Senior Backend Engineer - Fan Monetization at SoundCloud

New York, New York, United States

SoundCloud Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Music, TechnologyIndustries

Requirements

  • 7+ years of experience building and operating high-traffic distributed systems
  • Proven ability to function independently with minimal guidance, while collaborating effectively with frontend engineers, product managers, and stakeholders
  • Strong sense of ownership and accountability from project start to delivery
  • Production experience shipping services in Golang, TypeScript, Node.js, GraphQL, and Protobuf
  • Experience with SQL and NoSQL databases such as PostgreSQL, DynamoDB, MySQL, BigQuery, and Redis (plus)
  • Hands-on experience deploying and managing services in cloud environments (AWS preferred) using Terraform for infrastructure as code
  • Familiarity with messaging/queuing systems such as Kafka, Kinesis, and SQS
  • Passionate about using emerging AI technologies to enhance coding and software quality

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and maintain high-performance services using Golang, TypeScript, Node.js, GraphQL, and Protobuf
  • Build and scale backend systems that power fan-to-artist monetization features, helping fans support their favorite artists
  • Integrate with payment solutions and expose functionality directly to web and mobile frontends
  • Collaborate with product leadership, payments experts, and engineering teams across SoundCloud
  • Become a domain expert in fan monetization and artist-fan engagement
  • Communicate team needs to the wider organization to ensure efficiency and alignment
  • Operate independently with simple guidance, driving projects from inception to completion

Skills

Golang
TypeScript
Node.js
GraphQL
Protobuf
distributed systems
payment integrations

SoundCloud

Digital music streaming platform for creators

About SoundCloud

SoundCloud is a digital music streaming platform that allows users to listen to a vast library of over 265 million music tracks for free. Users can access music online, making it a popular choice for individual listeners, artists, bands, DJs, and audio creators. The platform operates on a multifaceted business model, offering a free tier with ads and premium subscription plans like SoundCloud Go and SoundCloud Go+, which provide ad-free listening, offline access, and higher audio quality. Additionally, SoundCloud has a monetization program called SoundCloud Premier, which enables artists to earn money from their tracks through ad revenue and fan support. This focus on both music consumers and creators, along with its extensive library and community of content creators, sets SoundCloud apart from its competitors. The company's goal is to enrich the music experience for users while providing opportunities for artists to monetize their work.

Berlin, GermanyHeadquarters
2007Year Founded
$450.8MTotal Funding
SERIES_GCompany Stage
Consumer Software, EntertainmentIndustries
501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans, as well as mental health resources
Robust 401k program
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
Generous professional development allowance
Interested in a gym membership, photography course or book? We have a Creativity and Wellness benefit!
Flexible vacation and public holiday policy where you can take up to 35 days of PTO annually
16 paid weeks for all parents (birthing and non-birthing), regardless of gender, to welcome newborns, adopted and foster children
Various snacks, goodies, and 2 free lunches weekly when at the office

Risks

Cheaper artist plans may reduce revenue per user without a subscriber increase.
SoundCloud's merch store faces competition from established platforms like Bandcamp and Teespring.
New algorithms may face backlash if perceived as unfair or ineffective by artists.

Differentiation

SoundCloud offers a unique social platform for creators to connect with fans globally.
The platform's vast library of 265 million tracks sets it apart from competitors.
SoundCloud's artist monetization program, SoundCloud Premier, attracts a diverse creator community.

Upsides

AI-driven music tools enhance user engagement with personalized experiences and innovative content.
'Fan-powered' Buzzing Playlists increase user interaction by spotlighting emerging artists.
The beta merchandise program provides additional revenue streams, enhancing artist loyalty.

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