Design and implement scalable backend systems using Node.js, integrate payment gateways, and collaborate with AI and frontend teams.
Backend Engineer (Node.js / MERN) Onsite in Chicago, IL (USA)
Employment Type: Full‑Time
Location: Chicago, IL
Work Setup: In‑person (no hybrid/remote)
Work authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis now and in the future. We are unable to sponsor employment visas.
About Performance AI
Performance AI builds production‑grade AI solutions that help mid‑size companies run smarter and grow faster. Join a fast, engineering‑led team in Chicago where you’ll ship real features, own systems end‑to‑end, and see your work make an immediate impact across healthcare and fintech.
What You’ll Do
- Design & ship APIs: Build robust REST and GraphQL services with Node.js/Express that power real products.
- Own payments: Integrate and harden Stripe and other gateways for reliability, security, and scale.
- Partner with the frontend: Collaborate with React/Next.js teams to define contracts and deliver seamless experiences.
- Scale with confidence: Architect containerized services (Docker), automate CI/CD, and champion observability.
- Put AI in production: Integrate LLMs, shape prompts, and wire model outputs into secure backend flows.
- Tune data stores: Model, index, and optimize MongoDB & MySQL for performance and reliability.
- Raise the bar: Participate in code reviews, testing, and performance profiling; document decisions clearly.
Must‑Have Qualifications
- 3+ years of backend development with Node.js (Express or similar).
- Proven experience delivering REST/GraphQL APIs used in production.
- Working knowledge of React/Next.js collaboration patterns (not a pure FE role).
- Comfortable with Docker, containerized workflows, and CI/CD.
- Experience with microservices and/or event‑driven architectures.
- Understanding of LLM integrations and basic prompt engineering patterns.
- Strong communication, ownership mindset, and collaborative problem‑solving.
Preferred Qualifications
- Redis, RabbitMQ, or comparable messaging/queuing systems.
- Cloud familiarity (AWS/GCP/Azure) and infrastructure as code.
- Open‑source contributions or meaningful personal projects in blockchain/AI.
- Testing & reliability chops (e.g., Jest, Playwright, k6, Postman/Newman).
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Real impact, fast: Short feedback loops, direct access to decision‑makers, and ownership of critical services.
- Hard problems, modern stack: Payments, healthcare, and AI—done the right way.
- In‑person energy: High‑bandwidth collaboration in our Chicago office to ship faster and learn quicker.
- Growth: Clear scope expansion, architecture ownership opportunities, and exposure to multiple product domains.
- Competitive package: Market‑aligned compensation with strong benefits and in‑office perks.
Ready to build with us in Chicago?
Send your resume/GitHub/LinkedIn to [email protected] with the subject “Backend Engineer — Chicago”.
Performance AI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive, supportive workplace.
Performance AI Chicago, Illinois, USA Office
Prudential Tower, 180 North Stetson Avenue, Ste 3500, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60601
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What you need to know about the Chicago Tech Scene
With vibrant neighborhoods, great food and more affordable housing than either coast, Chicago might be the most liveable major tech hub. It is the birthplace of modern commodities and futures trading, a national hub for logistics and commerce, and home to the American Medical Association and the American Bar Association. This diverse blend of industry influences has helped Chicago emerge as a major player in verticals like fintech, biotechnology, legal tech, e-commerce and logistics technology. It’s also a major hiring center for tech companies on both coasts.
Key Facts About Chicago Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 245,800; 5.2% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: McDonald’s, John Deere, Boeing, Morningstar
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, software, logistics technology
- Funding Landscape: $2.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Pritzker Group Venture Capital, Arch Venture Partners, MATH Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
