We’re building Rumor, a data-rich, AI-enhanced platform powering culture’s most important events. Our focus now is on real-time intelligence: profile enrichment, discovery, recommendations, and network graph. We’re looking for a Senior Founding Engineer to design and own the backend systems that make this possible.
What You’ll LeadCore backend architecture: evolve our microservices, data models, API layer, and system reliability.
Data & intelligence layer: build enrichment pipelines, scoring engines, and recommendation logic.
Cross-product execution: ship features across Host Portal, Member App, and Admin tools in tight partnership with product + design.
Technical decisions: set patterns, improve tooling, drive performance, and shape the engineering culture.
6–10+ years engineering experience, ideally across startups and system design.
Strength in backend architecture, distributed systems, and microservices.
Experience with Node.js/NestJS, TypeScript, Postgres, Redis, AWS, queues, and event-driven architectures.
Strong grasp of data modeling, search, rankings, and real-time systems.
Ability to move fast without breaking quality — pragmatic, not academic.
Comfortable owning large scopes and collaborating closely with product/design.
Contract with the intention to convert to full-time
NYC preferred (hybrid)
High ownership, high impact, high visibility role
Skills Required
- 6-10+ years of engineering experience
- Experience with startup environments and system design
- Backend architecture, distributed systems, and microservices expertise
- Experience with Node.js and NestJS
- Experience with TypeScript
- Experience with PostgreSQL
- Experience with Redis
- Experience with AWS
- Experience with queues and event-driven architectures
- Strong understanding of data modeling, search, rankings, and real-time systems
- Ability to move quickly while maintaining quality
- Ability to own large scopes and collaborate with product and design
What We Do
Rumor is a private network and event platform connecting the people and experiences that shape culture. Its platform lets hosts manage RSVPs, curate influential guests, and run exclusive events, while members discover and access invite-only experiences across music, art, fashion, and tech. It combines guest management, social data, and recommendations into an operating system for culture's biggest moments.
