Software Engineer, Foundations

Senior Backend Software EngineerThe Foundations team builds and evolves the application-level infrastructure that powers Hex. We own the shared backend systems, frameworks, and primitives that other teams depend on—helping the company move faster while maintaining reliability, performance, and security.Our work spans APIs, realtime transport, storage frameworks, background processing, and internal tooling. Rather than shipping isolated features, we focus on creating durable systems that scale with the company and make product development easier for everyone.We're looking for a Senior Backend Software Engineer to help design, maintain, and evolve the core systems used across Hex. This role is centered on backend architecture and shared infrastructure, with responsibility for APIs, realtime communication, data access frameworks, job orchestration, and internal admin tooling.You'll work closely with product engineering teams to understand their needs, then turn common patterns into robust, reusable systems.

You'll help define standards, influence architecture, and raise the quality bar across the backend.Frontend experience is helpful for understanding end-to-end workflows, but this role is primarily backend-focused.Core ContributionsYou will help contribute to and evolve several foundational areas, including:APIsGraphQL (schema design, performance, developer ergonomics)Authentication & authorization (security, scalability, correctness)Multiplayer & collaboration APIs (realtime state, concurrency)TransportWebSockets and realtime communication infrastructureStorage FrameworksPostgres (schema design, query optimization, migrations)S3, DynamoDB, RedisJob & Workflow SystemsBullMQ and background job processingTemporal or similar workflow orchestration systemsInternal ToolingInternal admin tools for debugging, operations, and customer supportWhat You'll DoDesign and build backend frameworks and services used across the companyOwn and evolve critical shared systems, including APIs, realtime transport, and job orchestrationImprove reliability, performance, observability, and security of foundational backend infrastructurePartner with product teams to turn recurring needs into shared abstractionsLead technical design discussions and help set architectural directionDrive refactors, migrations, and system upgrades that reduce long-term complexityImprove internal tooling to support debugging, operations, and customer-facing workflowsMentor other engineers and contribute to strong engineering standards and practicesWhat We're Looking For5+ years of professional software engineering experience with a strong backend focusExperience working with Typescript/Node.js and SQLExperience building and maintaining shared backend systems or frameworks used by multiple teamsStrong understanding of API design, distributed systems, and asynchronous workflowsExperience working with relational databases and data modeling at scaleFamiliarity with background job systems, queues, or workflow orchestration toolsComfort operating and evolving production systems over timeExperience with cloud infrastructure (AWS preferred)Strong communication skills and a collaborative, leverage-oriented mindsetBonus PointsExperience with PythonHands-on experience with GraphQL, WebSockets, BullMQ, or TemporalFamiliarity with observability tooling (metrics, tracing, logging)Background in data platforms, developer tools, or collaborative systemsExperience with frontend technologies (e.g. React, TypeScript) for end-to-end contextOpen-source contributions, especially in backend or infrastructure projectsOur product is a web-based notebook and app authoring platform. Our frontend is built with Typescript and React, using a combination of Apollo GraphQL and Redux for managing application state and data. On the backend, we also use Typescript to power an Express/Apollo GraphQL server that interacts with Postgres, Redis, and Kubernetes to manage our database and Python kernels.

Our backend is tightly integrated with our infrastructure and CI/CD, where we use a combination of Terraform, Helm, and AWS to deploy and maintain our stack.In addition to our unique culture, Hex proudly offers a competitive total rewards package, including but not limited to, market-benched salary & equity, comprehensive health benefits, and flexible paid time off.The salary range for this role is: $215,000 - $270,000The salary range shown may be a reflection of additional factors such as geographical location and skill ranges/levels we're open to. Placement in the salary range will be decided upon completion of the interview process, taking into account factors like leaving room for growth, internal fairness & parity, your demonstrated skills, and the depth of your experience. Our Recruiting team will be able to provide more details during the interview process.By submitting an application the candidate consents to the use of their personal information in accordance with the Hex Privacy policy: Technologies uses AI-assisted tools as part of our application review process, including for resume screening and fraud detection. These tools help our team evaluate applications and verify applicant information.

All AI-generated recommendations are reviewed by a member of our recruiting team before any hiring decision is made. No application is automatically rejected based solely on an AI tool's output.