Staff Backend Engineer

Hatch • Canada, KY

3d • Remote

About The Position

This role is for a Staff Backend Engineer at Hatch, a company focused on improving sleep habits through smart devices and science-backed content. The engineer will be responsible for the architecture, delivery, and reliability of the backend systems supporting Hatch's mobile apps and IoT devices. This includes working with Java and Python REST APIs, AWS IoT, Lambda, and monitoring/DevOps practices. The role requires a self-motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced learning environment, demonstrates strong ownership, and understands business objectives to deliver customer value. As part of a small team that utilizes AI-assisted development, the engineer is expected to ramp up quickly, use AI fluently, and contribute broadly across backend systems. The position involves leading system design, setting technical direction, and mentoring engineers, bridging the gap between cloud APIs and physical devices.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in backend engineering.
• Deep expertise in Java (11+).
• Experience with Spring Boot.
• Familiarity and experience with Groovy.
• Experience with Python backend services.
• Track record of designing and building scalable, RESTful JSON APIs.
• Technical skills: Distributed Systems, Java, Groovy, Python, AWS, MySQL, Infra and Monitoring Tools (Ansible, Jenkins, ELK, Graphite, Docker, etc.).
• Ability to write automated tests and understand their application.
• Belief in Continuous Deployment and understanding of testing's role.
• Desire for elegance and simplicity in code.
• Judgement and Humility: self-aware, knows when to raise concerns, and asks for help.
• Ability to dive into new and unfamiliar tech and paradigms.
• Picked up multiple languages over a career.
• Stays curious about new tools, frameworks, and technologies.
• Collaborative spirit.
• Clear communication: ability to explain complex things simply.
• Customer mindset: laser-focused on driving value for customers.
• Builder mentality: thrives in a rapid growth environment.
• Prioritizes face-to-face resolution over async processes.
• Willingness to help where needed, even outside of area of expertise ('Pick Up a Shovel').
• Experience gracefully receiving and giving feedback ('Feedback is a Gift').
• Ability to ship small features iteratively, learn, and commit to the next step ('Learn Faster').

Nice To Haves

• Ansible-based DevOps pipelines
• Connected Hardware Experience
• MQTT

Responsibilities

• Own the architecture, delivery, and reliability of the backend behind Hatch's mobile apps and IoT devices.
• Develop Java and Python REST APIs.
• Work with AWS IoT and Lambda.
• Implement and manage monitoring, alerting, and DevOps practices.
• Lead system design and set technical direction.
• Mentor engineers.
• Own and ship high-impact backend projects end-to-end.
• Proactively engage in architecture conversations and cross-team design.
• Build strong working relationships with peers across Mobile, Embedded, and Product.
• Understand the end-to-end flow of the entire backend architecture and its interactions with the app and device firmware.
• Propose and lead architecture or refactor projects to improve system scalability and reliability.
• Self-identify and drive the resolution of troubleshooting issues.
• Own a core area such as IoT device communication, registration/auth flows, device routine scheduling, or backend support for mobile app features.
• Improve observability using Graphite, ELK, or other internal monitoring tools.
• Lead the design and rollout of new backend systems or large-scale refactors.
• Drive backend improvements that elevate reliability, scalability, and developer experience.
• Build reusable libraries, templates, and patterns that increase engineering consistency.

Benefits

• 100% paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees (80% for dependents, including domestic partners)
• Meaningful equity
• 401(k) match (no vesting schedule!)
• 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave
• 16 free therapy sessions (for you + one other adult in your life)
• Financial support for family planning
• Remote office + monthly internet reimbursement
• Friends & family discounts on Hatch products
• Exclusive discounts on travel, entertainment, and top retail brands
• Spontaneous perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed