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Backend Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Lead Fusion Controls Developer

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$45.50 - $58.25/hr

The Lead Fusion Controls Developer will design, build, and own parts of the control systems and ... This position may be focused on leading efforts in either back-end or front-end controls, or have ...

Lead Fusion Controls Developer

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$45.50 - $58.25/hr

The Lead Fusion Controls Developer will design, build, and own parts of the control systems and ... This position may be focused on leading efforts in either back-end or front-end controls, or have ...

Lead Fusion Controls Developer

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$45.50 - $58.25/hr

The Lead Fusion Controls Developer will design, build, and own parts of the control systems and ... This position may be focused on leading efforts in either back-end or front-end controls, or have ...

Showing results 21-40

Backend Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$61K

$148.8K

$200.5K

How much do backend engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for backend engineer in Madison, WI is $148,788.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,900.00 and $173,300.00 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

What are the most commonly searched types of Backend Engineer jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Backend Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:

Infographic showing various Backend Engineer job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,788 per year, or $71.5 per hour.

Software Engineer - AI & Cloud Engineering (Early to Mid Career)

Flexcompute Inc.

Madison, WI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Flexcompute is a cutting-edge technology startup that specializes in ultra-fast simulation technology. Our products are utilized by companies in designing and optimizing technology products, with applications ranging from designing airplanes and cars to wind turbines and quantum computing chips. Our customer base includes both household names and startups in emerging industries. Our company was founded by world-renowned leaders in simulation technology from Stanford University and MIT. Backed by top VC firms, we are poised to disrupt the billion-dollar engineering simulation industry with our fast-growing trajectory.

About the Role

Flexcompute is seeking a highly capable mid-level software engineer to join our Wisconsin-based engineering team. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building scalable systems, learning quickly, and contributing across multiple layers of a modern engineering platform.

You will help develop and improve core infrastructure and user-facing capabilities across our cloud-native simulation and collaboration platforms. Initially, the focus will be on workspace and workbench-related functionality, with opportunities to grow into more advanced platform architecture and distributed systems work over time.

You will collaborate closely with experienced engineers, product leaders, and simulation experts while helping shape the next generation of engineering software and AI-enabled workflows.

What You’ll Work On

Projects may include:

  • Building and maintaining backend services, APIs, and platform infrastructure
  • Developing features for engineering workspaces and collaborative workflows
  • Improving scalability, reliability, and performance across cloud systems
  • Supporting AI-related infrastructure and intelligent tooling initiatives
  • Enhancing developer tooling, automation, and deployment systems
  • Contributing to visualization and interactive engineering experiences
  • Collaborating across software, infrastructure, and simulation teams

Requirements

We are looking for engineers with strong technical fundamentals, curiosity, and the ability to ramp up quickly in complex environments.

You may be a strong fit if you have:

  • 3 to 6 years of professional software engineering experience
  • Strong programming skills in one or more languages such as Python, C++, Rust, Go, Java, or JavaScript
  • Experience building backend systems, APIs, or distributed services
  • Familiarity with Linux-based development environments and Git workflows
  • The ability to independently drive technical projects and collaborate effectively across teams
  • Strong problem-solving ability and attention to detail
  • A degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical field
Preferred Skills
  • Experience with cloud infrastructure such as AWS, GCP, or Azure
  • Familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, or containerized environments
  • Exposure to AI infrastructure, ML systems, or data engineering workflows
  • Experience with performance optimization or distributed computing systems
  • Interest in scientific computing, GPU acceleration, or simulation platforms
Why Flexcompute?

Flexcompute offers the opportunity to work on deeply technical challenges with real-world impact across aerospace, semiconductors, energy, advanced computing, and AI-driven engineering.

You will join a fast-growing team building next-generation technologies at the intersection of GPU computing, cloud infrastructure, scientific simulation, and AI. Engineers at Flexcompute are given significant ownership, access to world-class mentors, and the opportunity to contribute to products used by some of the world’s most innovative organizations.

If you are excited by ambitious technical challenges and want to help shape the future of engineering computing, we encourage you to apply.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Meaningful equity of early-stage startup

401K contribution

Health insurance