Quick Summary
Seeking a Lead Engineer (Backend Heavy) to join the Founding Team in Lisbon (remote), responsible for scaling a global product and shaping architecture. Requires 8+ years of backend experience (Node.js preferred, PHP/Laravel accepted), 4+ years with React-based frontends, and deep expertise in DevOps, CI/CD, infrastructure as code (Terraform), microservices, and containerization (Docker/Kubernetes). A critical requirement is hands-on experience prototyping and deploying advanced AI-powered features.
Lead Engineer - Backend Heavy (Founding Team)
Lisbon, Portugal (Remote)
About the Role
We are seeking a Lead Engineer - Backend Heavy to join our core Founding Team in Lisbon. This role is crucial for scaling a global product from the ground up. This is a unique opportunity to tackle complex engineering challenges, significantly shape our architecture, and contribute to a mission-driven startup focused on redefining global living.
Key Responsibilities (What You'll Do)
- Lead backend development across modern technology stacks (Node.js preferred, but RoR, Python/Django, PHP/Laravel experience is also welcome).
- Design, build, and optimize scalable microservices and APIs, utilizing Postgres as the core database.
- Define and evolve CI/CD pipelines (Github Actions, CircleCI, Jenkins).
- Manage infrastructure as code (Terraform) and scale containerized environments (Docker/Kubernetes).
- Apply Test-Driven Development (TDD) practices and ensure product reliability using unit, integration, and regression tests.
- Drive data model design and oversee database management.
- Prototype and deploy advanced AI-powered features, requiring hands-on experience with models, embeddings, and personalization engines (beyond simple API calls).
- Collaborate closely with Product and Design teams.
- Mentor and guide a small but growing engineering team.
- Establish coding standards, best practices, and a strong engineering culture.
- Act as a bridge between business vision and technical delivery, ensuring team alignment.
Required Qualifications (What We're Looking For)
- 8+ years of experience in backend development (Node.js preferred).
- 4+ years working with React-based frontend stacks (Next.js, Remix, etc.).
- Strong background in DevOps, CI/CD, and infrastructure management at scale.
- Hands-on experience with microservices, containerization, and Terraform.
- Experience building and scaling products used globally.
- Proven ability to prototype with AI models (not just API calls).
Hiring Process
- FitNext Interview
- Interview with the CEO
- Interview with the founders