Lead Backend Engineer

RedShelf is a fast-paced and growing Chicago-based EdTech company helping to make education both more affordable and more effective through the use of digital instructional resources. Partnering with more than 600 publishers and 1,900 campuses nationwide, we provide a leading-edge, end-to-end software platform for effortlessly distributing those materials to students and instructors.

Job Summary

We're looking for a skilled Lead Backend Engineer to join our fast-paced mission-centered team. Working behind the scenes, the ideal candidate will have a unique blend of technical expertise, insatiable curiosity, and analytical mindset. This person should be comfortable working independently as well helping to lead other engineers in the design and development of mission-critical services, applications, and layers of infrastructure. Experience with TypeScript, Amazon Web Services (AWS), or postgresql is helpful to succeed quickly in this role. The Lead Backend Engineer will have an immediate effect on our business success as well as the success of millions of university students.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Write quality product and system development code.

• Develop, lead and mentor fellow backend engineers.

• Write unit and integration tests.

• Review code developed by other engineers and provide feedback to ensure best practices (e.g., style guidelines, checking code in, accuracy, testability, and efficiency).

• Contribute to existing documentation or educational content and adapt content based on product/program updates and user feedback.

• Track and triage production and system issues. Debug/resolve by analyzing the sources of issues and the impact on service operations and quality.

• Work with architects to develop technical requirements and broad system design.

Requirements

• 7+ years of software development experience.

• 5+ years of experience developing the backend of complex, product-focused codebases.

• 2+ years of experience leading or mentoring other backend engineers.

• Real-world experience developing with modern backend languages, preferably with Typescript.

• Proven track record of building successful full-stack applications, products, or platforms.

• Self-sufficient and highly motivated, self-directed and possesses high energy and a passion for RedShelf's mission.

Other Desirable Skills/Experience Experience

• Knowledge and appreciation of the advances in higher educational software, course materials, and digital publishing is a plus.

• Background and/or experience in educational technology and/or publishing.

Why RedShelf?

RedShelf prides itself on maintaining an informal but fast-moving, hard-working, entrepreneurial culture. Our team members are smart, innovative, and passionate about improving education through digital technology.

We offer the best of both worlds: the energy and opportunity of a rapidly-growing organization, coupled with the stability of an extensive client base, strong financial backing, and proven track record of success. In addition to a forward-thinking environment with ample opportunity for professional and personal growth, our team members enjoy competitive compensation and benefit packages.

RedShelf is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, people of color, individuals with a disability, veterans, and others who would enrich the diversity of RedShelf are encouraged to apply.