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Senior Backend Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Scribe

Senior Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

They are seeking a Senior Backend Engineer to join their Core Engineering Team, focusing on enhancing document workflows and building new systems to improve user experiences. Responsibilities : • ...

Hedra

Senior Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$175K - $275K/yr

As a Senior Backend Engineer , you will design, build, and deploy the backend services that power our creative brainstorming and creation products. You will work with web and video standards to power ...

Judgment Labs

Senior Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140 - $180/hr

The Role We're looking for a Senior Backend Engineer to own the services and APIs that power the data layer. You'll design the systems that ingest, evaluate, and serve agent telemetry at scale. What ...

Casa

Senior Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

They are seeking a founding Senior Backend Engineer to design, develop, and ship robust backend systems that deliver exceptional value to their members, working closely with founders, engineers, and ...

Slope

Senior Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We are looking for a senior backend engineer to own the backend systems that make that possible. The role You will work on the backend systems that power Slope's embedded credit, payments and ...

Cantos Ventures

Senior Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$175 - $200/hr

About this role We're looking for a Senior Backend Engineer to join our Core Engineering Team , which powers some of the most essential experiences at Scribe: document viewing and editing, embedding ...

New

Doist

Senior Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$170 - $250/hr

We are looking for a senior backend engineer to own the backend systems that make that possible. The role You will work on the backend systems that power Slope's embedded credit, payments and ...

New

David AI

Senior Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As a Senior Backend Engineer, you will design clean APIs, build scalable services, and maintain performant systems that handle terabytes of audio data. Responsibilities : • Design, build, and ...

Comcast Corp

Sr. Backend Engineer - Xumo

Irvine, CA · On-site

As a Senior Backend Engineer on the Xumo Software Engineering Team, you will play a key role in building and optimizing the backend infrastructure that powers our video streaming services. This ...

Hired Recruiters

Senior Backend Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

We are looking for a senior backend engineer to join our small team as we continue building out our product and deploy it to some of the largest insurance carriers in the world. * Founded 2019

Comcast

Sr. Backend Engineer - Xumo

Irvine, CA · Remote

$141K - $189K/yr

As a Senior Backend Engineer on the Xumo Software Engineering Team, you will play a key role in building and optimizing the backend infrastructure that powers our video streaming services. This ...

Blueface Ltd

Sr. Backend Engineer - Xumo

Irvine, CA · On-site

$142 - $189/hr

As a Senior Backend Engineer on the Xumo Software Engineering Team, you will play a key role in building and optimizing the backend infrastructure that powers our video streaming services. This ...

Comcast

Sr. Backend Engineer - Xumo

Irvine, CA · Remote

As a Senior Backend Engineer on the Xumo Software Engineering Team, you will play a key role in building and optimizing the backend infrastructure that powers our video streaming services. This ...

Nash, Inc.

Senior Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Senior Backend Engineer San Francisco / Hybrid / Remote About Nash Logistics is the substrate beneath every economy that has ever existed, and it remains the least intelligently coordinated activity ...

Orchestra

Senior Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

They are seeking a Senior Backend Engineer to develop complex products that aid in managing R&D processes, ensuring that decisions made today positively impact future outcomes. Responsibilities : • ...

Mintlify

Senior Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$190K - $265K/yr

As a Senior Backend Engineer, you'll build the APIs, content pipelines, and AI infrastructure that power Mintlify's products. You'll collaborate across design and engineering, contribute to product ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsBackend Engineer JobsSenior Backend Engineer JobsSenior Backend Engineer Jobs in California

Senior Backend Engineer information

See California salary details

$20.2K

$150.7K

$211.1K

How much do senior backend engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior backend engineer in California is $150,740.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,100.00 and $176,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior backend engineer?

Senior Backend Engineers are experienced software professionals responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the server-side components of web applications or systems. They work with databases, APIs, and application logic to ensure robust, scalable, and efficient backend operations. Their role often involves collaborating with frontend engineers, managing system architecture, reviewing code, and mentoring junior developers. Senior Backend Engineers also play a key role in optimizing performance, ensuring security, and integrating new technologies into existing systems.

What are some common challenges senior backend engineers face when scaling backend systems, and how are they typically addressed?

Senior Backend Engineers often encounter challenges related to system scalability, such as database bottlenecks, latency issues, and maintaining system reliability under increased load. Addressing these challenges typically involves optimizing database queries, implementing caching strategies, and designing microservices architectures to distribute workloads efficiently. Collaboration with DevOps and frontend teams is also crucial to ensure seamless integration and monitoring. Proactively identifying potential scalability issues and participating in code reviews are key responsibilities in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior backend engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Backend Engineer, you need advanced proficiency in server-side programming languages (such as Java, Python, or Node.js), database management, and experience with scalable system architecture, typically supported by a relevant degree and several years of professional experience. Familiarity with frameworks, APIs, containerization tools (like Docker and Kubernetes), and cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure) is essential, along with knowledge of version control systems like Git. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and mentorship skills help you collaborate across teams and guide junior developers. These skills ensure the delivery of robust, efficient, and maintainable backend systems that support business objectives and seamless user experiences.

How much does a senior backend engineer make?

A senior backend engineer's salary typically ranges from $100,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often have expertise in programming languages like Java, Python, or Node.js and may receive additional compensation through bonuses or stock options.

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 cities in California are hiring for Senior Backend Engineer jobs?

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

Senior Backend Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Backend Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $150,740 per year, or $72.5 per hour.

Senior Backend Engineer

Scribe

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Scribe is a rapidly growing company that provides a Workflow AI platform used by over 94% of the Fortune 500. They are seeking a Senior Backend Engineer to join their Core Engineering Team, focusing on enhancing document workflows and building new systems to improve user experiences.
Responsibilities:
• Build and ship backend features in our Django monolith, spanning core document workflows (viewing, editing, embeds, exports) as well as new greenfield projects that expand what Scribe can do
• Improve performance and reliability by optimizing database queries, endpoints, and caching layers across critical user workflows
• Collaborate with product managers, designers, and frontend engineers to deliver intuitive and reliable experiences at scale
• Contribute to technical discussions within the team, balancing short-term delivery with longer-term architectural evolution
• Uphold strong engineering practices through thoughtful code reviews, solid test coverage, and attention to observability and performance
Qualifications:
Required:
• 5+ years of experience building backend applications at high scale and availability
• Extensive experience with Python
• Know how to optimize endpoint performance and database queries
• Strong advocate for automated testing
• Seen and can implement engineering best practices
• User-centric, empathetic, and passionate about your work
Preferred:
• Experience with Django (not required, but a big plus)
• Startup experience (not required, but we build and move fast!)
Company:
Scribe instantly captures how your business actually works, giving your teams & AI agents the context they need to do their best work. Founded in 2019, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

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