Build and maintain backend services, optimize system architecture, conduct code reviews, and resolve platform issues while ensuring scalability and performance of the marketplace.
The Role We Need:
PadSplit is looking for a senior Platform Engineer to strengthen our backend systems and ensure the stability, scalability, and performance of our core marketplace platform. This role is critical as we modernize our architecture, build new services, and improve reliability across our Django- and AWS-powered infrastructure. While primarily backend-focused, this engineer will occasionally partner on frontend work to support cross-pod needs.
The Person We Are Looking For:
We’re looking for a highly skilled backend-focused engineer who thrives in complex systems, enjoys untangling technical challenges, and writes clean, maintainable code. You bring deep experience with Django and AWS, a strong sense of ownership, and the ability to collaborate effectively in a multi-pod, cross-functional engineering environment. You’re adaptable, thoughtful, and energized by the mission of building technology that expands access to affordable housing.
Here’s What You’ll Do Day-To-Day:
- Backend Development: Build, optimize, and maintain core Django services and APIs.
- System Architecture: Design scalable, secure solutions to support marketplace growth.
- Code Quality: Conduct code reviews and uphold engineering best practices and standards.
- Data Management: Work with Postgres and other data systems to ensure accuracy and performance.
- Cross-Pod Support: Collaborate with other pods and contribute to occasional frontend needs.
- Issue Resolution: Investigate, debug, and resolve platform bugs and performance bottlenecks.
- Team Collaboration: Participate in standups, planning, and alignment with Product and QA.
Here’s What You’ll Need To Be Successful:
- Django Expertise: Advanced experience building backend systems with Python/Django.
- AWS Proficiency: Hands-on experience with AWS services (EC2, RDS, S3, Lambdas, etc.).
- Database Skills: Strong command of Postgres or similar relational databases.
- API Development: Proven ability to design, build, and maintain RESTful APIs.
- Frontend Flexibility: Comfort jumping into React-based frontend tasks when needed.
- Scalability Mindset: Ability to architect solutions that support a rapidly growing platform.
- Strong Debugging: Skilled at diagnosing complex issues across services and infrastructure.
- Collaboration & Ownership: Clear communication, cross-functional partnership, and a proactive approach in an agile environment.
The Interview Process:
- Your application will be reviewed for possible next steps by the Hiring Manager.
- If you meet eligibility requirements, the next step would be a video screen with a member of the PeopleOps team for about thirty (30) minutes.
- If warranted, the next step would be a video interview with our VP of Engineering for one (1) hour.
- If warranted, the next step would be a video panel interview with key stakeholders at PadSplit for two (2) hours.
- The panel interview will require a candidate to work on a technical assessment where you will showcase your software skills to the panel for discussion.
- If warranted, then we move to contract!
Notice to Applicants:
PadSplit participates in E-Verify. All new employees are required to complete an I-9 form and be authorized to work in the United States. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the E-Verify process.
PadSplit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Top Skills
AWS
Django
Postgres
Python
React
Similar Jobs
eCommerce • Food • Pet
The Veterinary Medical Affairs Manager will enhance TFD's interactions with veterinarians, support customer needs, and generate insights for improved veterinary relationships. They will provide education to customer experience teams and lead engagement initiatives while collaborating across teams to deliver impactful solutions.
Artificial Intelligence • Enterprise Web • Information Technology • Productivity • Sales • Software • Database
Conduct user research to gather insights into behaviors and needs, develop personas and journey maps, facilitate usability testing, and analyze data to enhance products. Collaborate cross-functionally, coach junior researchers, and stay updated on industry trends while driving a user-centric product development approach.
Top Skills:
AIMixed Methods ResearchUx Research
Cloud • Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Automation
Lead GitLab's public sector engagements, focusing on building partnerships with DoD and FSI, structuring services for complex DevSecOps projects, and driving measurable outcomes for clients.
Top Skills:
AICloudDevsecopsSoftware Development Lifecycle (Sdlc)
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
