Senior Backend Engineer

About the Role

9x Dev is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer to join its team in Saudi Arabia. This full-time role involves designing and implementing backend architectures for client engagements, often navigating complex constraints such as regulatory requirements, existing data systems, or operational limitations. The position requires 5-10 years of experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the backend architecture for client engagements, including schema design, service boundaries, and integration strategies.
• Engage with client architects to discuss and define technical solutions.
• Define data models and service edges, documenting reasoning for clarity and future reference.
• Develop critical components where correctness is paramount and establish patterns for other system parts.
• Plan and execute migrations from legacy systems, ensuring continuous operation during transitions.
• Establish operational baselines, covering observability, backups, and incident response protocols.
• Review designs and code, ensuring adherence to best practices and pushing back on unnecessary complexity.

Required Experience and Traits

• 5-10 years of experience in backend engineering.
• Ability to remain calm and meticulous during incidents.
• A long-term perspective in building solutions, focusing on sustainability beyond initial delivery.
• A natural inclination to explain reasoning and mentor colleagues through code reviews and discussions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with regulated industries such as finance or healthcare.
• Prior work on multi-tenant products requiring stringent data isolation.
• Familiarity with event sourcing or CQRS, coupled with the judgment to apply these patterns appropriately.

Work Environment and Culture

This role supports remote work across the MENA region, with flexible hours structured around team collaboration. The company emphasizes shipping products quickly, often within weeks, and operates with small teams of four to eight individuals who manage products from initial client contact to handover. Engineers have direct client contact from day one. A budget is provided for personal setup, tools, and licenses, along with a learning budget and dedicated time for professional development. The company promotes a culture where time off is encouraged and taken, with a focus on engagement outcomes rather than time tracking.