Backend Web Developer
Rugged Robotics is on a mission to empower the construction industry to build better by innovating new approaches to tough problems using automation. We are a fast-paced start-up environment where every employee takes on many roles and wears many hats. To help our customers to build better, we need to build the best team.
The software team at Rugged Robotics is responsible for prototyping, developing, and implementing software solutions that power the automation of our construction layout robots. As a Backend Web Developer, you'll be harnessing your technical and problem-solving skills to power our client-facing tools, streamline our data pipeline, and support our migration to the cloud.
The Role
- Design, build, and maintain backend services and APIs in PHP, Python, and JavaScript
- Work with modern frameworks such as Laravel, Flask, Django, and Next.js
- Architect and implement scalable, fault-tolerant backend systems that support users across regions
- Design and manage both relational and non-relational databases with performance and data integrity in mind
- Build and support data pipelines and processing workflows to handle large and complex data sets
- Ensure backend systems are secure by design and follow modern security best practices
- Integrate with and design APIs using REST, GraphQL, and WebSockets
- Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code
- Collaborate closely with frontend, DevOps, and product teams to deliver end-to-end features
- Participate in system architecture discussions, sprint planning, and code reviews
- Monitor and optimize backend performance and resource usage
- Help define and implement cloud-native deployment patterns and practices
You Are
- Someone with 5+ years of experience developing backend systems in two or more of: PHP, Python, or JavaScript (Node.js)
- Experienced with modern backend frameworks like Laravel, Flask, Django, Next.js, or Express
- Comfortable with (but not necessarily an expert in) C++
- Well-versed in RESTful architecture, GraphQL APIs, and WebSockets
- Experienced in building and scaling globally distributed systems with a focus on performance, reliability, and maintainability
- Deeply knowledgeable about database design and optimization for both SQL databases (like PostgreSQL or MySQL) and NoSQL solutions (like MongoDB or Redis)
- Capable of building and maintaining data pipelines for high-volume or complex data processing
- Proficient in secure coding practices and experienced in building systems with authentication, authorization, encryption, and audit logging
- Familiar with containerization tools like Docker and orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes
- Comfortable working with CI/CD pipelines and deploying to cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, or Azure
- Proficient with Git and modern development workflows
- An excellent problem-solver with clear communication skills
Great to Have
- Experience with serverless architecture and event-driven systems
- Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform or Pulumi
- Experience working with message queues or event buses (e.g., RabbitMQ, Kafka, SNS/SQS)
- Understanding of observability tools (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, OpenTelemetry)
- Knowledge of OAuth and other modern auth standards
- Experience with edge computing patterns for latency-sensitive applications
- Understanding of multitenant architecture and how to manage data and access separation at scale
- Experience managing API versioning and lifecycle best practices
- Exposure to CAD tools, architectural workflows, or robotics (professional or hobbyist)
Perks
- A full time, competitive salary with equity
- Flexible paid vacation from day one
- Paid Parental Leave
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
- 401k Plan available
Rugged Robotics is headquartered in Houston, TX in the vibrant neighborhood of East Downtown. This role requires close collaboration with teammates, and you’ll often be the go-to expert. Working from our office in Houston will unlock countless opportunities for spontaneous problem-solving, fast feedback, and career development.
Interested in Rugged Robotics but don't tick all the boxes? Don't see a role that meets your skills? Reach out, let us know how you think you can contribute to the team, and define your own position.
Rugged Robotics is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at our company. All qualified candidates will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, identity, age, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or other protected legal status.
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What We Do
Founded by a registered P.E. and a NASA engineer, Rugged Robotics is a Houston-based, construction technology company, aimed at improving labor productivity through the introduction of robotics and automation.
Rugged builds hardware enabled solutions to real world problems and is developing a portfolio of robotic platforms for use on commercial construction sites. Each product they offer solves an existing pain-point, performs tangible work, and saves contractors time and money.
Rugged's current focus is tackling the challenge of field layout. Rugged is replacing the error prone, manual layout process with an automated rover that marks fully coordinated A/E designs directly onto unfinished concrete floors. Their solution delivers fast, accurate, detailed, and coordinated layouts, enabling fast and efficient installation.
