[Remote] Contract: Senior/Lead Backend Engineer at Upwork

Latin America

Upwork Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Work Marketplace, BiotechnologyIndustries

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Backend DevelopmentJavaKotlinAPI DesignDatabase ArchitectureScalabilityPerformance OptimizationSecurity ImplementationTechnical Debt ReductionCodebase EnhancementTestingSystem Design

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What programming languages and skills are required for this role?

Required skills include solid experience with Java or Kotlin, extensive knowledge of REST and/or GraphQL, writing unit tests with tools like JUnit and Mockito, experience with relational and non-relational databases, AWS, and building high-load web applications.

Is this a remote position, and what are the work hours?

The role requires coordinating with the team during core hours of 8:00 am - 11:00 pm Pacific Time, with occasional availability until 12:00 pm PT for urgent matters, and an estimated 40 hours per week. It appears to be hybrid or remote with timezone alignment to Pacific Time.

What is the compensation or salary for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What does the team structure and work process look like?

The role involves collaborating with cross-functional and large distributed teams using Scrum processes like sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives, participating in code/design reviews, and using tools like Slack, Jira, and Confluence.

What makes a strong candidate for this Senior/Lead Backend Engineer role?

Strong candidates have a solid track record in Java/Kotlin backend development, experience with high-load scalable systems on AWS, REST/GraphQL expertise, unit testing proficiency, and a history of collaborating effectively in distributed Scrum teams while providing technical guidance.

Upwork

Online platform connecting freelancers and clients

About Upwork

Upwork connects freelancers with clients looking for various services in the gig economy, which focuses on short-term contracts instead of permanent jobs. The platform allows freelancers to create profiles that showcase their skills, while clients can post job listings for specific projects. Freelancers bid on these projects, and clients choose the best candidates based on proposals and reviews. Upwork earns revenue through service fees charged to freelancers based on their earnings, with a tiered structure that rewards long-term client relationships. The platform also offers premium memberships and additional services for enhanced visibility and access to job listings. Upwork provides tools for time tracking, invoicing, and project management, making it easier for both freelancers and clients to manage their work and payments. The goal of Upwork is to facilitate successful project completion by bridging the gap between freelancers and clients.

San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2015Year Founded
$143.8MTotal Funding
IPOCompany Stage
Consulting, Enterprise SoftwareIndustries
10,001+Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Unlimited Paid Time Off
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Parental Leave
Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Risks

Increased competition from Fiverr and Toptal threatens Upwork's market share.
The new Fiverr-style Project Catalog may commoditize services, reducing freelancers' perceived value.
Strategic shifts under new management may not align with current client expectations.

Differentiation

Upwork connects freelancers with clients across diverse industries, enhancing global work opportunities.
The platform offers tools like time tracking and invoicing for efficient project management.
Upwork's tiered fee structure incentivizes long-term client relationships, differentiating it from competitors.

Upsides

Upwork's acquisition of Objective AI enhances its AI capabilities for better talent matching.
The introduction of Featured Jobs increases visibility for job posts, attracting more candidates.
Upwork's recognition as the top job posting site boosts its credibility among employers.

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