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Startup Backend Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Backend Engineer WHY THIS ROLE EXISTS Our client is building AI technology to make health ... Founder level ownership mindset or early stage startup experience preferred * Ability to work ...

About Clerkie Clerkie is a fintech startup on a mission to democratize financial wellness using the ... About the role We're looking for a Backend Engineer who wants to build and own critical systems in ...

Senior Backend Engineer WHY THIS ROLE EXISTS Our client is building AI technology to make health ... Founder level ownership mindset or early stage startup experience preferred * Ability to work ...

Founding Backend Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

*Founding Backend Engineer* *Company Overview* Client is a fast-growing social shopping platform co ... with no startup experience. - Frequent job hopping (tenures less than 6 months). - Primarily ...

Role Step is looking for a Backend Software Engineer. As part of the team you'll be at the ... Stock in an early-stage startup * Flexible WFH and vacation policy * Employee referral program

Founding Backend Engineer Company Overview Client is a fast-growing social shopping platform co ... O nly worked at large tech companies (Meta, Google, etc.) with no startup experience. * F requent ...

... startup environment. You'll work as an equal member of our 3-4 person software team. You'll be ... backend engineering, with a focus on cloud infrastructure and data-intensive applications

Staff Backend Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$200K - $230K/yr

About the Role Join our fast-growing startup as a Staff Backend Engineer and help scale the backbone of our platform and expand into new product categories. We are a dynamic, high-growth company ...

Staff Backend Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$200K - $230K/yr

About the Role Join our fast-growing startup as a Staff Backend Engineer and help scale the backbone of our platform and expand into new product categories. We are a dynamic, high-growth company ...

About the Role Join our fast-growing startup as a Staff Backend Engineer and help scale the backbone of our platform and expand into new product categories. We are a dynamic, high-growth company ...

As a Lead Backend Engineer, you will join a high-performing engineering team delivering advanced ... Startup-style environment with strong opportunities for professional growth and career development.

Backend Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... paced startup environment. What You'll Do * Feature Development: Build and maintain backend ... Partner with frontend engineers, product managers, and designers to deliver end-to-end features.

Backend Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... paced startup environment. What You'll Do * Feature Development: Build and maintain backend ... Partner with frontend engineers, product managers, and designers to deliver end-to-end features.

Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Backend Engineer San Francisco, CA Being a Backend Engineer at a company smaller than 10 people is ... It would be great if they've been at an early stage startup before and understand the type of ...

Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

Position Summary As a Backend Engineer at HeyGen, you'll be at the forefront of building the core ... Prior experience in a startup or fast-paced tech environment. What HeyGen Offers * Competitive ...

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Showing results 1-20

Startup Backend Engineer information

See salary details

$60.5K

$147.7K

$199K

How much do startup backend engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for startup backend engineer in the United States is $147,662.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,000.00 and $172,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by backend engineers in a startup environment?

Backend engineers in startups often face the challenge of balancing rapid feature development with maintaining system stability and scalability. Due to limited resources and fast-changing priorities, you may need to wear multiple hats, such as managing infrastructure, addressing technical debt, and ensuring security. Collaboration is typically close-knit, requiring frequent communication with frontend developers, product managers, and sometimes even customers. Adapting quickly to new technologies and evolving project requirements is key to thriving in this dynamic setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Startup Backend Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Startup Backend Engineer, you need strong programming skills (commonly in Python, Node.js, or Java), a solid grasp of databases, and experience with scalable system design—often backed by a degree in computer science or equivalent experience. Familiarity with cloud platforms (like AWS or GCP), containerization tools (Docker, Kubernetes), and CI/CD pipelines is typically required. Adaptability, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for navigating the fast-paced, dynamic startup environment. These abilities are vital for rapidly building robust, scalable solutions that can evolve with the company's growth.

What does a Startup Backend Engineer do?

A Startup Backend Engineer is responsible for building and maintaining the server-side logic, databases, and APIs that power a startup's applications. They work closely with frontend developers and product teams to ensure the application is scalable, secure, and performs well. In a startup environment, backend engineers often handle a wide range of tasks, including designing system architecture, optimizing application performance, and quickly deploying new features. Their versatile skill set enables them to adapt as the company grows and technology needs change.
More about Startup Backend Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Startup Backend Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Startup Backend Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Startup Backend Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Startup Backend Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Startup Backend Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,662 per year, or $71 per hour.

Sr Backend Engineer

Venus Consultancy

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Role: Senior Back-End Engineer
Location: Cambridge, MA | In-Person
 
About us
We are a Seed Stage Generative AI startup based in Cambridge, MA. Our mission is to automate custom software creation and unlock the next industrial revolution. Backed by top-tier investors, our founders have a track record of success, holding dozens of Generative AI patents and leading previous startups to success.
 
About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Back-End Engineer to take ownership of various parts of our tech stack. Working directly with our CTO and founding team, you’ll play a crucial role in product development, technical decision-making, and shaping the company’s culture.
We are solving challenging engineering problems at the intersection of AI, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise software development. This role is ideal for someone who is curious, driven, and eager to build from the ground up.
 
What Success Looks Like
You write, review, and deploy high-quality, production-ready code.
You use Generative AI tools to enhance software development and increase efficiency.
You make technical architecture decisions that balance speed, quality, and safety.
You take ownership of your work, ensuring reliability and scalability.
You thrive in an in-person, fast-paced startup environment and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
You can learn quickly, even when working with technologies outside your comfort zone.
You contribute to our engineering culture, setting the foundation for best practices and long-term success.
 
Areas of Ownership
As a Senior Back-End Engineer, you’ll be expected to demonstrate generalist capabilities with deep expertise in Back-End Technologies.
Required Skills & Experience
Expertise in Python, Terraform, and GCP (Google Cloud Platform)
Experience with at least some of the following:
Backend Frameworks & Technologies: Node.js, NuxtJS, Express.js, Python
Cloud Platforms: Google Cloud, AWS, Azure, VercelProgramming 
Languages: Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Java, C++, Go
APIs & RPCs: REST, gRPC, GraphQL
Databases: SQL, NoSQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Firebase
CI/CD Tools: Jenkins, CircleCI, GitLab
Version Control: Git, Perforce
Microservices Architecture
 
Ways to Stand Out
Experience with AI Platforms: OpenAI, Anthropic, Hugging Face, Vertex AI, Bedrock, SageMaker
Enterprise-Scale Development: Building applications with >99% SLAs
Extensive Experience in Python, Terraform, and GCP
 
Our Culture
We operate with a low-ego, high-output mindset. Our team moves fast, prioritizing action over perfection. We believe in work-life balance, making time for personal well-being while maintaining a high-performance environment.
We prioritize speed on all two-way door decisions.
We encourage curiosity, autonomy, and problem-solving.
We value collaboration but also expect team members to own their work.
We believe in being everyday athletes—optimizing mental and physical health for peak performance.
We leave the office in time for dinner with our families most nights.
 
Are You Up for the Challenge?
Startups are demanding, ever-changing, and require high levels of autonomy. If that excites you rather than intimidates you, we’d love to hear from you!