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Backend Engineer Jobs in Cambridge, MA (NOW HIRING)

Arbor

Senior/Staff Back-end Engineer

Boston, MA · Remote

The Opportunity We're looking for a backend-focused engineer to join our lean, high-leverage engineering team building the infrastructure that powers our energy marketplace. You'll work across our ...

Blitzy

Senior Backend Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

About the Role We're looking for a Senior Back-End Engineer to take real ownership across our stack. You'll work directly alongside our CTO on current product and future development, and partner with ...

Arbor

Senior/Staff Back-end Engineer

Boston, MA · Remote

The Opportunity We're looking for a backend-focused engineer to join our lean, high-leverage engineering team building the infrastructure that powers our energy marketplace. You'll work across our ...

Delsys

Software Engineer - Backend (FT)

Natick, MA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

We are seeking an aspiring Backend Software Engineer to join our Product Development Team at Delsys. You'll help build the core infrastructure behind our signal acquisition and processing software ...

WHOOP

Software Engineer II (Backend, Growth)

Boston, MA · On-site

WHOOP is a company focused on health and fitness technology, and they are seeking a Software Engineer II to develop scalable and reliable backend services. The role involves building and optimizing ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsBackend Engineer JobsBackend Engineer Jobs in Cambridge, MA

Backend Engineer information

See Cambridge, MA salary details

$66.1K

$161.4K

$217.5K

How much do backend engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for backend engineer in Cambridge, MA is $161,390.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,500.00 and $188,000.00 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?

AspectBackend EngineerSoftware Developer
Primary FocusDesigning, building, and maintaining server-side applications and databasesDeveloping software across various layers, including frontend and backend
Skills & CertificationsProficiency in server-side languages (e.g., Java, Python), databases, APIsProficiency in multiple programming languages, software design, and sometimes frontend skills
Work EnvironmentTypically in backend teams, working on server infrastructure and APIsCan work on full-stack or specific areas; broader scope
Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, startups, and enterprises focusing on backend systemsWidespread 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

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For Backend Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Backend Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Backend Engineer jobs in Cambridge, MA are:

What cities near Cambridge, MA are hiring for Backend Engineer jobs?

Cities near Cambridge, MA with the most Backend Engineer job openings:

Backend Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backend Engineer job openings in Cambridge, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $161,390 per year, or $77.6 per hour.

Senior/Staff Back-end Engineer

Arbor

Boston, MA • Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

About Arbor

Arbor helps renters, homeowners, and small businesses pay less for electricity. Behind the scenes, Arbor is building an intelligent electricity marketplace to power an abundant electric future. As AI data centers drive a surge in electricity demand, millions of homes and businesses remain trapped with 20th century monopoly interfaces, overpaying by billions while cheap renewable energy goes to waste. Our AI-powered platform aggregates users to unlock wholesale pricing, automatically switches between the best rates, and optimizes usage to align with prices in real-time—delivering the same market advantages that were previously exclusive to Fortune 500 companies. We've raised over $20 million from leading investors and have saved over $7.5 million for tens of thousands of homes and businesses.

The Opportunity

We're looking for a backend-focused engineer to join our lean, high-leverage engineering team building the infrastructure that powers our energy marketplace. You'll work across our platform—from rate monitoring systems that track complex utility pricing across deregulated markets, to the marketplace orchestration that matches customers with optimal suppliers. This is a high-ownership role where you'll ship production systems, not just features, and where AI-augmented development practices are the norm.

What You'll Do

  • Design and build scalable backend services that power our core marketplace platform

  • Develop and maintain cloud infrastructure on GCP using Terraform, ensuring reliability and cost efficiency as we scale

  • Build integrations with utility data sources, supplier APIs, and third-party services across multiple energy markets

  • Create robust data pipelines for real-time rate monitoring and market intelligence

  • Partner with product and cross-functional partners to translate system and supplier needs into high-performing, resilient experiences. Take product ownership on select features and projects when necessary

  • Collaborate closely with a small team where your code ships fast (multiple daily prod deploys) and your architectural decisions matter

  • Leverage AI tools and workflows and uplevel the team around you

What You Bring

  • 5+ years of backend engineering experience with production systems at scale

  • Strong JavaScript/TypeScript expertise: Node.js for backend services, familiarity with Nest.js a plus

  • Hands-on experience managing cloud environments including serverless and event driven systems built on native cloud tooling (GCP experience preferred)

  • Terraform proficiency for infrastructure-as-code; you've managed real cloud environments, not just tutorials

  • Comfort with databases (SQL, ideally Postgres), API design, and async processing patterns

  • AI fluency: you actively use AI coding tools and are eager to push the boundaries of AI-augmented development

  • Bias toward shipping; you thrive in environments with ambiguity and move fast without sacrificing quality

  • Interest in energy, climate tech, or marketplace products is a strong plus

Compensation & Work Setup

  • Competitive salary + meaningful equity + benefits

  • Remote-friendly with occasional in-person collaboration as needed