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Backstage Developer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Programming and live operation of lighting/sound/video equipment * Managing performers and maintaining backstage and onstage functions * Troubleshooting technical and event-related problems as they ...

TAIT Crew

Lititz, PA

$74K - $99K/yr

... precision engineering, and creative design. TAIT's 20 global offices have developed iconic ... safety backstage * Communicate technical information with other team members * Lead local labor

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Backstage Developer information

What is a backstage developer?

Backstage Developers are software engineers who specialize in building, customizing, and maintaining developer portals using Backstage, an open-source platform created by Spotify. They help organizations organize their software infrastructure, integrate tools, and improve developer productivity by creating unified interfaces for internal services, documentation, and workflows. Their work often includes plugin development, API integration, and ensuring the platform meets the needs of engineering teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backstage developer?

To thrive as a Backstage Developer, you need strong skills in JavaScript/TypeScript, experience with React, and familiarity with software development tools, along with a background in computer science or equivalent experience. Knowledge of Backstage’s framework, plugin development, CI/CD systems, and cloud platforms is typically required, and certifications in cloud services or DevOps can be advantageous. Excellent problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help you work effectively within cross-functional teams and deliver scalable developer portals. These abilities are crucial for building, customizing, and maintaining platforms that streamline internal developer workflows and improve productivity.

What are some of the main challenges backstage developers face when integrating new plugins into existing platforms?

Backstage Developers often encounter challenges related to plugin compatibility, documentation gaps, and ensuring seamless integration with diverse internal tools. Each organization may have a unique tech stack, so adapting plugins to work smoothly requires strong problem-solving skills and cross-team collaboration. Additionally, maintaining consistent user experience and managing version upgrades can be complex, especially as the platform evolves. Working closely with platform engineers and end users is key to overcoming these hurdles and delivering robust solutions.

What is the difference between Backstage Developer vs Frontend Developer?

AspectBackstage DeveloperFrontend Developer
Required SkillsJavaScript, React, APIs, DevOps toolsHTML, CSS, JavaScript, frameworks like React or Angular
Work EnvironmentDeveloping internal developer portals, tools, and integrationsBuilding user interfaces for websites and applications
Industry UsageTech companies, software development teamsWeb development agencies, tech firms, startups

Backstage Developers focus on creating developer portals and tools to improve internal workflows, often working with APIs and DevOps integrations. Frontend Developers primarily build the visual and interactive parts of websites and applications. While both roles require JavaScript and related skills, Backstage Developers specialize in developer experience platforms, whereas Frontend Developers focus on user-facing interfaces.

Can you actually get jobs on Backstage Developer?

Backstage Developer is a role focused on building and maintaining developer portals and internal tools using platforms like Backstage. Job opportunities for Backstage Developers are available in tech companies and organizations seeking to improve developer experience, often requiring skills in software development, DevOps, and familiarity with the Backstage platform. These roles typically involve collaboration with engineering teams and may require knowledge of programming languages and cloud environments.

What job does a backstage developer perform?

A backstage developer designs, builds, and maintains backstage platforms or developer portals that streamline internal workflows, documentation, and tools for software development teams. They typically work with web technologies, APIs, and integrations to improve developer experience and productivity.

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Backstage Developer jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Backstage Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Backstage Developer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Technical Theater Professionals at Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 20 hours ago


Job description

ABOUT TECHNICAL THEATER PROFESSIONALS

KST seeks Independent Contractors in all areas of technical theater to add to our crew call list for a busy schedule of events and live performances at our two venues throughout the year.

Seasoned professionals and new talent are both welcome. Technical theater professionals who are BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA+, and/or members of other historically marginalized communities are especially encouraged to respond! 

Most work requires the ability to comfortably move or stand for an hour or more, lift 25 pounds, and climb a ladder.  Some work calls require significant physical work including lifting and carrying equipment and supplies in excess of 50 lbs. The ability to bend, climb, reach and work at heights of up to 25’ are also required for some work.  

COMPENSATION: Calls range from $15-$25/hr or by bid and are paid by project

CLASSIFICATION: Independent Contractor

WORKS CLOSELY WITH: Production Manager & Production Assistant

SCHEDULE

Technical Theater Professionals are called for a minimum of 4 hours shifts at Kelly Strayhorn Theater or KST’s Alloy Studios with the average shift being 6 hours. Days and times vary depending on the needs of the rehearsal, performance/event, or maintenance job for which the call is intended. 

ABOUT KST 

Kelly Strayhorn Theater is a home for creative experimentation, community dialogue and collective action rooted in the liberation of Black and queer people. We welcome to our home all who uplift Black, Indigenous, people of color, and queer voices. We focus our services on Black women, LGBTQIA+, People of color and Emerging artists.

Named after 20th-century entertainment legends and Pittsburgh natives Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, Kelly Strayhorn Theater serves as a catalyst for creative expression that brings diverse communities together. Focusing on the performing and media arts of our time, KST takes a multidisciplinary approach to presenting contemporary performing arts while examining the questions that define and inspire us as individuals and communities. KST’s mission is realized by being one of the nation’s leading presenters of innovative works in dance, theater, music and live art; a resource for education, emerging artist support, and community partnership; a neighborhood destination for culture. 

QUALIFICATIONS

KST seeks Independent Contractors who are qualified in the following areas:

AUDIO

Audio Engineers and A2’s are frequently needed for a variety of events at KST’s theater and Alloy Studios. Work calls may include:

  • Tech/rehearsals or a range of live events: small speaking engagements to large concerts
  • Live mixing (Yamaha LS9 / analogue)
  • Equipment repair and maintenance
  • Load-in/set-up
  • Load-out/strike
  • Audio design

Audio crew are expected to read/execute stage plots and input lists. 

Engineers must be proficient with digital (Yamaha LS-9) and analogue sound boards as well as a variety of playback sources/programs including QLab. 
 

LIGHTING

Lighting designers, operators and technicians are frequently needed for a variety of events at KST’s theater and Alloy Studios. 

Work calls may include:

  • Hang/focus/repair/cable lighting instruments
  • Programming light cues (ETC Ion / ETC ColorSource)
  • Operating light board
  • Load-in/set-up
  • Load-out/strike
  • Lighting design

Lighting technicians must be able to read and understand light plots and related paperwork,  climb ladders and operate an aerial work platform. 

STAGE MANAGEMENT

Stage Managers, ASM’s and deck crew are needed for public performances at KST’s theater and Alloy Studios. 

Work calls may include: 

Stage Management: 

  • Advance show preparation
  • Running rehearsals, tech and show run/calling cues

Backstage: 

  • Run scene changes
  • Oversee properties and costuming
  • Communicate with performers and booth
  • Maintain cleanliness, safety and decorum on and backstage
  • Load-in/set-up
  • Load-out/strike

AV

Camera and video operators/installers/designers are needed for a variety of events at KST’s theater and Alloy Studios. 

Work calls may include: 

Live Streaming:

  • Camera operation for live events (Blackmagic Pro)
  • Set-up/strike

Projection:

  • Video design 
  • Equipment installation/focus/cabling
  • Set-up/load-in; load-out/strike
  • QLab programming/operation

GENERAL TECH

General Theater technicians with knowledge of practices, materials, resources, and tools associated with theater production are needed for performances and general maintenance/work calls throughout the year. Work calls may include: 

  • Load-in/Strike
  • Set builds
  • Dance floor installation
  • General theatrical equipment maintenance
  • General cleaning/painting 

Technicians should have knowledge of occupational hazards and related standard safety precautions to be observed in working around stage equipment and in using power and hand tools.

TO APPLY