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Remote Backend Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Notability

Engineer, Backend

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $175K/yr

We're seeking an early-career software engineer to join Notability's backend team. We own the ... Our schedules are flexible, our hybrid policy supports remote work when it makes sense, and we have ...

Surefront

$129K - $168K/yr

We are looking for an experienced Senior Backend Developer to help lead efforts on the back end of ... This role will be remote to start and then will be flexibly based out of California (once covid-19 ...

NxT Level

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

Full-Stack / Backend Engineer -- Construction Technology The Opportunity Our client is building the ... Remote available for exceptional candidates * Relocation and visa sponsorship available Why Join?

NxT Level

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

Full-Stack / Backend Engineer -- Construction Technology The Opportunity Our client is building the ... Remote available for exceptional candidates * Relocation and visa sponsorship available Why Join?

WEX

Senior Backend Engineer - AI Platform

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $191K/yr

This is a remote position; however, the candidate must reside within 30 miles of one of the ... Seattle, WA; and Portland, ME About the Team/Role We are seeking a seasoned Sr. Software Engineer ...

WEX

Senior Backend Engineer - AI Platform

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$144K - $190K/yr

This is a remote position; however, the candidate must reside within 30 miles of one of the ... Seattle, WA; and Portland, ME About the Team/Role We are seeking a seasoned Sr. Software Engineer ...

eNett

Senior Backend Engineer - AI Platform

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$144K - $190K/yr

This is a remote position; however, the candidate must reside within 30 miles of one of the ... Seattle, WA; and Portland, ME About the Team/Role We are seeking a seasoned Sr. Software Engineer ...

eNett

Senior Backend Engineer - AI Platform

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site +1

$145K - $191K/yr

This is a remote position; however, the candidate must reside within 30 miles of one of the ... Seattle, WA; and Portland, ME About the Team/Role We are seeking a seasoned Sr. Software Engineer ...

3B Staffing LLC

Backend Developer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

Familiarity with software engineering best practices such as unit/integration/end-to-end testing ... You collaborate effectively with teams in a fully remote environment and discuss complex topics ...

3B Staffing LLC

Backend Developer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

Familiarity with software engineering best practices such as unit/integration/end-to-end testing ... You collaborate effectively with teams in a fully remote environment and discuss complex topics ...

Field Materials

$144K - $190K/yr

We're looking for a Backend Engineer with experience building high-performance micro-services and APIs. This is the job for someone that cares about building large, scalable, performant production ...

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All JobsBackend Engineer JobsRemote Backend Engineer JobsRemote Backend Engineer Jobs in California

Remote Backend Engineer information

What is a remote backend engineer?

Remote Backend Engineers are software developers who specialize in building and maintaining the server-side logic, databases, and APIs of web applications, while working from a location outside of a traditional office environment. They focus on ensuring that the application's data and processes function smoothly, securely, and efficiently. Working remotely, they collaborate with teams using digital tools to manage projects, communicate, and deploy code. This role requires strong programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and the discipline to work independently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote backend engineer?

To thrive as a Remote Backend Engineer, you need strong programming skills in languages like Java, Python, or Node.js, along with a solid understanding of database management and software architecture. Familiarity with cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), version control systems (like Git), and CI/CD pipelines is typically required, and certifications in cloud computing or backend frameworks can be advantageous. Excellent problem-solving abilities, self-motivation, and clear written communication are crucial soft skills for remote collaboration and project delivery. These competencies enable efficient development, seamless teamwork, and the effective building and maintenance of scalable backend systems in a distributed work environment.

What are some common challenges remote backend engineers face when collaborating with distributed teams?

Remote Backend Engineers often work with colleagues across different time zones and cultures, which can make real-time communication and quick problem-solving more challenging. They may need to rely heavily on written documentation, asynchronous communication tools, and clear code reviews to ensure everyone stays aligned. Proactively reaching out, maintaining regular updates, and participating in virtual standups or sprint meetings are key strategies to overcome these challenges and foster effective teamwork.

What is the difference between Remote Backend Engineer vs Remote Software Developer?

AspectRemote Backend EngineerRemote Software Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field, often with backend-specific certificationsBachelor's in CS or related field, with general programming certifications
Work EnvironmentFocus on server-side, database, and API developmentDevelops applications across front-end and back-end, often full-stack
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, startups, SaaS providersTech, finance, healthcare, and various industries
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for specialized backend rolesSeeking broader software development roles

The main difference is that a Remote Backend Engineer specializes in server-side development, APIs, and databases, while a Remote Software Developer may work across both front-end and back-end tasks. Backend Engineers focus more on infrastructure and data management, whereas Software Developers have a broader scope in application development.

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 Remote Backend Engineer jobs in California?

For Remote Backend Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Backend Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Backend Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Remote Backend Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Remote Backend Engineer job openings:

Remote Backend Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Backend Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Engineer, Backend

Notability

San Francisco, CA • On-site, Remote

$120K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Own core features across the backend system, including API interactions, database queries, and scalability challenges.

  • Ship stable, well-tested, and readable code that serves the entire business.

  • Communicate clearly and proactively in writing and conversation, including problem statements, PR descriptions, and status updates.

Job description

Join Notability and shape the future of learning. We're building the next generation of tools designed not just to capture notes, but to fundamentally improve how people learn, think, and collaborate. Our app brings the natural expressiveness of paper into the digital age, empowering millions of students, educators, and professionals worldwide to organize their ideas, deepen their understanding, and achieve their goals. Our mission is simple: we help you learn.


As part of our team, you'll help create experiences driven by empathy, exceptional design, and the belief that great ideas can come from anywhere—including you. Come help us make learning better for everyone.

We're seeking an early-career software engineer to join Notability's backend team.  We own the central systems used by all the Notability clients and deal with API requests, scalability challenges, build tooling, and more. You'll be part of a team building value for our business through rapid iteration, sound judgment, and clear, generous communication. We are the pillar holding up Notability's future business growth.

Your responsibilities
  • Own core features across our entire backend system, from direct interactions with client software to database queries to the nitty-gritty of scalability challenges.
  • Ship stable, readable, well-tested code serving Notability's whole business
  • Communicate clearly, concisely and proactively in writing, conversation and use of AI: crisp problem statements and messages, readable PR descriptions, well-timed questions, honest status
  • Drive your work to completion: you find a way around ambiguity, review feedback, and edge cases
  • Jump into unfamiliar areas to solve tough problems
  • Operate with respect for the ideas, victories, mistakes, and time of your collaborators
  • Take in feedback from mentors and peers to continuously self-improve
  • Bring ideas and opinions: balance product and tech needs through open collaboration
Requirements
  • Evidence you've shipped something real, professionally or on your own
  • Clear, concise communication, written and verbal: you make complex things simple for the people around you, and teammates are energized by working with you
  • Good judgment, and ownership of outcomes rather than tasks
  • Genuine care for the people you work with: you build trust, give and receive feedback well, and treat collaboration as the job rather than an interruption to it
  • Solid grasp of web fundamentals (browser, network, async behavior, application state)
  • Fluency with AI coding tools
  • Demonstrated curiosity: something you built, wrote, or figured out on your own initiative
Nice To Have
  • Comfort reading and reasoning about TypeScript, and modern web code
  • Experience with GraphQL
  • Experience with infrastructure as code and/or Docker
  • Experience with Google Cloud Provider or Amazon Web Services
  • Experience building with LLM APIs, agents, or AI-assisted developer workflows
  • Writing, teaching or learning in public via a blog, repo, etc

For this position we are targeting a base pay between $120,000-$175,000.  Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

This role follows a hybrid model, with a minimum of two days onsite at our downtown San Francisco office and flexibility to work remotely from home the rest of the week.

How We Work

Each member of our team contributes to all parts of our products.  We trust each other to make decisions independently while also considering our common goals and values.  We share ideas openly, and we collaborate across disciplines to ensure that our decisions make sense from all perspectives.

When We Work

We actively promote work-life balance.  Our schedules are flexible, our hybrid policy supports remote work when it makes sense, and we have a "as long as you get your work done" approach to time off.

Why You'd Love Working Here

We work in downtown SF near Market Street, just a short walk from two BART/Muni stations.  Our office has height-adjustable desks to help us stay limber, spacious conference rooms for both small and large team meetings, and a well-stocked kitchen full of goodies to enjoy :). Our team is growing, collaborative and down to earth.  We want everyone to do their best work and find passion in what they do.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation that includes base salary, bonuses and profit sharing
  • Equity Awards in the form of Stock Options
  • Comprehensive healthcare fully covered for you and your family including medical, dental, and vision
  • Flexible work and vacation schedules
  • 401k with matching contributions
  • Matching gifts to nonprofits
  • Lunch Stipend (When Working from HQ)
  • Public transit stipend
  • Home workstation reimbursement
  • ISP stipend
  • Monthly phone bill stipend

Notability is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.