Backend Engineer

In this role, you will: 

Develop and Implement (80%)   

• Develop robust, well-architected application logic using scalable design patterns with Node.js and modern JavaScript/TypeScript frameworks, supported by senior team members. 

• Use features of Amazon Web Services (AWS) to build and scale a “serverless” infrastructure that is purpose-built, efficient, and cost-effective for the application needs.  

• Apply infrastructure-as-code principles to automate deployment and scale services efficiently 

• Occasionally support frontend development using ReactJS for efficient responsive user interfaces  

Support and Troubleshooting (20%)   

• Own the resolution of bugs and issues in production, including participation in release cycles  

• Collaborate with engineers, analysts, and team leads to deliver resilient, high-quality software 

• Participate in application hardening efforts and ensure systems are well-documented and secure 

About you, you have 

• A bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or MIS or 2-3 years of software development experience with the College Board’s technology stack at least with: 

• Strong hands-on experience in JavaScript/TypeScript, Node.js, AWS (DynamoDB, S3, CloudFormation, Lambda, SNS, SQS) 

• Strong knowledge preferably hands-on experience in master data management (databases, data modeling, data structures) and some IaC 

• Python, React, AppSync, EventBridge, performance testing, and security knowledge are nice to haves 

• Strong focus on quality demonstrated by thoroughly testing code and using automation  

• Ability and enthusiasm to learn new technologies as required, are a good communicator with practical decision-making skills, and a believer in good comments and documentation  

• Experience in hands-on development of software applications for the web in a professional environment 

• Ability to travel 2-3 times a year  

• Ability to work on-call/after hours as needed to support critical operations and production releases  

• Authorization to work in the United States 

In addition, you are:  

• Communicative, approachable, and collaborative  

• Willing to learn, comfortable with failure, and self-driven  

• User and mission oriented  

• Generous in service of students, colleagues, and partners  

About Our Process   

• Application review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled   

• While the hiring process may vary, it generally includes resume and application submission, recruiter phone/video screen, hiring manager interview, performance exercise such as live coding or whiteboarding sessions, a panel interview, a conversation with leadership and reference checks.    

About Our Benefits and Compensation 

College Board offers a competitive benefits and compensation program that attracts top talent looking to make a difference in education. As a self-sustaining non-profit, we believe in compensating employees equitably in relation to each other, their qualifications, their impact, and the relevant market.  

The hiring range for a new employee in this position is $114,000 to $123,000.  

College Board differentiates salaries by location so where you live will narrow the portion of this range in which you can expect a salary.  Your salary will be carefully determined based on your location, relevant experience, the external labor market, and the pay of College Board employees in similar roles. College Board strives to provide our best offer up front based on this criteria.  

Your salary is only one part of all that College Board offers, including but not limited to:    

• A comprehensive package designed to support the well-being of employees and their families and promote education. Our robust benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid time off, paid parental leave, fertility benefits, pet insurance, tuition assistance, retirement benefits, and more 

• Recognition of exceptional performance through annual bonuses, salary growth over time through market increases, and opportunities for merit raises and promotions based on increased scope of responsibility 

• A job that matters, a team that cares, and a place to learn, innovate and thrive 

You can expect to have transparent conversations about benefits and compensation with our recruiters throughout your application process. 

About Our Culture: 

• We are motivated to positively impact the educational and career trajectories of millions of students a year.  

• We prioritize building a diverse and inclusive team where every employee can thrive, and every voice is heard.  

• We value learning and growth; we offer formal and informal ways to lead through your superpowers, sharpen your strengths, and meet your development goals.  

• Our high-performing engineers work with the latest technologies, so you will be constantly learning and sharpening your skills, enabling you to be industry-forward instead of left behind technologically.