Senior Backend Engineer

Why This Role Matters At Roadpost, we enable reliable communications beyond cellular coverage, connecting people wherever they go. Through our flagship product ZOLEO, a global messaging solution powered by the Iridium satellite network, we provide peace of mind for outdoor adventurers, remote workers, and enterprise users operating in off‑grid environments. Our impact is real – just ask the people whose lives have been saved thanks to ZOLEO rescue alerts read their stories. As we transition to become an AI‑first organization, we’re undertaking a major technical evolution, building a core backend messaging API to replace a legacy system. This role leads the engineering vision and implementation of that initiative. Reporting to the Principal Developer with a dotted line to the VP of Technology, we are seeking a technical expert, driven by curiosity, ownership, and collaboration; someone who embraces modern approaches and the power of AI. As the new Senior Backend Engineer & Team Lead, you will drive the architecture and backend development of a Messaging API, leveraging AWS, distributed systems, microservices, and TypeScript. You will be part of a dynamic team structure, focusing initially on designing and implementing services that deliver secure, reliable messaging over satellite and mobile networks, leading a small feature team that includes offshore developers. This is a full‑time, hybrid role based in the Greater Toronto Area, with three days a week in the office. What’s In It For You Impact and ownership. This is a chance to architect and build a core component of ZOLEO’s intellectual property. You will be at the centre of one of our most critical technical initiatives, building a new critical messaging API and quickly evolving it into differentiated, scalable service. Technical challenges and rewards. This is a true greenfield development opportunity in a cloud‑native, microservices environment. You’ll solve complex problems in distributed systems while leveraging AI‑powered development tools such as Cursor, GitHub Copilot, and OpenAI Codex, to accelerate delivery and focus on high‑value design decisions. Career growth and influence. You will work closely with the Principal Developer, gaining mentorship and the chance to shape technical direction. As the team grows, you’ll have the opportunity to advance into a Principal Engineer role, people leadership, or expand your expertise across our broader technology stack, with support to choose the path that’s right for you. Culture and collaboration. You will join a team of curious, problem‑solving engineers who take pride in doing things the right way. We are focused on technical rigour (code quality, reviews, automated testing) alongside collaboration. Guided by a VP, Technology who supports and champions his team, offering in‑depth technical guidance, you will thrive in a role where your ideas will have weight, your code will be respected, and your impact will be visible. What You’ll Do Architect. You will design and implement the initial architecture for a new backend messaging API that replicates current third‑party integrations while laying the foundation for future features. You will evaluate and present architectural trade‑offs to senior technical leaders, ensuring solutions are secure, scalable, cloud‑native, and aligned with modern microservices best practices. Develop. You will focus on coding: building backend services in TypeScript and Node.js and using AWS services such as Amazon SQS, Lambda, EC2, and S3. You will apply test‑driven development (TDD), write automated tests, and contribute to CI/CD pipelines to deliver reliable, production‑ready software. Lead. You will manage and mentor 2–3 offshore developers, providing technical guidance, setting clear expectations, and onboarding the right skills to the team. You will facilitate code reviews, promote engineering best practices, and ensure high‑quality delivery across distributed teams. Collaborate. You will partner with the Principal Developer, VP of Technology, Product, and other feature teams to integrate backend systems seamlessly with the ZOLEO mobile app and broader infrastructure. You will work cross‑functionally with QA, Product, and Infrastructure teams to plan, estimate, and deliver performant, secure, and high‑availability services. Innovate. You will leverage AI‑powered development tools to accelerate scaffolding, eliminate repetitive coding, and free time for advanced problem‑solving. You will continuously evaluate new technologies and champion modern development practices, always asking: “Is there a better way?” Qualifications & Skills The technical expertise. You have 8+ years of professional experience in backend software engineering with distributed systems, and at least 3 years in a leadership, coordination, or project ownership role. You are highly skilled in TypeScript and Node.js, with deep hands‑on experience building RESTful APIs, messaging systems, and microservices. You are proficient with AWS services, including Amazon SQS (Simple Queue Service), Lambda, EC2, and S3, and you apply test‑driven development (TDD) and CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) best practices to deliver secure, scalable, production‑ready systems. The leadership. You thrive in a role where you can both write code and lead people. You have experience managing implementation alongside offshore development teams, conducting code reviews, and guiding solution design. The problem‑solving mindset. You are naturally curious and analytical. You enjoy breaking down complex problems into actionable solutions, evaluating trade‑offs, and finding the best path forward. You leverage AI‑assisted development tools to accelerate delivery and reduce repetitive coding tasks, freeing time for higher‑value architectural and design work. The collaborative approach. You are a strong communicator who can build trust and alignment across engineering, product, and infrastructure teams. You are comfortable working in cloud‑based, agile software environments where priorities shift, and you actively contribute to design discussions, sprint planning, and cross‑functional problem solving. The cultural fit. You want to be part of a nimble, cloud‑focused software organization where engineers work side by side to solve problems the right way, not the quick way. You bring curiosity, humility, and a team‑first attitude, and you value the chance to roll up your sleeves at the whiteboard to brainstorm and collaborate. What Success Looks Like Delivery of a robust and scalable core backend API(s) powering ZOLEO’s next‑gen services. A cohesive, productive team executing at high velocity, despite geographic distribution. Seamless backend integration with the ZOLEO mobile app with low latency and high reliability. Measurable improvements in development efficiency through AI and DevOps integration. Strong cross‑functional alignment and positive stakeholder feedback. What We Offer Competitive pay: Market‑aligned salaries that reflect your skills and impact. Performance bonuses: Rewards tied to personal and company success. Flexible work: A hybrid model balancing collaboration and lifestyle flexibility. Comprehensive benefits: Health, dental, and flexible spending accounts tailored to your needs. Paid time off: Vacation and sick days to help you rest, recharge, and stay well. Learning & development: A continuous learning environment with a professional development budget. Inclusive culture: A values‑driven workplace where diverse perspectives are celebrated. Apply Now We welcome and appreciate candidates with a range of backgrounds and experiences. If you have 70% of the qualifications we are looking for, express your interest. If you require accommodations during the recruitment or interview process, please let us know – we are committed to ensuring an accessible and equitable experience for all applicants. #J-18808-Ljbffr