Senior Backend Engineer - Media & Platform Services (Java NodeJS +

About the client

Our client is a VC-backed startup on a mission to transform how design teams create branded content through generative AI. They're building a world-class AI team that blends cutting-edge research with product-driven engineering to create tools that designers love.

They value autonomy, technical excellence, and bold thinking. If you're excited to push the boundaries of what's possible in generative AI while delivering tangible impact, they'd love to hear from you.

Role Overview

They're looking for a Senior Backend Engineer with deep expertise in Java Spring Boot, Node.js, and AWS to join their platform team.

In this role, you'll help architect and build high-performance backend services that power the company's media processing, content export, and creative delivery workflows. You'll play a key role in scaling their infrastructure to meet the demands of world-class design teams and creative professionals.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development of scalable media services, including file conversions (image, animation, video), compression, and rendering workflows

Design and implement serverless and event-driven architectures (e.g., AWS Lambda, SQS) to orchestrate large-scale media pipelines

Build robust backend APIs for multi-format template exports, real-time previews, and smart content rendering

Optimize media pipelines using tools like FFmpeg and canvas-node to ensure high-quality, low-latency outputs

Collaborate with frontend, AI, and product teams to support seamless design exports and animated content delivery

Own system reliability, observability, and cost-efficiency of backend infrastructure

Ensure cloud-based production systems are secure, fault-tolerant, and well-monitored

Requirements

8+ years of backend development experience with Java (Spring Boot) and Node.js

Hands-on experience with AWS services, including Lambda, S3, EC2, SQS, MediaConvert, etc.

Strong knowledge of microservices and event-driven architectures

Experience with media processing tools like FFmpeg, canvas-node, or video transcoding pipelines

Deep understanding of API design, asynchronous processing, and REST best practices

Proven ability to build high-throughput, low-latency systems for handling large files (images, video, animations)

Bonus Skills

Experience building design, media, or creative SaaS platforms

Familiarity with video codecs, SVG rendering, or Lottie animations

Experience with CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code (Terraform, CloudFormation), and Docker/Kubernetes

Exposure to AI-powered media workflows or real-time rendering

Preferred Qualifications

8+ years of professional experience building scalable backend systems for SaaS platforms

Prior experience supporting production systems in a high-growth startup or scaled product environment

Why Join them

Build a next-generation creative platform used by global design teams

Collaborate with world-class engineers, designers, and entrepreneurs

Take ownership in a fast-moving, product-focused environment

Competitive compensation and flexible remote/hybrid work

Join a growth-minded, impact-driven culture with room to lead and innovate