Backend Software Engineer IV

Job Title: Backend Software Engineer IV
Duration: 9 months
Location: Remote
Job Summary:

• We are seeking a senior Backend Software Engineer to join our Media team, working closely with Horizon TV and Horizon Media Player. The ideal candidate will have strong backend development skills in one or more server-side languages (e.g., PHP, Java, Go, C/C++), with experience building reliable, scalable services. Candidates with AWS experience, video/media and CDN background are strongly preferred. The candidate will drive technical direction within their area, mentor junior engineers, and work closely with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and optimize backend systems that power media applications at scale.

Job Responsibilities:

• Design and develop backend services and APIs using server-side languages such as PHP, Java, Go, or C/C++, supporting media-related applications
• Drive technical direction and architecture decisions for backend systems
• Debug complex backend systems to identify and fix issues impacting performance, reliability, and scalability
• Implement best practices for operational excellence, ensuring reliability, scalability, and maintainability
• Develop monitoring and alerting systems to detect issues before they become critical
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including frontend, media, and infrastructure engineers
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to other engineers
• Troubleshoot production issues and make system changes as needed to resolve them

Skills:

• Proficiency in one or more server-side languages (PHP, Java, Go, C/C++); PHP experience is a plus
• Strong understanding of backend engineering principles: APIs, data modeling, caching, queuing
• Experience with public cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud Platform, or Azure) is a must
• Experience with CDN architecture and optimization (e.g., 4K/8K video delivery, cache strategies, edge computing) is a must
• Knowledge of the full software development lifecycle
• Ability to drive technical decisions and influence engineering direction
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills
• Verbal and written communication skills; ability to work independently
• Experience with AI development tools (e.g., Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT) and an AI-native mindset—using AI to multiply efforts in coding, debugging, and cross-disciplinary work—is a plus

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor''s degree in computer science, software engineering, or relevant field required
• 7+ years of experience in backend software engineering; video/media or CDN domain experience is a plus