Senior Software Engineer, Backend
Build and operate reliable, scalable backend services or infrastructure for Duolingo products, owning complex projects from design through production. The role requires strong backend fundamentals, a bachelor’s degree, and experience with Java, Python, or Kotlin and database technologies.
About the job
Responsibilities
- Collaborate on software projects spanning product design and backend engineering.
- Develop, release, and maintain backend services and/or infrastructure.
- Lead individual project priorities and milestones while ensuring consistent delivery.
- Build and operate reliable, scalable systems, taking ownership of complex technical problems from design through production.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related technical field.
- Strong competencies in data structures, algorithms, and software design.
- Experience programming in Java, Python, or Kotlin.
- Solid understanding of one or more database technologies.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience building high-traffic APIs using public cloud providers.
- Experience with observability technologies such as OpenTelemetry, Grafana, Prometheus, or Datadog.
Compensation and Benefits
- Base salary range: $182,800–$247,300 USD.
- Base salary is supplemented by equity compensation.
- Benefits support employees’ holistic well-being.
Skills
Java, Python, Kotlin, Data Structures, Algorithms, Software Design, Databases, Public Cloud, High-Traffic Apis, OpenTelemetry, Grafana, Prometheus, Datadog
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