Senior Backend Engineer - Fan Monetization at SoundCloud

New York, New York, United States

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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

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

GolangTypeScriptNode.jsGraphQLProtobufdistributed systemspayment integrations

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary range for this Senior Backend Engineer role?

The salary range is $130,000 - $170,000 annually, with the final offer based on experience, skills, internal equity, and location.

What is the work arrangement or location policy at SoundCloud?

SoundCloud offers a flexible work culture that accommodates work from home while providing opportunities to collaborate in person at offices in New York, Los Angeles, Berlin, and London.

What technical skills are required for this position?

The role requires production experience with Golang, TypeScript, Node.js, GraphQL, and Protobuf, plus 7+ years building high-traffic distributed systems. Experience with SQL/NoSQL databases, AWS, Terraform, and messaging systems like Kafka is a plus.

What is the company culture like at SoundCloud?

SoundCloud fosters an environment where everyone can learn and grow, with a focus on improving tools and processes for collaboration and productivity.

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

Strong candidates have 7+ years of experience with high-traffic distributed systems, proven independence with minimal guidance, strong ownership, and production experience in Golang, TypeScript, Node.js, GraphQL, and Protobuf.

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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