Macadam

We're looking for a passionate Backend Engineering Lead to drive technical excellence and lead a talented team focused on building high-performance backend systems.

🎯 Responsibilities

1. Design, build, and maintain robust backend services and APIs using NestJS and TypeScript.
2. Own architecture and delivery on core systems including gamification engine, in-app economy, and map infrastructure.
3. Architect and optimize PostgreSQL schemas and queries for large-scale performance.
4. Implement and manage Redis caching strategies.
5. Leverage Google Cloud Platform (Cloud Run, Pub/Sub, Cloud Storage) for deployment and infrastructure.
6. Drive end-to-end technical decisions, from design to production.
7. Document critical systems, distribute ownership, and harden key components to reduce risk.
8. Champion adoption of AI tooling to boost team productivity.
9. Proactively identify and mitigate technical risks.
10. Improve backend processes, track team performance, and enhance release discipline and stability.
11. Manage a team of 5 backend engineers, conducting 1:1s, giving direct feedback, and fostering professional growth.
12. Translate product and business priorities into actionable technical plans.
13. Serve as a proactive communication bridge between backend and other teams.
14. Mentor team members, helping identify and close skills gaps through effective delegation and support.

🛠️ Requirements

1. 6+ years of experience in backend development, with hands-on work on production systems at scale.
2. Deep expertise in TypeScript and NestJS, with a reputation as a technical go-to for complex problems.
3. Strong PostgreSQL skills, including indexing, query optimization, and schema design for large-scale systems.
4. Hands-on experience with Redis and Google Cloud Platform.
5. Experience with Prisma ORM or similar is a strong plus.
6. Proven experience leading or mentoring engineers, delivering direct feedback, and nurturing team growth.
7. Comfortable with scoping work before building and challenging unnecessary complexity.
8. Proactive communicator who surfaces risks early without prompting.
9. Fluent in English.

🧰 Technical Toolbox

1. Backend: Node.js with TypeScript, NestJS, Prisma ORM
2. Database: PostgreSQL, Redis (caching)
3. Infrastructure: Google Cloud Platform (Cloud Run, Pub/Sub, Cloud Storage)
4. Mobile: React Native with TypeScript
5. Analytics: BigQuery, Mixpanel, Metabase
6. Practices: REST APIs, CI/CD pipelines, code reviews, agile sprints

🤗 We offer

1. Opportunities to lead impactful projects used by millions from day one.
2. Professional growth, learning opportunities, and international exposure.
3. Supportive, talented, and passionate international team environment.
4. Central office location in Barcelona.
5. Meal voucher.
6. Wellness allowance (Urban Sports).
7. Private healthcare.
8. Hybrid working culture with international flexibility.
9. Additional holiday days.
10. Friday team lunches.
11. Regular company events and offsites.

🌟 What Sets This Role Apart

1. Hands-on leadership (70% individual contributor, 30% management).
2. Direct impact on product and technical direction in a mission-driven environment.
3. Opportunities to shape backend best practices and advance a fast-growing, international product.