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Senior Backend Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Java Developer III

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$55/hr

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Java Developer with strong hands-on ... Key Responsibilities: ยท Develop and maintain Java-based backend applications, ensuring high ...

Principle Software Engineer

Oregon, WI ยท On-site

$150 - $200/hr

... as a Senior Software Engineer Health Advocate is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design ... Develop scalable, secure backend services and integration solutions * Contribute to front-end ...

Java Developer

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$51.50 - $66.50/hr

... senior management to collect requirements, describe software product features, and technical ... back-end systems and all points in between Drives through ambiguity, self-motivated and thrives ...

The Sr. Integration Engineer works closely with the Automation Solutions Architect and cross ... Strong backend development skills in Python, Java, or C#. * Experience designing and building ETL ...

Sr. AI Integration Analyst

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$78K - $156K/yr

The Sr. Integration Engineer works closely with the Automation Solutions Architect and cross ... Strong backend development skills in Python, Java, or C#. * Experience designing and building ETL ...

Sr. AI Integration Analyst

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$78K - $156K/yr

The Sr. Integration Engineer works closely with the Automation Solutions Architect and cross ... Strong backend development skills in Python, Java, or C#. * Experience designing and building ETL ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Backend Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$61K

$148.8K

$200.5K

How much do senior backend engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior 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 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 Madison, WI?

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

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Senior Backend Engineer jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Senior Backend Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Backend Engineer job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,788 per year, or $71.5 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer, Windows/Desktop Applications - Madison, WI, USA

Speechify

Madison, WI โ€ข On-site

$131K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Mission

The mission of Speechify is to make sure that reading is never a barrier to learning.

Over 50 million people use Speechify's text-to-speech products to turn whatever they're reading - PDFs, books, Google Docs, news articles, websites - into audio, so they can read faster, read more, and remember more. Speechify's text-to-speech reading products include its iOS app, Android App, Mac App, Chrome Extension, and Web App. Google recently named Speechify the Chrome Extension of the Year and Apple named Speechify its 2025 Design Award winner for Inclusivity.ย ย 

Today, nearly 200 people around the globe work on Speechify in a 100% distributed setting - Speechify has no office. These include frontend and backend engineers, AI research scientists, and others from Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, leading PhD programs like Stanford, high growth startups like Stripe, Vercel, Bolt, and many founders of their own companies

What You'll Do
  • Lead the design, architecture, and development of native Windows desktop applications using Windows App SDK, WinUI (or related UI frameworks), C#, XAML, and - when needed - C++.
  • Define and enforce best-practices for Windows desktop development across the codebase: code architecture, performance, memory usage, responsive UI, cross-version compatibility (Windows 10/11+), and maintainability.
  • Drive accessibility efforts: integrate and validate support for accessibility APIs (e.g. Microsoft UI Automation or other relevant Windows accessibility frameworks), ensure UI controls, focus management, keyboard navigation, screen-reader support, and usability for users with disabilities.
  • Collaborate closely with product designers, UX researchers, QA, and other stakeholders to shape feature planning, UI/UX architecture, and long-term roadmap for the Windows platform.
  • Take ownership of full lifecycle of features: conception design implementation testing release maintenance. Ensure quality, reliability, and consistency across releases.
  • Identify, diagnose, and resolve complex bugs, performance bottlenecks, memory leaks, rendering issues, or compatibility problems - and propose robust architectural or design solutions.
ย 
An ideal candidate should have

Required:

  • 3+ in Windows desktop application development using Windows App SDK, WinUI (or similar), C#, XAML - and ideally additional experience with native Windows code (C++, Win32/WinRT/COM).
  • Deep understanding of Windows application architecture, including interop between managed code (.NET) and native code.
  • Proven track record of designing, building, and shipping production-quality desktop applications, with an emphasis on reliability, performance, scalability, and maintainability.
  • Strong experience with accessibility APIs on Windows (e.g. Microsoft UI Automation or similar), and a dedication to building accessible and inclusive software.
  • Excellent software engineering fundamentals: OOP, design patterns, data structures, algorithms, memory management, multi-threading or asynchronous programming (where relevant).
  • Experience leading technical design, mentoring other engineers, conducting code reviews, and making architecture-level decisions.
  • Strong communication skills; ability to articulate tradeoffs, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive consensus.
  • A user-centric mindset: focus on building polished, intuitive, and accessible experiences for end users.

Preferred / Bonus:

  • Experience with writing automated tests for UI - unit tests, integration tests, UI automation tests; familiarity with relevant testing frameworks.
  • Experience with performance optimization for desktop apps (memory usage, startup time, rendering performance, high-DPI support, responsiveness under load).
  • Experience with localization/globalization, right-to-left UI support, internationalization, accessibility for multiple regions.
  • Familiarity with telemetry, analytics, crash reporting, logging, and error monitoring in desktop applications.
  • Previous experience in shaping CI/CD workflows, release pipelines, and deployment strategies for desktop applications.
  • Demonstrated ability to take ownership of feature areas or modules and drive them long-term, including maintenance, refactoring, and technical debt management.

What we offer

  • A high-impact role: you will define architecture, shape the future of our Windows product, and directly influence what millions of users see and experience.
  • A collaborative, flat-structure engineering culture - you are not just a coder, but a builder and a decision-maker.
  • Opportunities to lead - mentor others, steer technical direction, and grow into broader technical leadership (e.g. Tech Lead, Architect).
  • Flexibility, autonomy, and responsibility: you define how to solve problems, own features end-to-end, and contribute to long-term product vision.
  • A purpose-driven mission: building software that's reliable, accessible, and user-centered - making a real difference for people.

The United States Based Salary range for this role is: 140,000-200,000 USD/Year + Bonus + Stock depending on experience ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย ย 

Think you're a good fit for this job?ย 

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And don't forget to include links to your portfolio and LinkedIn.

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Speechify is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.ย 
Speechify does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.