Senior or Principal Backend Node.JS Engineer

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce's client, a fast-growing and innovative company in the Dallas, TX metro area is seeking a Senior to Principal Backend Engineer focused on Node.js. Our backend systems are the foundation of the traveler and vacation experience, supporting millions of users and high-volume transactions. This hybrid role requires 2-3 days onsite per week. We are working directly with the hiring manager on this exclusive search assignment.

About the Role:
As a Backend Engineer, you'll collaborate with product, engineering, and leadership teams to build scalable services and APIs that power our platform. You will play a key role in shaping system architecture, driving performance, and fostering engineering excellence.

Responsibilities:
* Architect and develop robust APIs and backend services using Node.js, PostgreSQL, and Redis
* Optimize complex SQL queries and database schemas for high-speed performance across large datasets
* Solve high-scale engineering challenges to ensure reliability under heavy traffic
* Work cross-functionally to deliver backend features aligned with product goals
* Identify and resolve technical debt; lead refactoring efforts to future-proof the stack
* Participate in standups, code reviews, and deployment processes
* Mentor team members and promote technical excellence
* Own projects end-to-end-from concept through production

REQUIREMENTS:
* 5-8+ years of backend engineering experience
* Deep expertise in Node.js and backend JavaScript
* Strong proficiency with PostgreSQL or similar relational databases
* Advanced SQL skills-able to write, debug, and optimize complex queries
* Experience building high-traffic, consumer-facing platforms
* Proven ability to scale systems to millions of daily users
* Familiarity with DevOps and cloud infrastructure (Google Cloud or AWS preferred), including CI/CD and infrastructure as code
* Excellent communication and collaboration skills
* Startup experience and entrepreneurial mindset or working in smaller companies would be ideal
* Agile development experience (daily standups, 2-week sprints)

Nice to haves:
* Experience in travel, marketplace, or e-commerce domains
* Exposure to machine learning platforms like Vertex AI, SageMaker, or Azure ML
* Contributions to open-source projects or tech communities

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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