Staff Software Engineer, Backend in Canada Creek, Nova Scotia at Jobgether
Explore Related Opportunities
Job Description
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Staff Software Engineer, Backend based in Canada.
This is a high-impact technical leadership role focused on building and scaling AI-native backend systems that power next-generation product experiences. You will act as a key architect and hands-on engineer, shaping the technical direction of ambitious 0-to-1 initiatives while ensuring long-term scalability and system reliability. The role blends deep backend engineering expertise with product thinking, requiring strong judgment in turning ambiguous ideas into clear, buildable architectures. You will spend significant time designing systems, building proof-of-concepts, and directly contributing code to solve complex technical challenges. In parallel, you will act as a multiplier for the engineering team by unblocking work, improving system design quality, and raising the overall engineering bar. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-moving environments, enjoys working at the intersection of AI and backend systems, and takes ownership of both technical strategy and execution.
- Lead backend architecture and technical design for AI-powered and 0-to-1 product initiatives, ensuring scalability, reliability, and long-term maintainability.
- Translate ambiguous product requirements into clear, executable technical plans and system designs.
- Build high-quality backend systems and proof-of-concepts, contributing directly to codebases while validating architectural decisions.
- Drive technical direction by identifying trade-offs, managing system complexity, and aligning engineering decisions with product goals.
- Partner closely with Product, Design, and Engineering leadership to define roadmap priorities and maintain a strong pipeline of build-ready work.
- Act as a technical mentor, helping backend engineers unblock challenges and improve overall engineering practices and standards.
- Identify and reduce technical debt while improving system performance, scalability, and reliability.
- Embed and promote AI-assisted development workflows to improve engineering velocity and product innovation.
- 7+ years of professional software engineering experience, with a strong focus on backend or full-stack systems.
- Proven experience operating at a senior or staff-level scope, owning system design and architecture decisions in high-growth environments.
- Strong backend engineering expertise, ideally with Kotlin (TypeScript experience is a plus).
- Experience designing and scaling distributed systems in cloud environments (AWS, Kubernetes, or similar).
- Hands-on experience integrating AI/LLMs into production or customer-facing applications.
- Strong ability to work in ambiguous, fast-paced environments and deliver high-quality solutions quickly.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across Product, Design, and Engineering stakeholders.
- Comfortable using AI-powered development tools to improve engineering productivity and workflow efficiency.
- Competitive compensation package
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance (partially or fully covered)
- Flexible PTO policy
- Fully remote or flexible work arrangements depending on team structure
- Generous parental leave program
- Equity participation opportunities
- Annual learning and professional development stipend
- Home office support and remote work allowances
- Fertility, adoption, and family support benefits
- Collaborative, high-performance engineering culture focused on innovation and AI-first development.