Backend Customer Success Engineer (Kotlin Ecosystem)
JetBrains · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $180,000 / year
- United States
Tailored resume — keyword-matched to this role.
Hiring manager — we find who's hiring.
Intro email — drafted to reach them directly.
Job highlights
- Help teams adopt Kotlin for backend development.
- Guide Java teams in migrating to Kotlin.
- Troubleshoot, integrate, and scale Kotlin applications.
- Design and implement Kotlin migration paths.
- Engage with users on Kotlin adoption process.
About the role
About JetBrains
Code is our passion. Ever since we started, back in 2000, we have strived to make the strongest, most effective developer tools on earth. By automating routine checks and corrections, our tools speed up production, freeing developers to grow, discover, and create. We’re now looking for a Customer Success Engineer (CSE) to help engineering teams successfully adopt Kotlin on the backend in real-world production environments. Currently, this role is focused on adoption – helping Java teams introduce Kotlin into existing applications. You’ll work directly with organizations to guide migration, integration, troubleshooting, and scaling, ensuring they move from initial experiments to successful production use. In addition, you’ll proactively communicate with prospective users to help them understand the Kotlin adoption process, as well as design and implement the migration path.Responsibilities
- Track and maintain visibility into organizations and their stage of Kotlin adoption (e.g., not started, evaluating, experimenting, production)
- Proactively engage with organizations across different phases of their Kotlin adoption journey
- Develop and recommend high-level adoption strategies tailored to each organization’s context
- Identify and document blockers that hinder progress and propose ways to address them
- Establish and manage feedback loops with development teams to ensure continuous alignment and improvement
What We're Looking For
Technical Expertise
- Extensive hands-on experience with Kotlin, Java, and the JVM ecosystem
- Proven experience migrating Java backend codebases to Kotlin
- Experience with the Spring (Boot) ecosystem or similar frameworks (e.g., Quarkus, Micronaut, Ktor)
- Solid understanding of build tools and project structuring, including Maven and Gradle
Communication and Customer Engagement
- Experience in customer-facing technical roles such as Solutions Engineering, Developer Advocacy, or Technical Consulting
- Strong English communication skills, both written and spoken
- Ability to lead workshops, demos, talks, meetups, and other public-facing activities
- Comfort with outbound engagement, including identifying target companies, articulating value propositions, and building relationships with engineering teams
- Ability to effectively communicate with engineers, tech leads, and business stakeholders
System Design and Architecture
- Ability to design and guide Kotlin adoption strategies for backend applications
- Experience designing backend systems using common architectural patterns (e.g., monolith, modulith, microservices)
Compensation
This range reflects the employer’s good-faith estimate of the base salary it reasonably expects to pay for the position at the time of posting. Starting pay within the range will be determined based on job-related factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, and work location. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an annual bonus, commission, or other incentive compensation, subject to the terms of the applicable plan or program. The base salary range (per year) for this position in the posted work location(s) is $96,000 - $180,000 USDEqual Opportunity Employer
We know great ideas can come from anyone, anywhere. That’s why we do our best to create an open and inclusive workplace – one that welcomes everyone regardless of their background, identity, religion, age, accessibility needs, or orientation. We process the data provided in your job application in accordance with the Recruitment Privacy Policy.Key skills/competency
Backend Development, Kotlin, Java, JVM Ecosystem, Spring Boot, Customer Success, Technical Consulting, System Design, Migration Strategy, Developer ToolsSkills & topics
- Backend Development
- Customer Success
- Kotlin
- Java
- JVM
- Spring Boot
- Solutions Engineering
- Developer Advocacy
- Technical Consulting
- System Design
- Migration
- JetBrains
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your expertise in Kotlin, Java, JVM, and backend frameworks like Spring Boot. Emphasize customer-facing technical roles and migration experience.
- Showcase your technical skills: Prepare to discuss your experience with build tools (Maven, Gradle), system design patterns, and migrating Java backends to Kotlin.
- Demonstrate communication abilities: Be ready to explain how you've led workshops, demos, or public-facing technical sessions.
- Prepare for system design questions: Review common backend architectural patterns and how you'd guide Kotlin adoption strategies.
- Research JetBrains' culture: Understand their passion for developer tools and their commitment to an inclusive workplace.
Technical preparation
Master Kotlin, Java, and JVM ecosystem.,Practice migrating Java backends to Kotlin.,Familiarize with Spring Boot and Gradle.,Review backend architectural patterns.
Behavioral questions
Describe a challenging migration project you led.,How do you handle difficult customer feedback?,Explain a complex technical concept simply.,How do you build relationships with stakeholders?
Frequently asked questions
- What are the primary responsibilities of a Backend Customer Success Engineer at JetBrains?
- As a Backend Customer Success Engineer at JetBrains, you will focus on helping engineering teams successfully adopt Kotlin for their backend applications. This involves guiding Java teams through migration, integration, troubleshooting, and scaling, from initial experiments to full production use. You'll also proactively communicate with prospective users about the Kotlin adoption process and design migration paths.
- What technical skills are essential for this Backend Customer Success Engineer role at JetBrains?
- Essential technical skills include extensive hands-on experience with Kotlin, Java, and the JVM ecosystem. You should have proven experience migrating Java backend codebases to Kotlin, familiarity with the Spring (Boot) ecosystem or similar frameworks (like Quarkus, Micronaut, Ktor), and a solid understanding of build tools such as Maven and Gradle.
- What kind of customer engagement experience does JetBrains look for in a Backend Customer Success Engineer?
- JetBrains seeks candidates with experience in customer-facing technical roles like Solutions Engineering, Developer Advocacy, or Technical Consulting. Strong English communication skills, the ability to lead workshops and demos, and comfort with outbound engagement are crucial. You should be adept at building relationships with engineers, tech leads, and business stakeholders.
- Does JetBrains offer remote work for the Backend Customer Success Engineer position?
- The job description does not explicitly state the work arrangement (remote, hybrid, or on-site). Typically, JetBrains offers flexibility, but it's best to confirm this detail during the application or interview process. Based on the provided information, it's a US-based role with a salary range, suggesting potential for various arrangements.
- What is the expected salary range for a Backend Customer Success Engineer at JetBrains?
- The base salary range for this position is $96,000 - $180,000 USD per year. The final salary will depend on factors such as your skills, qualifications, experience, and work location. The role may also be eligible for additional compensation like bonuses or commissions.
- How does JetBrains approach system design and architecture for this role?
- For this role, JetBrains looks for the ability to design and guide Kotlin adoption strategies for backend applications. You should also have experience designing backend systems using common architectural patterns, such as monoliths, moduliths, or microservices.
- What is JetBrains' policy on equal opportunity and diversity for this Backend Customer Success Engineer role?
- JetBrains is committed to creating an open and inclusive workplace. They welcome everyone regardless of their background, identity, religion, age, accessibility needs, or orientation, recognizing that great ideas can come from anywhere.