Lead Backend Engineer (GenAI)

TL;DR

Lead Backend Engineer (Node/AWS/GenAI): Building and maintaining scalable backend services for BigFuture college and career planning platform with an accent on Generative AI integrations, cloud-native architecture, and high-load student tools. Focus on designing reusable APIs, implementing LLM-powered features like RAG chatbots, and establishing enterprise patterns for safe AI deployment.

Location: Remote (USA). Candidates near CB offices have option for hybrid (Tuesday and Wednesday in office). Ideal candidate located in EST or CST. Authorization to work in the United States required.

Salary: $168,000–$183,000

Company

Leading nonprofit empowering 7 million+ students yearly with free college, scholarship, and career exploration tools via BigFuture platform.

What you will do

• Design and deliver scalable, secure backend software using modern cloud-native practices and AWS services to power core student tools.
• Collaborate with product owners, architects, and stakeholders to translate ideas into impactful solutions and break down features into verifiable changes.
• Prototype innovative concepts with latest technologies like React web apps and Generative AI, maintaining clean code for easy extension.
• Lead Agile ceremonies, conduct code reviews, mentor peers, resolve production issues, and elevate engineering standards.
• Serve as SME on Generative AI, work with Enterprise Architecture on implementation patterns, and build tools for safe AI deployment.
• Stay current on GenAI developments, share knowledge, and advise internal teams on AI education.

Requirements

• 7+ years designing, building, testing scalable web apps in AWS-hosted environments
• 3+ years building backend apps with Node (TypeScript)
• Experience with relational/NoSQL databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redshift, DynamoDB)
• Observability setup (CloudWatch, X-Ray for logging/metrics/alerts)
• Hands-on Generative AI implementations (RAG chatbots, model fine-tuning, LLM tools)
• Strong AWS services knowledge (Lambda, SNS/SQS, S3, Step Functions, API Gateway, etc.)
• Asynchronous programming, event-driven patterns, Agile/Scrum experience
• Code review, mentoring, analytical problem-solving, communication skills
• JavaScript/TypeScript, React, Node.js, Next.js, APIs, serverless tech proficiency
• Authorization to work in the United States for any employer

Nice to have

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field
• Python backend experience

Culture & Benefits

• Mission-driven work impacting millions of students' educational trajectories.
• Diverse, inclusive team prioritizing every voice, learning, and growth opportunities.
• Competitive compensation adjusted by location, transparent hiring discussions.
• High-performing engineering with latest technologies, poly-skilled environment.
• Formal/informal development paths to sharpen skills and lead through strengths.

Hiring process

• Resume/application review, recruiter screen, hiring manager interview.
• Performance exercise (live coding/whiteboarding), panel interview, leadership conversation, reference checks.