The Backend Engineer will be responsible for building and scaling backend systems, designing APIs, and collaborating with various teams to create reliable and efficient technical systems.
The Backend Engineer will be responsible for building and scaling backend systems, designing APIs, and collaborating with various teams to create reliable and efficient technical systems.
Backend Engineer
San Mateo, CA · On-site
Proven experience as a backend developer or software engineer, with a strong focus on designing and implementing scalable saas systems. * Demonstrated experience in leading and mentoring a team of ...
Backend Engineer
San Mateo, CA · On-site
Proven experience as a backend developer or software engineer, with a strong focus on designing and implementing scalable saas systems. * Demonstrated experience in leading and mentoring a team of ...
Backend Engineer
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$140K - $165K/yr
About the Role We're looking for a Backend Software Engineer to join our Core Engineering team, which powers the document workflows millions of people rely on every day: viewing, editing, embedding ...
Backend Engineer
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$140K - $165K/yr
About the Role We're looking for a Backend Software Engineer to join our Core Engineering team, which powers the document workflows millions of people rely on every day: viewing, editing, embedding ...
Sr. Backend Engineer
San Ramon, CA · On-site
$65 - $75/hr
Title : Sr. Backend Engineer Location : San Ramon, CA Pay : $65-75/hr Job Type : 6 Month Contract Schedule : 4 days onsite Benefits : Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k A popular clothing brand is looking ...
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Sr. Backend Engineer
San Ramon, CA · On-site
$65 - $75/hr
Title : Sr. Backend Engineer Location : San Ramon, CA Pay : $65-75/hr Job Type : 6 Month Contract Schedule : 4 days onsite Benefits : Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k A popular clothing brand is looking ...
Sr. Backend Engineer
San Ramon, CA · On-site
$65 - $75/hr
Title : Sr. Backend Engineer Location : San Ramon, CA Pay : $65-75/hr Job Type : 6 Month Contract Schedule : 4 days onsite Benefits : Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k A popular clothing brand is looking ...
Quick apply
Sr. Backend Engineer
San Ramon, CA · On-site
$65 - $75/hr
Title : Sr. Backend Engineer Location : San Ramon, CA Pay : $65-75/hr Job Type : 6 Month Contract Schedule : 4 days onsite Benefits : Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k A popular clothing brand is looking ...
Senior Backend Engineer
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$210K - $285K/yr
As a Senior Backend Engineer, you will own the core data infrastructure powering the AI-driven logistics platform. This is a high-ownership, zero-to-one role; you'll design and scale the systems that ...
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Senior Backend Engineer
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$210K - $285K/yr
As a Senior Backend Engineer, you will own the core data infrastructure powering the AI-driven logistics platform. This is a high-ownership, zero-to-one role; you'll design and scale the systems that ...
Senior Backend Engineer
Sunnyvale, CA · On-site
Sunnyvale CA- Prefere candidates from PST time zone Staff/Senior Backend Engineer - Mandatory Requirements* 1) Extremely Strong 7+ Years of Experience with Node.js Engineer 2) Very Strong Many REST ...
Senior Backend Engineer
Sunnyvale, CA · On-site
Sunnyvale CA- Prefere candidates from PST time zone Staff/Senior Backend Engineer - Mandatory Requirements* 1) Extremely Strong 7+ Years of Experience with Node.js Engineer 2) Very Strong Many REST ...
Sr. Backend Engineer
San Ramon, CA · On-site
$65 - $75/hr
Title : Sr. Backend Engineer Location : San Ramon, CA Pay : $65-75/hr Job Type : 6 Month Contract Schedule : 4 days onsite Benefits : Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k A popular clothing brand is looking ...
Sr. Backend Engineer
San Ramon, CA · On-site
$65 - $75/hr
Title : Sr. Backend Engineer Location : San Ramon, CA Pay : $65-75/hr Job Type : 6 Month Contract Schedule : 4 days onsite Benefits : Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k A popular clothing brand is looking ...
Senior Backend Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$120 - $150/hr
As a Senior Backend Engineer , you'll drive backend architecture, scale platform services, and build high-performance infrastructure components that power AI workloads in production environments ...
Senior Backend Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$120 - $150/hr
As a Senior Backend Engineer , you'll drive backend architecture, scale platform services, and build high-performance infrastructure components that power AI workloads in production environments ...
Senior Backend Engineer
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$210 - $285/hr
As a Senior Backend Engineer, you will own the core data infrastructure powering the AI-driven logistics platform. This is a high-ownership, zero-to-one role; you'll design and scale the systems that ...
Senior Backend Engineer
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$210 - $285/hr
As a Senior Backend Engineer, you will own the core data infrastructure powering the AI-driven logistics platform. This is a high-ownership, zero-to-one role; you'll design and scale the systems that ...
Backend Engineer
Redwood City, CA · On-site +1
As a backend software engineer at the company you'll contribute to design and development of various infrastructure projects including data collection pipelines, backends to support sensor ...
Backend Engineer
Redwood City, CA · On-site +1
As a backend software engineer at the company you'll contribute to design and development of various infrastructure projects including data collection pipelines, backends to support sensor ...
Senior Backend Engineer
Sunnyvale, CA · On-site
Staff/Senior Backend Engineer - Mandatory Requirements*** a. Extremely Strong 7+ Years of Experience with Node.js Engineer b. Very Strong Many REST APIs based Development/Automation c. Engineer will ...
Senior Backend Engineer
Sunnyvale, CA · On-site
Staff/Senior Backend Engineer - Mandatory Requirements*** a. Extremely Strong 7+ Years of Experience with Node.js Engineer b. Very Strong Many REST APIs based Development/Automation c. Engineer will ...
Backend Engineer
Mountain View, CA · On-site
$137K - $173K/yr
What You'll Do As a Backend Engineer, you'll design, implement, and optimize systems that power mission-critical applications. Your role will adapt to your strengths and interests, with opportunities ...
Backend Engineer
Mountain View, CA · On-site
$137K - $173K/yr
What You'll Do As a Backend Engineer, you'll design, implement, and optimize systems that power mission-critical applications. Your role will adapt to your strengths and interests, with opportunities ...
Backend Engineer
San Francisco, CA · On-site
We are seeking a highly motivated and adaptable backend engineer to own the systems powering a new generation of wearable robots. from APIs and data pipelines connecting devices to the cloud, to the ...
Backend Engineer
San Francisco, CA · On-site
We are seeking a highly motivated and adaptable backend engineer to own the systems powering a new generation of wearable robots. from APIs and data pipelines connecting devices to the cloud, to the ...
Backend Engineer
$137K - $173K/yr
What You'll Do As a Backend Engineer, you'll design, implement, and optimize systems that power mission-critical applications. Your role will adapt to your strengths and interests, with opportunities ...
Backend Engineer
$137K - $173K/yr
What You'll Do As a Backend Engineer, you'll design, implement, and optimize systems that power mission-critical applications. Your role will adapt to your strengths and interests, with opportunities ...
Backend Engineer
El Segundo, CA · On-site
$80K - $210K/yr
About the Role We're seeking a Backend Software Engineer to build, maintain, and scale the core systems that support our AI-driven logistics platform. In this foundational role, you'll be responsible ...
Backend Engineer
El Segundo, CA · On-site
$80K - $210K/yr
About the Role We're seeking a Backend Software Engineer to build, maintain, and scale the core systems that support our AI-driven logistics platform. In this foundational role, you'll be responsible ...
Sr. Backend Engineer
Mountain View, CA · On-site
$120 - $160/hr
Sr. Backend Engineer Responsibilities * Develop and maintain scalable software components with a focus on reliability and performance. * Design and implement features supporting high-volume ...
Sr. Backend Engineer
Mountain View, CA · On-site
$120 - $160/hr
Sr. Backend Engineer Responsibilities * Develop and maintain scalable software components with a focus on reliability and performance. * Design and implement features supporting high-volume ...
Backend Engineer
Mountain View, CA · Hybrid
$180K - $275K/yr
Role As a Backend Engineer at Samaya, you will design and lead the development of critical system components that support and enable our AI product. This year we are set up for rapid growth to tens ...
Backend Engineer
Mountain View, CA · Hybrid
$180K - $275K/yr
Role As a Backend Engineer at Samaya, you will design and lead the development of critical system components that support and enable our AI product. This year we are set up for rapid growth to tens ...
Backend Engineer
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$130K - $200K/yr
THE ROLE We're hiring a Backend Engineer who will architect and maintain the back-end services and data pipelines that power our platforms - and you'll turn the data flowing through them into the ...
Backend Engineer
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$130K - $200K/yr
THE ROLE We're hiring a Backend Engineer who will architect and maintain the back-end services and data pipelines that power our platforms - and you'll turn the data flowing through them into the ...
Backend Engineer
San Jose, CA · On-site
$170K - $400K/yr
About the Role You'll build the backend systems that make Hark's AI agent actually work - reliable ... Performance Engineering: Optimize the stack for low-latency streaming and high-throughput data ...
Backend Engineer
San Jose, CA · On-site
$170K - $400K/yr
About the Role You'll build the backend systems that make Hark's AI agent actually work - reliable ... Performance Engineering: Optimize the stack for low-latency streaming and high-throughput data ...
Backend Engineer information
See California salary details
$59.7K - $72.1K
4% of jobs
$72.1K - $84.6K
2% of jobs
$84.6K - $97K
2% of jobs
$97K - $109.4K
7% of jobs
$109.4K - $121.8K
9% of jobs
$123.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$121.8K - $134.3K
11% of jobs
$134.3K - $146.7K
14% of jobs
The median wage is $147.6K / yr.
$146.7K - $159.1K
15% of jobs
$166.9K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$159.1K - $171.5K
17% of jobs
$171.5K - $184K
13% of jobs
$184K - $196.4K
5% of jobs
$59.7K
$145.7K
$196.4K
How much do backend engineer jobs pay per year?
As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for backend engineer in California is $145,728.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,400.00 and $169,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a backend engineer?
Backend Engineers are software developers who focus on building and maintaining the server-side logic, databases, and APIs that power web and mobile applications. They ensure that the data requested by the frontend systems is delivered efficiently and securely. Their work involves writing code in languages like Python, Java, or Node.js, integrating with databases, and optimizing the overall performance of applications. Backend Engineers also play a crucial role in ensuring data integrity and implementing security best practices.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backend engineer, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Backend Engineer, you need strong programming skills in languages like Java, Python, or Node.js, a solid understanding of algorithms, and experience with databases, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with tools such as RESTful APIs, cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), version control systems (like Git), and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) is common. Problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are essential for building robust, scalable systems and collaborating efficiently within development teams.
What are some common challenges backend engineers face when integrating new technologies into existing systems?
Backend Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new technologies, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy systems, maintaining data consistency, and minimizing service disruptions during deployment. They must carefully plan migrations, coordinate with frontend and DevOps teams, and implement thorough testing to avoid introducing bugs or security vulnerabilities. Effective communication and documentation are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring a smooth transition.
What is the difference between Backend Engineer vs Software Developer?
| Aspect | Backend Engineer | Software Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Designing, building, and maintaining server-side applications and databases | Developing software across various layers, including frontend and backend |
| Skills & Certifications | Proficiency in server-side languages (e.g., Java, Python), databases, APIs | Proficiency in multiple programming languages, software design, and sometimes frontend skills |
| Work Environment | Typically in backend teams, working on server infrastructure and APIs | Can work on full-stack or specific areas; broader scope |
| Industry Usage | Common in tech companies, startups, and enterprises focusing on backend systems | Widespread across all software development sectors |
While both roles involve coding and software development, Backend Engineers specialize in server-side logic, databases, and APIs, whereas Software Developers may work on both frontend and backend components. The roles often overlap, but Backend Engineers focus more on the infrastructure that powers applications.
Are backend engineers still in demand?
Backend engineers are currently in high demand due to the ongoing need for server-side development, cloud computing, and scalable systems. Skills in programming languages like Java, Python, and frameworks such as Node.js are highly valued, and experience with database management and API development enhances job prospects.
What's a typical backend engineer salary?
A backend engineer's salary varies based on experience, location, and company size, but typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually in many regions. Senior roles or those with expertise in cloud services, databases, and programming languages like Java or Python tend to earn higher salaries. Entry-level positions usually start around $60,000 to $80,000, with benefits often including health insurance and paid time off.
More about Backend Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Backend Engineer jobs in California?
The most popular types of Backend Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Backend Engineer jobs in California?
For Backend Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backend Engineer jobs in California look for?
The top searched job categories for Backend Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Backend Engineer jobs?
Cities in California with the most Backend Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Backend Engineer jobs in CA?
For Backend Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Full-time
Re-posted 27 days ago
Job description
Job Summary:
Recruiting from Scratch is representing a rapidly scaling AI infrastructure company that is building marketplace and operational systems for AI development. The Backend Engineer will be responsible for building and scaling backend systems, designing APIs, and collaborating with various teams to create reliable and efficient technical systems.
Responsibilities:
• Build and scale backend systems that power marketplace matching, routing, allocation, and fulfillment workflows
• Design APIs and infrastructure for search, eligibility, scoring, onboarding, and candidate-job matching systems
• Develop reliable, high-throughput backend services supporting real-time and asynchronous marketplace decisioning
• Architect operational tooling and workflow infrastructure that improves reliability, observability, and scalability across core marketplace systems
• Collaborate closely with product, ML, and operations teams to translate marketplace requirements into durable technical systems
• Improve system performance, latency, throughput, and reliability across production-critical APIs and distributed services
• Design backend abstractions and infrastructure that allow rapid iteration without compromising system quality
• Contribute to distributed systems architecture, event-driven workflows, and operational excellence initiatives
Qualifications:
Required:
• Strong experience building and operating production-grade backend systems at scale
• Deep understanding of system design, distributed systems, performance optimization, and data modeling
• Experience working on high-throughput APIs, asynchronous workflows, or event-driven architectures
• Strong backend engineering fundamentals with proficiency in modern backend languages and infrastructure tooling
• Ability to balance product velocity with long-term reliability and maintainability
• Experience translating operational or marketplace requirements into scalable technical systems
• High ownership mindset with strong engineering judgment and pragmatic decision-making abilities
Preferred:
• Experience building marketplace, matching, recommendation, scheduling, or search systems
• Familiarity with ML-powered products or production model inference systems
• Experience with Kafka, Redis, Elasticsearch, or similar distributed infrastructure technologies
• Exposure to event-driven systems, caching strategies, queues, and observability tooling
• Experience operating within fast-moving, high-growth engineering organizations
Company:
A recruiting agency working with technology companies to help them hire software engineers, data roles, product managers, and hardware. Founded in 2021, the company is headquartered in Albany, USA, with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.
Recruiting from Scratch is representing a rapidly scaling AI infrastructure company that is building marketplace and operational systems for AI development. The Backend Engineer will be responsible for building and scaling backend systems, designing APIs, and collaborating with various teams to create reliable and efficient technical systems.
Responsibilities:
• Build and scale backend systems that power marketplace matching, routing, allocation, and fulfillment workflows
• Design APIs and infrastructure for search, eligibility, scoring, onboarding, and candidate-job matching systems
• Develop reliable, high-throughput backend services supporting real-time and asynchronous marketplace decisioning
• Architect operational tooling and workflow infrastructure that improves reliability, observability, and scalability across core marketplace systems
• Collaborate closely with product, ML, and operations teams to translate marketplace requirements into durable technical systems
• Improve system performance, latency, throughput, and reliability across production-critical APIs and distributed services
• Design backend abstractions and infrastructure that allow rapid iteration without compromising system quality
• Contribute to distributed systems architecture, event-driven workflows, and operational excellence initiatives
Qualifications:
Required:
• Strong experience building and operating production-grade backend systems at scale
• Deep understanding of system design, distributed systems, performance optimization, and data modeling
• Experience working on high-throughput APIs, asynchronous workflows, or event-driven architectures
• Strong backend engineering fundamentals with proficiency in modern backend languages and infrastructure tooling
• Ability to balance product velocity with long-term reliability and maintainability
• Experience translating operational or marketplace requirements into scalable technical systems
• High ownership mindset with strong engineering judgment and pragmatic decision-making abilities
Preferred:
• Experience building marketplace, matching, recommendation, scheduling, or search systems
• Familiarity with ML-powered products or production model inference systems
• Experience with Kafka, Redis, Elasticsearch, or similar distributed infrastructure technologies
• Exposure to event-driven systems, caching strategies, queues, and observability tooling
• Experience operating within fast-moving, high-growth engineering organizations
Company:
A recruiting agency working with technology companies to help them hire software engineers, data roles, product managers, and hardware. Founded in 2021, the company is headquartered in Albany, USA, with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.
About Recruiting from Scratch
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Recruiting from Scratch is a premier talent firm that focuses on placing the best product managers, software, and hardware talent at innovative companies. Our team is 100% remote and we work with teams across the United States to help them hire. We work with companies funded by the best investors including Sequoia Capital, Lightspeed Ventures, Tiger Global Management, A16Z, Accel, DFJ, and more.
Industry
Recruiting and staffing services
Company size
11 - 50 Employees
Headquarters location
New York, NY, US
Year founded
2021