full-time basis. This is a senior-level position that reports directly to our Backend Engineering Manager. You will be instrumental in advancing our mission by designing scalable systems and leading technical initiatives. Please note that this is a hybrid role requiring you to be in our NYC office at least three days per week.

Core responsibilities

• Partner with our product and frontend teams to build and maintain the robust APIs and services that drive our site functionality and mobile applications.
• Take full ownership of the software development lifecycle, guiding projects from initial architecture and planning through to final deployment.
• Use your expertise in Python, Django, and SQL to architect efficient backend solutions while utilizing tools like Datadog to monitor system health and resolve issues proactively.

Skills and experience

• At least 5 years of professional experience writing production code in Python or similar languages.
• Proven proficiency with Django or comparable web frameworks.
• Strong background in designing and developing scalable RESTful APIs.
• Solid experience working within cloud environments and managing relational databases.
• A track record of technical leadership and the ability to mentor junior engineers while fostering a collaborative team culture.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Compensation and benefits

The base salary for this position ranges from $145,000 to $165,000, depending on your specific qualifications and experience. In addition to competitive pay, we provide a hybrid work arrangement to support flexibility and balance for our team members.

How to apply

If you are passionate about our mission and possess the technical expertise to help us scale our impact, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application to be considered for this opportunity to help us shape a more inclusive world.