Technical Lead Backend – Scalable APIs and Cloud Systems

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Technical Lead Backend to lead the architecture, design and development of scalable, low latency and high throughput backend systems. This role is ideal for a senior backend engineer who enjoys solving complex system challenges while guiding teams toward engineering excellence.

This is a 6 months plus contract role with flexibility to work from San Jose or remotely, with preference given to candidates based in the Bay Area. You will work closely with cross functional teams to build reliable, secure and performance driven platforms that support modern, data intensive applications.

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Role and Responsibilities of the Technical Lead Backend

As a Technical Lead Backend, you will combine hands-on engineering with technical leadership. You will be responsible for shaping backend architecture, improving system performance and mentoring engineers across the development lifecycle.

Backend Architecture and API Development

You will lead the architecture, design, development and deployment of scalable backend APIs built for low latency and high throughput use cases. You will work extensively with Go, Java or TypeScript using Node.js to build robust backend services that support business critical workflows.

A strong focus of this role is designing and optimizing GraphQL APIs, including schema design, query performance and efficient data fetching strategies. You will ensure APIs are reliable, maintainable and aligned with long term system goals.

Performance Optimization and Scalability

You will be responsible for ensuring system performance and scalability through thoughtful design and proactive optimization. This includes working with caching strategies, asynchronous processing and event driven architectures to support real time systems.

You will analyze system bottlenecks, improve response times and ensure backend services can scale efficiently as usage grows.

Frontend Collaboration and Enablement

While the role is backend focused, you will collaborate closely with frontend teams working in React and TypeScript. You will help define clean API contracts and support frontend developers in building scalable and reusable components that integrate seamlessly with backend systems.

Technical Leadership and Mentorship

You will provide technical leadership by mentoring engineers, reviewing code and promoting best practices across the team. You will guide architectural decisions, encourage clean coding standards and help engineers grow in both technical depth and system thinking.

Cross Functional Collaboration

You will collaborate with product managers, designers and business stakeholders to define technical requirements and translate them into scalable backend solutions. You will participate in planning discussions and ensure technical decisions align with product and business goals.

Security, Reliability and Monitoring

You will ensure backend systems meet high standards of security, reliability and observability. This includes implementing secure access patterns, data protection measures and proactive monitoring using logs, metrics and alerts.

You will work to reduce system downtime and improve fault tolerance through resilient architecture design.

Engineering Standards and DevOps Practices

You will define and implement backend engineering standards including testing strategies, CI/CD pipelines and deployment best practices. You will work with modern cloud environments such as AWS, GCP or Azure and leverage Docker and Kubernetes for containerized deployments.

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Minimum Qualifications for Technical Lead Backend

To succeed in this role, candidates should bring strong backend expertise along with proven leadership experience.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related field

• 7 plus years of professional software development experience

• At least 2 plus years in a technical leadership role

• Strong expertise in Go, Java or Node.js or similar backend languages

• Hands-on experience building and optimizing GraphQL APIs

• Proficiency in React and TypeScript for modern web applications

• Experience with real time systems, caching strategies or event driven architectures

• Strong experience with SQL and Non SQL databases

• Familiarity with cloud platforms including AWS, GCP or Azure

• Experience with Docker and Kubernetes containerization

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Work Model and Location

This role is open to San Jose or Remote candidates. While remote work is supported, preference will be given to professionals based in the Bay Area who can collaborate closely with stakeholders when needed.

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Why This Backend Leadership Role Stands Out

This position offers the opportunity to lead backend architecture for scalable systems while influencing engineering standards and mentoring talented developers. You will work on complex backend challenges that require both deep technical expertise and strong leadership skills.

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Ready to Apply?

If you are a backend-focused Technical Lead who enjoys building scalable APIs and guiding engineering teams, this role could be an excellent fit.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the primary focus of this Technical Lead Backend role?

The role focuses on backend architecture, scalable API development and technical leadership.

2. Is this a hands-on coding role?

Yes, the role requires hands-on backend development along with leadership responsibilities.

3. Which backend languages are required?

Strong experience in Go, Java or Node.js is required.

4. Is GraphQL experience mandatory?

Yes, hands-on experience building and optimizing GraphQL APIs is essential.

5. Does this role involve frontend work?

The role is backend focused but involves collaboration with frontend teams using React and TypeScript.

6. How much experience is required?

A minimum of 7 years of development experience with at least 2 years in a technical leadership role.

7. Is this a remote role?

Yes, the role is open to remote candidates, preferably from the Bay Area.

8. What is the contract duration?

The initial contract is for 6 months with potential extension.

9. Which cloud platforms are used?

Experience with AWS, GCP or Azure is required.

10. Are DevOps skills necessary?

Yes, familiarity with CI/CD, Docker and Kubernetes is expected.

11. What type of systems will I work on?

You will work on scalable, low latency and high throughput backend systems.

12. Is database experience required?

Yes, experience with both SQL and Non SQL databases is required.

13. Will I mentor other engineers?

Yes, mentoring and code reviews are key responsibilities.

14. How collaborative is the role?

The role involves close collaboration with product, design and business teams.

15. How can I apply for this role?

You can apply through the job listing or explore similar roles on RishiWrites.