Senior Software Backend Engineer

SmartCommerce helps brands turn demand into real retail performance. SmartCommerce connects websites, media, and marketing campaigns directly to retailer carts with Click2Cart® - helping more shoppers convert while protecting performance as availability changes. We turn product discovery on your site into retail purchases by helping you route shoppers to in-stock retailers and protect conversion when inventory shifts. We connect ads, social, influencers, retail media, and QR codes directly to retailer carts so campaigns convert beyond the click. We understand how marketing drives retail outcomes and help you see which retailers convert, where availability impacts performance, and how campaigns perform across commerce channels. We’re building the technology that connects media, shoppers, and retailers — and we’re looking for people who want to help shape the future of commerce. The Role: SmartCommerce is looking for a Senior Software Backend Engineer to design, build, and maintain scalable backend systems spanning database architecture, middle-tier services, and data processing/ETL pipelines that power our commerce platform and client integrations. This role combines deep backend engineering with hands-on data engineering and stream processing responsibility, and serves as a senior technical contributor and production support owner for the systems they build. Job Title: Senior Software Backend Engineer Department: Engineering Reports to: Director of Engineering Experience Required: Demonstrated experience in designing, developing and maintaining backend services and APIs. Must have AI proficiency and experience with AWS. Salary Range: $160-$180K Supervisory/Training Responsibilities: This role does not supervise/manage others. This is an Individual Contributor role. Schedule: 9:00AM – 6:00PM ET. Job Location: Remote in United States. Responsibilities: • Design, develop, and maintain backend services and APIs using PHP, Node.js, and React.js across the middle tier • Design and optimize database schemas and queries in MySQL, and implement caching strategies using Redis • Build and maintain ETL and data pipelines using Airflow, working with Parquet-formatted data feeding into Redshift and Databricks • Design and implement stream processing solutions using Kafka • Architect and operate scalable, high-availability systems deployed on AWS • Provide production support and participate in an on-call rotation as needed • Collaborate with cross-functional partners in Product, Data, and QA to translate requirements into technical solutions • Write clean, tested, well-documented code and actively participate in code reviews • Leverage AI coding tools (Claude, Cursor, Codex, Gemini, etc.) to accelerate development and improve code quality • Mentor other engineers on backend and data engineering best practices • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience • 8+ years of professional software engineering experience, with a strong focus on backend, database, and data processing systems • Strong proficiency in PHP, Node.js, and React.js • Deep experience with MySQL database design, optimization, and administration • Experience with Redis for caching and in-memory data structures • Hands-on experience with Kafka for stream processing and event-driven architectures • ETL/data pipeline experience using Airflow and Parquet file formats • Experience with AWS cloud infrastructure • Proficiency with AI coding tools (Claude, Cursor, Codex, Gemini, etc.) • Nice to Have: Experience with Apache Spark, Python, and Databricks • Nice to Have: Experience with real-time stream processing frameworks • Eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship • Ability to pass background check Remote - from home office with occasional travel as needed. Must be located within the United States; Eastern US preferred. At SmartCommerce, we value and reward our team's dedication and hard work. We provide a competitive base salary commensurate with your qualifications and experience. As an employee, you'll also enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, supplementary benefits, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Benefits: Health Care Plans (Medical, Dental & Vision) Retirement Plan (401k, Profit Sharing) Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D) Long-Term Disability Short- Term Disability Flexible Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays) Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity) Work From Home/Remote Wellness Resources *Location requirements: Must be located in the United States- we are not able to provide sponsorships at this time. For new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification on or before the first day of work. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates. Job Description Scope This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this role. It is not designed to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required. The responsibilities and physical/working condition requirements listed above represent the essential functions of this role. SmartCommerce reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other responsibilities as necessary at any time, with or without notice. At-Will Employment Employment with SmartCommerce is at-will. This job description does not constitute an employment contract or a guarantee of employment for any specific duration, and either the employee or SmartCommerce may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law. Equal Employment Opportunity SmartCommerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable Accommodation SmartCommerce is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application, interview, and employment process. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential functions of this role or to participate in the hiring process, please contact [email protected] to discuss your needs. Background Check and Work Authorization Employment with SmartCommerce is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, conducted in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and applicable state and local law. Candidates must also be authorized to work in the United States; SmartCommerce participates in the E-Verify program. As an E-Verify employer, we will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Multi-State and Remote Workforce Notice As a remote-first employer, SmartCommerce may be subject to additional state- or locality-specific employment notices, pay transparency requirements, or protected-class provisions based on an employee's work location.