Senior Backend Engineer - Media & Platform Services (Java + NodeJS + AWS)

About the client Our client is a VC-backed startup on a mission to transform how design teams create branded content through generative AI. They're building a world-class AI team that blends cutting-edge research with product-driven engineering to create tools that designers love. They value autonomy, technical excellence, and bold thinking. If you're excited to push the boundaries of what's possible in generative AI while delivering tangible impact, they'd love to hear from you. Role Overview They're looking for a Senior Backend Engineer with deep expertise in Java Spring Boot, Node.js, and AWS to join their platform team. In this role, you'll help architect and build high- performance backend services that power the company's media processing, content export, and creative delivery workflows. You'll play a key role in scaling their infrastructure to meet the demands of world-class design teams and creative professionals. Key Responsibilities Lead the development of scalable media services, including file conversions (image, animation, video), compression, and rendering workflows Design and implement serverless and event-driven architectures (e.g., AWS Lambda, SQS) to orchestrate large-scale media pipelines Build robust backend APIs for multi-format template exports, real-time previews, and smart content rendering Optimize media pipelines using tools like FFmpeg and canvas-node to ensure high-quality, low-latency outputs Collaborate with frontend, AI, and product teams to support seamless design exports and animated content delivery Own system reliability, observability, and cost-efficiency of backend infrastructure Ensure cloud-based production systems are secure, fault-tolerant, and well-monitored Requirements 8+ years of backend development experience with Java (Spring Boot) and Node.js Hands-on experience with AWS services, including Lambda, S3, EC2, SQS, MediaConvert, etc. Strong knowledge of microservices and event-driven architectures Experience with media processing tools like FFmpeg, canvas-node, or video transcoding pipelines Deep understanding of API design, asynchronous processing, and REST best practices Proven ability to build high-throughput, low-latency systems for handling large files (images, video, animations) Bonus Skills Experience building design, media, or creative SaaS platforms Familiarity with video codecs, SVG rendering, or Lottie animations Experience with CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code (Terraform, CloudFormation), and Docker/Kubernetes Exposure to AI-powered media workflows or real-time rendering Preferred Qualifications 8+ years of professional experience building scalable backend systems for SaaS platforms Prior experience supporting production systems in a high-growth startup or scaled product environment Why Join them Build a next-generation creative platform used by global design teams Collaborate with world-class engineers, designers, and entrepreneurs Take ownership in a fast-moving, product-focused environment Competitive compensation and flexible remote/hybrid work Join a growth-minded, impact-driven culture with room to lead and innovate