# Senior Software Engineer, Backend

**Company:** [Duolingo](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/duolingo)
**Location:** New York, NY, Pittsburgh, PA
**Role:** Backend Engineering
**Salary:** $183k – $247k/yr
**Experience:** 5+ years
**Skills:** Java, Python, Kotlin, Data Structures, Algorithms, Software Design, Databases, Public Cloud, High-Traffic Apis, OpenTelemetry, Grafana, Prometheus, Datadog
**Posted:** 2026-08-24

> 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.

## Job Description

## 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.

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