Backend Software Engineer

As a Backend Software Engineer , you will build and operate backend services that power our cloud-native, AI-enabled platforms. You will independently deliver well-scoped services and features while taking direction from senior engineers on larger architecture and design decisions. You will work within a modern Java/Spring Boot microservices architecture deployed on AWS. We build AI directly into our products and expect engineers to use AI coding tools to accelerate development, always with appropriate validation and oversight. You will collaborate daily with US-based engineering leadership in English and with Spanish-speaking product and business stakeholders across Latin America. Location: Latin America - 100% Remote. Working hours should overlap with U.S. business hours. About the Company : Abstra is a fast-growing, Nearshore Tech Talent services company, providing top Latin American tech talent to U.S. companies and beyond. Founded by U.S.-bred engineers with over 15 years of experience, Abstra specializes in sourcing skilled professionals across a wide range of technologies to meet our clients’ needs, driving innovation and efficiency. What You'll Do: Design, build, and maintain backend services and features within our microservices architecture, from technical design through deployment. Build services in Java 21 / Spring Boot 3, exposing internal APIs via gRPC/Protobuf and, where appropriate, REST. Work with relational data models in PostgreSQL, including writing and reviewing schema migrations and queries. Contribute to event-driven features using Kafka. Utilize services on AWS, following established microservices and infrastructure patterns. Use AI coding tools to accelerate day-to-day development, applying good judgment to validate and test AI-generated output. Write automated tests and participate actively in code review. Collaborate with senior engineers, product, and US-based leadership to turn business requirements, often communicated by Spanish-speaking stakeholders, into working software. What You'll Need: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. 3+ years of professional software development experience, including backend systems work. Solid fundamentals in data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design. Experience building and maintaining services within a microservices architecture. Hands-on experience with a statically typed backend language (Java strongly preferred). Hands-on experience with a relational database (e.g., PostgreSQL). Experience using an AI coding tool (e.g., Claude Code, Codex) to accelerate development. Experience with Git-based source control (e.g., GitHub). Comfort with command line interface fundamentals. Professional working proficiency in English, spoken and written, sufficient for daily collaboration with a US-based team. Working proficiency with a modern frontend framework (e.g., React) is a plus. Experience deploying and operating services on AWS is a plus. Experience with gRPC/Protobuf or another contract-first service design approach is a plus. Experience with event-driven architecture and a message broker (e.g., Kafka) is a plus. Experience with Infrastructure as Code (e.g., AWS CDK, Terraform) is a plus. Exposure to designing AI-powered product features (semantic search, vector databases, prompt/instruction design) is a plus. Experience in HR technology, marketplace platforms, or other SaaS products is a plus. Prior experience working directly with a US-based team is a plus. What We Offer: Opportunities for professional growth and development. A collaborative and inclusive work environment. The chance to work on impactful projects with a talented team. Excellent compensation in USD. Hardware and software setup. Pre-Employment Verification As part of our standard onboarding process, candidates who successfully complete the interview process and accept an employment offer will be required to complete an employment verification check, and background check. This process will confirm job titles and dates of employment with two previous employers and is a standard requirement for all new employees joining the company.