Senior Backend Engineer
ChargerHelp!
Job description
About Us
ChargerHelp! Inc. is a California-based tech company on a mission to power up the EV ecosystem. We're not just solving a challenge; we're driving the charge towards a sustainable future. Our EMPWR platform provides Reliability as a Service (RaaS), delivering data-driven insights that keep electric vehicle charging stations operating smoothly.
We're a dynamic, mission-driven startup that believes in innovation, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to quality. If you join us, you'll be part of a team that's leading EV reliability and helping shape the future of transportation and environmental sustainability.
Role Overview
We're looking for a Senior Backend Engineer to join our small, highly collaborative team. You'll work closely with our engineering lead to develop and enhance our Rails codebase while having significant influence on our technical direction as we grow. This role combines hands-on development with the chance to build cutting-edge AI-enhanced software that transforms how EV charging infrastructure is maintained and managed.
On our nimble team, you'll have significant autonomy and impact. We value engineers who thrive in startup environments, take ownership, and are excited about implementing ambitious solutions that provide real-world value to our customers.
Our Team Structure
You'll be joining a lean, balanced engineering team consisting of:
Engineering Lead (Rails expert who actively contributes to the codebase daily)
Senior Data Engineer (Snowflake, dbt)
Senior Frontend Engineer (React, React Native, TypeScript)
You as Senior Backend Engineer
This structure ensures you'll have technical leadership, collaborative support, and clear ownership areas while working as part of a cross-functional team.
Technical Environment
Our stack includes:
Ruby on Rails 6
PostgreSQL
Redis
Sidekiq
RESTful and GraphQL APIs serving React & React Native web & mobile apps
Turbo-driven UI components (gradually transitioning to TypeScript & React)
LLM integration (emerging area we're building out)
We're focused on building robust APIs while transitioning from some legacy Turbo-driven UIs to more modern React components.
Key Outcomes and Responsibilities
Be the Backend Expert on Our Team
Objective: Take full ownership of our Rails applications as the dedicated backend specialist
Partner with our engineering lead on the development and maintenance of our Rails codebase, taking ownership of key components and features
Implement best practices for API design, security, and performance optimization
Develop and maintain well-structured, testable, and efficient code
Design database schemas and data models that directly support our mobile applications
Work hands-on across all aspects of our backend systems
Build Platform Capabilities and APIs
Objective: Transform our product into a scalable platform through API excellence and AI integration
Design and implement RESTful and GraphQL APIs that connect seamlessly to our frontend experience
Architect and implement scalable solutions that deliver AI-powered services that complement existing business logic and data-driven workflows
Build connective tissue that efficiently ties together our frontend, backend, data systems, and AI services
Drive Technical Integration in a Small Team
Objective: Work collaboratively across our engineering stack
Collaborate directly with our engineering lead, senior data engineer, and senior frontend engineer as part of our tight-knit, cross-functional team
Contribute to architectural decisions alongside the engineering team
Be an active voice in all technical conversations with the product and engineering team
Embrace the breadth of responsibilities that come with a small team environment
Deliver Impact with Speed
Objective: Balance quality and velocity as a key contributor to our small team
Take ownership of backend delivery timelines and communicate proactively
Help identify and execute on the highest-value technical investments
Participate in our lightweight agile process as a core team member
Identify and resolve technical debt with practical, implementation-focused solutions
Ship production-ready code that balances immediate needs with long-term maintainability
Job requirements
Skills and Qualifications
Must-Have:
Expert-level Ruby on Rails development (4+ years)
Strong API design experience and PostgreSQL expertise
Self-directed with ability to own systems with minimal oversight
Excitement about building LLM-enhanced products
Excellent communication skills for our async/remote environment
Nice-to-Have:
Experience with AI/LLM integration
TypeScript/JavaScript ecosystem familiarity
Background collaborating with React Native developers
Experience on small engineering teams (2-5 engineers)
Interest in electric vehicles and climate tech
Experience
4+ years of professional Ruby on Rails development
Track record of direct collaboration with frontend and product teams
Remote Work Details
Flexible work hours with core collaboration hours in US time zones
Regular video stand-ups and planning sessions via Zoom
Asynchronous communication via Slack and project management tools
No regular on-site requirements
Growth Opportunities
Significant influence on technical architecture decisions
Chance to shape emerging AI integration strategy
Leadership opportunities as the team scales
Direct visibility to company leadership and impact
Our Hiring Journey
We've designed our interview process to be focused, transparent, and respectful of your time:
Recruiter Screening (30 min): Initial conversation about your background and our team
Technical Assessment (2 hours): Practical Rails exercise and architectural discussion
Team Interview (1 hour): Meet engineering and product teammates
Executive Interview (1 hour): Explore how you'll impact our mission and growth
Ready to make an impact? Apply with your resume, and we'll be in touch if there's a good match!
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