Shopify Backend Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary:

Zymo Research is seeking an Engineering Lead - Digital Platform to strengthen the architecture, performance, and engineering discipline of our global digital platform, including ecommerce, brand, and scientific resource experiences. This hands-on role combines technical leadership, deep Shopify platform expertise, and strong engineering best practices to deliver a scalable, maintainable, and high-performing digital experience.

The Engineering Lead - Digital Platform will own and set the technical direction of our Shopify ecosystem, mentor developers, create reusable systems, improve site performance, and ensure reliable integration with ERP, CRM, and internal tools. This role works closely with Marketing, UX, and IT to execute business priorities while protecting platform integrity and enabling long-term digital growth.

This role is critical to both short-term execution stability and long-term architectural modernization.

Join us in making a meaningful impact!

Key Responsibilities:

1. Technical Architecture and System Design

Own and evolve the web platform and Shopify architecture to improve scalability, maintainability, and consistency.

Develop reusable components, internal libraries, and standardized development patterns to reduce manual work.

Establish and document clear engineering standards, coding guidelines, and workflow processes.

Modernize legacy code structures and reduce technical debt across the web ecosystem.

Build a technical foundation that supports international scalability and future capabilities.

2. Web Performance and Optimization

Lead efforts to improve Core Web Vitals, load times, and overall page performance.

Optimize Liquid, JavaScript, CSS, and image assets using industry best practices.

Implement performance monitoring tools and automated testing workflows.

Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks with a data-driven approach.

3. Engineering Leadership

Provide hands-on technical leadership and mentorship to front-end developers.

Conduct code reviews and ensure consistent code quality and implementation standards.

Actively unblock developers and refine engineering workflows.

Set clear expectations for continuous improvement, clarity, and accountability.

Collaborate with UX to ensure design fidelity and high-quality user interface execution.

4. Systems Integration and Reliability

Collaborate with NetSuite engineers and IT to ensure reliable and scalable integrations between Shopify, ERP (NetSuite), CRM (HubSpot), and internal systems.

Define data flows, schemas, synchronization schedules, and best practices for system interoperability.

Implement robust error handling on the front end to gracefully manage data latency or sync issues.

Maintain awareness of technical constraints and communicate tradeoffs clearly to stakeholders.

5. Business Alignment and Digital Experience Support

Translate Marketing and Product requirements into technical plans and implementation strategies.

Ensure the website effectively supports product discovery, ecommerce conversion, and user experience goals.

Incorporate analytics, technical SEO practices, and accessibility standards into development decisions.

Provide technical insight during planning for campaigns, product launches, and site optimizations.

6. Technical Project Leadership

Break down complex development efforts into structured tasks and technical requirements.

Provide accurate estimates, identify risks early, and propose mitigation strategies.

Maintain visibility into technical progress and communicate updates to stakeholders.

Align technical execution with business priorities and timelines while reducing scope creep and unnecessary context switching.

Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure smooth execution of web initiatives.

Education and Experience:

Required Qualifications

6+ years of full-stack or front-end-leaning full-stack web development experience, with demonstrated ownership of complex, production web platforms and strong Shopify experience.

Demonstrated experience architecting or modernizing ecommerce platforms.

Advanced proficiency with JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Liquid, and modern front-end architecture patterns.

Proven track record in improving website performance and Core Web Vitals.

Experience mentoring developers and enforcing engineering best practices.

Ability to translate business and UX requirements into clear technical solutions.

Strong understanding of ecommerce fundamentals, technical SEO, and performance best practices.

Experience designing, implementing, or owning web platform integrations with ERP/CRM systems such as NetSuite or HubSpot.

Clear communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Shopify Online Store 2.0, metafields, section architecture, and modular theme development.

Experience with AWS, Node.js, or Python for backend tasks and automation workflows.

Experience with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, or performance monitoring tools.

Knowledge of AI-assisted development tools or modern automation frameworks.

Experience in life sciences or biotech is a plus but not required.

Who Will Thrive in This Role

A systems thinker who builds frameworks, not one-off fixes.

A hands-on technical leader who elevates team capability.

Someone who balances speed and maintainability in decision-making.

A performance-driven engineer who understands the importance of speed in ecommerce.

A collaborative partner who works effectively with Marketing, UX, IT, and business units.

A proactive problem-solver who brings structure, clarity, and momentum to the web team.

About Us:

Since its inception in 1994, Zymo Research has been proudly serving the scientific community by providing innovative, reliable, and high-quality research tools and products. Whether it's DNA, RNA, epigenetics, microbiomics, protein, or yeast-based research, our philosophy remains the same: To provide the highest quality products in the industry while ensuring they are both simple to use and reliable in their performance.

Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Orange County Register in 2021, 2022, and named a Top Workplace USA in 2023, Zymo Research continues to be a vibrant community where employees thrive, feel connected, and are inspired by their work. If you are passionate about contributing to scientific advancement and want to be part of an exceptional team in a dynamic, growing company, we'd love to hear from you!

Compensation, Benefits, and Perks:

The estimated base compensation range for this position is $100,000-$120,000 annually at the time of posting. Actual compensation details will be provided in writing at the time of offer, if applicable, and is based on several factors we believe fairly and accurately impact compensation, including geographic location, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other job permitted factors.

Zymo Research also offers competitive benefits and perks including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Coverages
• EAP Sessions
• Vacation Time plus Company Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave
• Generous 401(K) with matching 
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Complimentary fruit, snacks, and beverages
• Complimentary catered lunches on Thursdays 
• Complimentary EV Charging 

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:

Zymo Research welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. These include sex, age, color, race, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical & mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other protected status as defined by federal, state, or local law.

Location:

Onsite - Zymo Research Operations - Tustin, CA

Disclaimer:

At Zymo, we take the integrity of our hiring process seriously. Please be aware of fraudulent recruitment activities that may use our name to deceive job seekers. We will never ask for payment, sensitive personal information, or financial details during the recruitment process.

All legitimate communications will come from an official Zymo or TriNet Hiring email address. If you are contacted by anyone claiming to represent us using a free email service (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or asking for payment, please treat this as fraudulent and report it immediately to jobs@zymoresearch.com