Senior Backend Application Engineer - Architect

Manifest is hiring a seasoned Senior Backend Application Engineer - Architect to architect and scale the core infrastructure behind our data-driven platform. You’ll play a critical role in designing resilient backend systems and high-throughput data flows that support real-time insights for some of the world’s most important organizations. This is a high-impact position for someone excited to solve complex architectural challenges in a fast-moving, high-scale environment.
The impact you will have:

• Design and build robust, scalable backend systems that serve as the foundation for intelligent software workflows
• Drive system architecture and backend design decisions in support of high-volume, low-latency applications
• Partner with cross-functional teams to evolve our platform capabilities in ways that are maintainable, performant, and extensible
• Improve system efficiency, reliability, and scalability as we grow
• Help define and uphold engineering best practices across the organization

As a Senior Backend Application Engineer - Architect:

• Lead the architecture and development of backend services and data processing pipelines
• Design for scale, reliability, and observability to support growing volumes of data and traffic
• Collaborate with engineers, product managers, and designers to shape product features with strong backend considerations
• Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks and technical debt
• Contribute to a strong engineering culture through code reviews, technical discussions, and mentorship
• Continuously assess and refine our backend systems to support evolving business and product needs

We are looking for you to bring the following skills and experience to the team:

• 8+ years of experience in backend software engineering, with a focus on scalable systems and architectural design
• A strong understanding of distributed systems, data flow architecture, and backend performance patterns
• Proven ability to scale high-throughput services and deliver production-quality systems
• Experience working across the software development lifecycle—from concept and design to deployment and monitoring
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, startup environment
• Comfort learning new tools and languages as needed—technology is a means, not a barrier

Bonus but not required:

• Familiarity with ETL workflows or stream processing architectures
• Exposure to modern backend ecosystems, including API design, microservices, and data infrastructure
• Exposure to AI/ML features or intelligent automation from a product integration standpoint

The benefits of working at Manifest include:

• 🔍 Help organizations get new-found visibility into their software, and be more secure!
• 🌎 Fully remote work (with potential for hybrid co-working)
• 🌴 Unlimited PTO (which we take seriously)
• 🏥 Medical/dental/vision insurance coverage for you and your dependents paid at 100%!
• 💵 Competitive salary & meaningful stock options
• 🏦 401(k) and retirement options
• ⚒️ Help get in at the ground floor of a well-funded, early stage startup!
• 🦄 Additional benefits to come (retirement, holiday gifts, etc.)