Senior Backend Engineer

Location: Remote - +/- 3 hours from CET (EST / Europe preferred)

Remote | Full-time

Compensation: $90K - $150K

We are hiring on behalf of our client in the high-growth Web3 and DeFi sector who is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer to join its core Platform team. This organization builds and evolves the distributed backend systems that power its primary products and customer-facing solutions.

The successful candidate will design and operate complex systems, manage Web3 infrastructure, and collaborate closely with product and platform engineers to deliver reliable, scalable solutions. This role is ideal for an engineer who values strong ownership, thoughtful system design, and maintains a high bar for code quality. The client fosters an environment that prioritizes building solid systems and moving quickly without compromising standards, leveraging modern tools—including AI—to maximize efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• System Architecture: Design, build, and maintain scalable distributed backend systems powering core platform and product capabilities.
• End-to-End Ownership: Manage backend services throughout their entire lifecycle, from initial architecture and implementation to monitoring and long-term reliability.
• Product Collaboration: Partner with product and engineering peers to actively shape product decisions and strategy rather than merely executing technical specifications.
• Web3 Integration: Build and evolve platform backend components, including protocol integrations, support for emerging blockchain networks, and reliable interactions with smart contracts.
• Engineering Standards: Ensure high standards of code quality, performance, security, and observability across all services.
• Operational Excellence: Operate effectively in a fast-paced startup environment, balancing development velocity with technical correctness.
• Innovation: Leverage AI-assisted tools to improve development velocity and personal productivity while contributing to technical discussions, reviews, and mentorship within the team.

Requirements

• Experience: 5+ years of professional experience designing and building distributed backend systems.
• Technical Foundations: A strong foundation in algorithms, data structures, and software design patterns.
• Core Stack: Professional experience with Python 3.
• Infrastructure & Data: Proven experience with containerized systems (Docker & Kubernetes), databases (Postgres/SQL, MongoDB, or Cassandra), and cloud environments (AWS).
• Monitoring: Experience with observability tools such as Sentry, Prometheus, and Grafana.
• Soft Skills: Clear, proactive communication skills suited for a distributed, async-first team and a strong ownership mindset.
• Web3 Knowledge: Hands-on experience with blockchain systems, dApps, or smart contracts is highly preferred.
• Bonus Qualifications: Knowledge of Golang, prior experience in a high-autonomy startup environment, and location within time zones close to Europe (CET/EET).

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: A market-leading salary and stock options, allowing team members to contribute to and share in the organization’s long-term success.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical insurance and a flexible work schedule.
• Remote Work Support: Full support for remote work, including necessary software, equipment, and coworking memberships.
• Time Off: An unlimited days-off policy to ensure a healthy work-life balance and time to recharge.
• Growth & Travel: Opportunities for relocation support and travel to industry festivals and global events.
• Collaborative Culture: A fully distributed, remote team environment composed of driven and intelligent individuals in the crypto and technology space.

Interview Process

The following stages outline the standard evaluation process for this position:

1. Initial Talent Screening: A conversation with the recruitment team to assess general alignment, communication skills, and Web3 interest.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion focused on seniority, technical judgment, problem-solving under ambiguity, and alignment with a fast-paced startup mindset.
3. Technical Assessment: A 60-minute technical interview focusing on core engineering competencies.
4. Systems Design: A 90-minute deep dive into architectural thinking and distributed systems design.
5. Team Panel: A group interview with potential peers to assess cultural fit and collaborative approach.
6. Executive Discussion: A final conversation with the Founders/CEO.

Due to the high volume of applications we anticipate, we regret that we are unable to provide individual feedback to all candidates. If you do not hear back from us within 4 weeks of your application, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion. We genuinely appreciate your interest and wish you the best in your job search.

Commitment to Equality and Accessibility:

At MLabs, we are committed to offer equal opportunities to all candidates. We ensure no discrimination, accessible job adverts, and providing information in accessible formats. Our goal is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace with equal opportunities for all. If you need any reasonable adjustments during any part of the hiring process or you would like to see the job-advert in an accessible format please let us know at the earliest opportunity by emailing human-resources@mlabs.city.

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