Senior Backend (Node.js) Developer

Job Title: Mid-Senior Backend Engineer
Location: Remote (U.S. preferred)
Type: Contract-to-Hire or Full-Time
Company: USA
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About the company
We are a mission-driven startup helping people build real friendships in the digital age. We believe the best conversations happen face-to-face and are creating a low-pressure, fun way for students to meet IRL—starting with a walk. Backed by a passionate team of engineers and mental health advocates, We are at the intersection of tech, wellness, and human connection.
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The Role
We’re looking for a Mid-Senior Backend Engineer to help us scale our backend architecture as we grow across college campuses nationwide. You’ll work closely with our product and front-end teams to build reliable, scalable, and secure systems that power our mobile and responsive web experience.
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What You’ll Do
● Architect, develop, and maintain backend systems using Node.js, TypeScript, MongoDB, and Redis

● Build and optimize real-time features like chat, live events, and GPS map tracking using WebSockets, Firebase, and Expo

● Implement and manage push notifications, chat infrastructure, and location services

● Deploy containerized services using Docker and manage environments via Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

● Manage file storage and media delivery with AWS S3

● Write clean, testable, well-documented code and contribute to backend architecture decisions

● Support CI/CD pipelines and QA processes; Appium or mobile testing automation experience is a plus

● Collaborate across product, design, and mobile teams to ensure a seamless user experience

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What We’re Looking For
● 6+ years of backend development experience, ideally in a startup or fast-paced environment

● Strong experience with Node.js, TypeScript, MongoDB, Redis, and WebSockets

● Experience with Expo, EAS, and Firebase (chat, GPS, push notifications)

● Proficient with Docker and containerized deployments

● Experience deploying and managing services on GCP

● Familiarity with Amazon S3 and media handling

● Strong understanding of API design, system security, scalability, and performance tuning

● Bonus: Experience with Appium, QA automation, and DevOps best practices

● Self-starter who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment

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Tech Stack
● Backend: Node.js, TypeScript, Redis, MongoDB, WebSockets

● Cloud: Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Amazon S3

● Mobile: React Native (Expo), EAS, Firebase

● DevOps / QA: Docker, Appium, CI/CD pipelines

● Other: GitHub, Slack, Swagger

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Why We?
● Join a passionate team building technology to bring people together

● Be part of a fast-growing startup solving a real-world problem

● Work remotely with flexibility and autonomy

● Contribute to architecture and shape the future of the product

● Build with purpose, not just features