Lead Engineer, Back-end

Our Engineering team ensures Code and Theory delivers scalable, high-performance, web applications that delight users. We always strive to balance the demanding nature of working on cutting-edge technologies with the real-world demands of high-performance web applications. Working in collaboration with our multi-disciplinary engineering, design, and quality assurance teams, you will build software that solves real-world problems for incredible clients. Our Back-end Engineers partner with our cross-functional teams to identify and implement innovative technologies that ensure server-side applications are robust, secure, efficient, and drive business growth. As a Lead Back-End Engineer, you will combine hands-on execution with technical leadership and system-level thinking, partnering closely with cross-functional teams. WHAT YOU'LL DO Design and implement scalable, high-performance backend services and APIs, with an emphasis on reliability, security, and long-term maintainability Build and maintain backend services using appropriate technology stacks, with an emphasis on clean architecture and API-driven design Design, build, and maintain REST and GraphQL APIs to support headless, decoupled frontends and system integrations Optimize database schemas, queries, and caching strategies for performance, scalability, and high-traffic content sites. Apply backend security best practices including authentication, authorization, data protection, and vulnerability mitigation Support DevOps workflows including CI/CD pipelines, deployments, monitoring, and performance tuning in cloud environments Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure clean contracts between systems Lead and participate in code reviews, architectural discussions, and technical decision-making Actively uphold and strengthen Agile delivery practices, including sprint planning, estimation, and retrospectives Troubleshoot and resolve complex backend and integration issues Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across backend-related work Contribute to technical documentation, playbooks, and standards to support maintainability and team scalability WHAT YOU'LL NEED Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience) 7+ years of backend engineering experience across production systems Strong fundamentals in backend engineering concepts: APIs, data modeling, performance, security, and system design Experience working with modern CMS platforms (preferably in headless or decoupled setups) Experience with headless integration, including decoupled architecture and RESTful APIs Experience with Google APIs (Calendar) and Google SSO Experience integrating transactional email services (e.g., Mandrill or similar email delivery platforms) Knowledge and experience working with AWS (EC2, RDS, ElastiCache, S3, Route53, ELB). Understanding of web security best practices and ability to implement security measures for websites Familiarity with modern front-end technologies (JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML, CSS) Knowledge of version control systems (Git) Able to work with Docker and Docker compose Good understanding of hosting environments, server administration, and optimization techniques Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to debug complex issues Experience with Agile software development methodologies and project management tools Strong communication and collaboration skills, able to work with cross-functional teams Experience in JIRA or at least other ticket tracking tools NICE TO HAVE Exposure to system modernization or migration projects (legacy to modern stacks) Experience with frontend frameworks (React, Next.js, Vue) to improve backend–frontend collaboration Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code, observability, and production monitoring tools Exposure to additional backend languages or paradigms (e.g., Go, Python, event-driven systems) Exposure to AI-related integrations or services (e.g., AI APIs, automation, or data-driven features) Familiarity with legacy frontend libraries and tooling (e.g., jQuery and related plugins, Bootstrap, Handlebars, Moment.js) ABOUT US Born in 2001, Code and Theory is a digital-first creative agency that sits at the center of creativity and technology. We pride ourselves on not only solving consumer and business problems, but also helping to establish new capabilities for our clients. With a global client roster of Fortune 100s and start-ups alike, we crave the hardest problems to solve. We have teams distributed across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. The Code and Theory global network of agencies is growing and includes Kettle, Instrument, Left Field Labs, Create Group, Current, and TrueLogic. Striving never to be pigeonholed, we work across every major category: from tech to CPG, financial services to travel & hospitality, government and education to media and publishing. We value the collaboration with our client partners, including but not limited to Adidas, Amazon, Con Edison, Diageo, EY, J.P. Morgan Chase, Lenovo, Marriott, Mars, Microsoft, Thomson Reuters, and TikTok. The Code and Theory network is comprised of nearly 2,000 people with 50% engineers and 50% creative talent. We’re always on the lookout for smart, driven, and forward-thinking people to join our team.