Backend Staff Engineer - Application

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We’re looking for an experienced Backend Staff Engineer who is excited about architecting and implementing scalable, resilient systems to join our Application Engineering team. This role will operate cross-functionally and partner deeply and tactically with Database Developers, Engineering Managers, and the VP of Application Engineering. You will support the technical function of a Database Developer—helping design and implement sophisticated system architectures in collaboration with our Architecture team—while maintaining a strong coding presence in our C# codebase.

The ideal candidate for this role will be based locally in or near Draper, Utah.
Strong US remote candidates may be considered.

Key Skills

• Database & Backend Developer: 6+ years of experience developing complex backend systems and databases, ideally within SaaS environments.
• Relational Database Expertise: Advanced experience designing (architecture, ERD, schema), optimizing, and tuning relational databases (SQL Server/T-SQL preferred), including performance tuning and complex query optimization.
• C# Proficiency: Advanced background in building, maintaining, and scaling backend services using C#.
• Distributed Systems Design: Solid understanding of distributed system architecture, cross-platform development, and patterns for scalability.
• SQL Mastery: Ability to write, analyze, and optimize complex and performant SQL queries and stored procedures.
• Technical Communication & Collaboration: Strong ability to produce clear technical documentation and communicate complex ideas effectively across diverse, cross-functional leaders and teams.
• Distributed Teamwork: Proven effectiveness working within a distributed/remote team environment, utilizing asynchronous communication practices.
• Mentorship & Technical Leadership: Demonstrated ability to mentor fellow engineers, contribute to code reviews, and help elevate team-wide technical standards.
• Problem-Solving & Learning Agility: Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, combined with a proactive approach to learning and tackling new technical challenges.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Architectural Design: Collaborate with Engineering Managers, Engineers, and Senior Leaders to drive deep architectural designs for our Skills, Learner Experience, and Academies products and solutions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as a key technical partner, collaborating with Product, Design, and Engineering leaders to define requirements, dependencies, and technical trade-offs, ensuring alignment across teams.
• Database Strategy & Optimization: Contribute to the evolution and resilience of the database architecture through analysis, performance tuning, upgrades, and refinement. Collaborating with Database Developers on schema design, stored procedures, and maintenance of relational and document databases.
• Backend & API Development: Architect, implement, and maintain scalable, high-quality backend services and APIs using C#, applying SOLID principles and software design best practices.
• Technical Excellence & Mentorship: Drive technical excellence within the team through mentoring peers, code reviews, promoting best practices, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Architectural Alignment: Contribute to design reviews and ensure technical solutions align with the long-term platform direction and Architecture team guidance.
• Operational Ownership: Actively participate in deployment processes, production monitoring, incident response, and on-call rotations.
• Strategic Partnership: Build strong relationships with Engineering Managers and leadership to ensure engineering solutions align wi