Founding Backend Engineer – Marketplace and Logistics

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in New York.

📋 Description

• Design, develop, and maintain the backend services and APIs for Flocker (utilizing FastAPI + PostgreSQL, with a gradual transition to DynamoDB).

• Implement secure authentication, session management, and cookie flow mechanisms (using FastAPI Users + CloudFront).

• Create and enhance real-time data pipelines (Kinesis, Lambda, S3) to support interaction logging and personalization efforts.

• Construct and refine media processing pipelines (handling image/video uploads, compression, and CDN delivery via CloudFront).

• Architect and optimize database schemas (transitioning from Postgres to a single-table design in DynamoDB) with a focus on cost-effective scalability.

• Collaborate closely with mobile and frontend engineers to ensure smooth, low-latency user experiences.

• Participate in the complete software development lifecycle: from design and coding to testing and deployment.

• Thrive in a fast-paced, agile startup setting—iterating rapidly and adjusting priorities based on insights and feedback.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 5 years of experience designing, developing, and scaling backend systems to accommodate millions of users.

• Proficient in contemporary backend development frameworks (such as FastAPI, Django, Flask, or comparable technologies).

• Demonstrated success in building and launching products (including startups, side projects, or even ventures that may not have succeeded).

• Familiarity with relational databases (Postgres/MySQL) and some exposure to NoSQL technologies.

• Proven track record of delivering products or platforms that are currently operational.

• Strong leadership skills, self-driven, and capable of navigating uncertainty.

• Prepared to take on responsibilities with a founder-level sense of ownership and dedication.

• Bonus: Experience with real-time data pipelines, cloud infrastructure (AWS), or consumer-facing applications.

• Bonus: Proven experience in building or scaling marketplace platforms that include integrated logistics flows (such as matching, routing, ticketing, or fulfillment systems), e.g., Uber, Lyft, Airbnb, or DoorDash.

🏝️ Benefits

• Compensation: Salary plus equity.

• Opportunity to be part of a dynamic startup environment.