Senior Backend Engineer I (AI Feature Builder)

Senior Backend Engineer I (AI Feature Builder) is responsible for designing, building, and evolving backend systems that power our flagship CMS platform. Works closely with product owners, designers, and fellow engineers to deliver scalable, reliable, and secure server-side solutions. This role operates primarily within a single team or well-defined backend domain and is accountable for successful delivery within that scope. You are expected to operate independently within your team, take ownership of complex features, and contribute to improving code quality, performance, and maintainability. Success in this role is measured by consistent delivery of high-quality backend solutions, strong ownership of production systems, and meaningful contributions to your team’s technical standards and execution capacity.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Own and deliver complex backend features and services using modern technologies (primarily Ruby on Rails; experience in other languages such as Python, Rust, or Elixir valued).
• Design and implement scalable APIs and backend logic that ensure high performance, reliability, and security.
• Take responsibility for the performance and scalability of your team’s backend systems, optimizing queries and data models using PostgreSQL and other storage systems.
• Write clean, efficient, secure, and well-documented code that follows established engineering standards and best practices.
• Implement and maintain automated tests as part of development workflows, contributing to continuous integration and deployment practices.
• Proactively identify and resolve bugs and production issues, balancing speed and quality while minimizing customer impact.
• Participate actively in code reviews, providing constructive feedback and upholding high engineering standards.
• Collaborate closely with product owners, designers, and other stakeholders to translate business requirements into sustainable technical solutions.
• Develop a strong understanding of the backend codebase and domain, contributing to documentation and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Support and mentor mid-level and junior engineers within the team, fostering a collaborative and respectful engineering culture.
• Take initiative to unblock teammates, resolve technical challenges, and contribute to the overall success of the team.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 7+ years of relevant experience as a Backend Engineer, with at least 3+ years in Ruby on Rails preferred.
• Strong experience with at least one major backend framework (Ruby on Rails preferred; FastAPI, Flask, Express, or similar frameworks are a plus).
• Experience with PostgreSQL; familiarity with NoSQL or vector databases (e.g., Qdrant, Pinecone, or Weaviate) is a plus.
• Knowledge of tools such as Redis, Sidekiq, Memcached, or equivalents.
• Familiarity with modern AI/ML services or data-intensive workflows is desirable.
• Experience with automated testing frameworks (e.g., RSpec, PyTest, Jest) and CI/CD best practices.
• Solid understanding of design patterns, development best practices, object-oriented design, algorithms, and data structures.
• Experience with RESTful services and microservices; exposure to GraphQL is a plus.
• Proficiency with Git and modern development workflows.
• Experience with cloud-based infrastructure (AWS preferred; GCP or Azure a plus).
• Ability to write efficient, secure, well-documented, and clean code.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently within a collaborative team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in a remote-first organization.
• Demonstrated ownership mindset and motivation to contribute meaningfully to Storyblok’s growth as part of a high-performing team.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Demonstrates AI literacy, with the ability to leverage AI tools to enhance productivity, decision-making, and quality of work while applying sound judgment and critical thinking.

MENTAL, PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Remote (home) work opportunity or funded by Storyblok co-working space.