Backend Engineer (Node.js, Python)
Sundayy · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $150,000 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Lead backend development for music discovery.
- Architect scalable APIs and microservices.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Optimize for low latency and high availability.
- Mentor junior engineers and set best practices.
About the role
About The Company
Harman International is a global leader in connected technologies, lifestyle audio, and automotive solutions. Established in the 1920s, the company has built a legacy of innovation in sound amplification and digital transformation. Harman's portfolio encompasses a wide range of renowned brands including JBL, Harman/Kardon, Revel, and Mark Levinson, which are recognized for their high-quality audio and entertainment products. The company is committed to delivering cutting-edge technological solutions that enhance everyday experiences in automotive, consumer, and professional markets. With a focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability, Harman continues to set industry standards by creating intelligent, connected systems that make the world smarter, safer, and more immersive. Its mission is to unleash next-level technology that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences, making a lasting impact on consumers and industries worldwide.
About The Role
Harman International is seeking a highly skilled Principal Backend Engineer to join its Music Discovery Platform team. In this pivotal role, you will lead the development of scalable, high-performance backend systems that power our innovative music discovery and metadata services. Your expertise will be instrumental in architecting and building APIs that facilitate seamless music search, personalized recommendations, and user interactions, ensuring a smooth and engaging user experience. As a key member of the Data Team, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including product managers, frontend developers, and data scientists to develop data-driven features that enhance the platform’s capabilities. Your work will involve designing robust data models, managing integrations with third-party music metadata providers, and optimizing backend services for low latency and high availability. This role offers an exciting opportunity to influence the future of music discovery technology by driving technical innovation, mentoring junior engineers, and establishing best practices for backend development in a dynamic, global environment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field
- 10+ years of experience in backend services development
- Proficiency in backend programming languages such as Node.js, Python, or Go
- Deep understanding of API design, microservices architecture, and cloud-native development
- Hands-on experience with cloud platforms including Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft Azure
- Expertise with containerization and orchestration tools like Docker and Kubernetes
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines for automated build, test, and deployment processes
- Knowledge of databases such as PostgreSQL, BigQuery, or similar, along with caching strategies and message queues like Kafka or RabbitMQ
- Familiarity with music metadata standards, recommendation systems, or audio streaming APIs is a plus
- Experience with machine learning pipelines or recommendation engines is desirable
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively in a remote environment
Responsibilities
- Architect and develop robust, scalable, and secure APIs for music catalog, search, and recommendation services
- Design and optimize data models, managing integrations with third-party metadata providers, streaming platforms, and analytics tools
- Lead backend engineering efforts by establishing coding standards, conducting code reviews, and mentoring junior team members
- Collaborate with product teams, frontend developers, and data scientists to define API contracts and ensure seamless user experiences
- Implement performance optimization techniques to ensure low latency and high system availability
- Set up and maintain observability tools for monitoring, logging, and alerting to ensure system reliability and uptime
- Evaluate and incorporate new technologies, frameworks, and best practices to improve development velocity and system capabilities
- Drive innovation in backend architecture to support evolving product requirements and scalability needs
Benefits
- Competitive wellness benefits and 401K retirement savings plan
- Inclusive and diverse work environment promoting career growth
- Flexible work schedule supporting work-life balance
- Professional development opportunities through Harman University’s training programs and courses
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education
- Access to employee discounts on Harman products such as JBL, Harman/Kardon, and others
- Recognition and rewards programs including "Be Brilliant"
- Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, and vision plans
- Paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, volunteer leave, and parental leave options
Equal Opportunity
Harman is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and respected. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and provide reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process to ensure equal access. Our goal is to build a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to foster an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to our shared success.
Key skills/competency
- Principal Backend Engineer
- Node.js
- Python
- API Design
- Microservices Architecture
- Cloud-Native Development
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Microsoft Azure
- Docker and Kubernetes
Skills & topics
- Principal Backend Engineer
- Node.js
- Python
- API Design
- Microservices
- Cloud-Native
- GCP
- AWS
- Azure
- Docker
- Kubernetes
- Backend Development
- Music Technology
- Software Engineering
- Remote
- Lead Engineer
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight experience with Node.js, Python, API design, and cloud platforms (GCP, AWS, Azure) relevant to Principal Backend Engineer roles.
- Showcase leadership: Emphasize any experience architecting scalable systems, mentoring engineers, and defining best practices in your application.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss microservices, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), databases (PostgreSQL, BigQuery), and CI/CD pipelines.
- Demonstrate collaboration: Prepare examples of working with product managers, frontend developers, and data scientists in a remote setting.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the primary responsibilities of a Principal Backend Engineer at Harman International?
- As a Principal Backend Engineer at Harman International, you will lead the development of scalable backend systems for music discovery, architect APIs for search and recommendations, optimize data models, integrate with third-party providers, and mentor junior engineers. Your role is crucial in driving technical innovation and ensuring high system availability.
- What programming languages and technologies are most important for this Principal Backend Engineer role?
- Proficiency in Node.js and Python is essential. A deep understanding of API design, microservices architecture, cloud platforms (GCP, AWS, Azure), Docker, Kubernetes, and databases like PostgreSQL or BigQuery are also critical for success in this position.
- Does Harman International offer remote work for Principal Backend Engineers?
- Yes, this Principal Backend Engineer position is a remote role, allowing for collaboration within a global environment while maintaining a flexible work schedule. Harman International is committed to supporting work-life balance for its employees.
- What kind of experience is required for the Principal Backend Engineer position at Harman International?
- Harman International requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and over 10 years of experience in backend services development. Demonstrable expertise in API design, microservices, cloud-native development, and containerization is key.
- How can I best highlight my qualifications for the Principal Backend Engineer job at Harman International?
- To best highlight your qualifications, focus on showcasing your experience in architecting scalable backend systems, leading engineering efforts, mentoring junior developers, and your technical skills in Node.js, Python, cloud platforms, and microservices. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
- What are the benefits of working as a Principal Backend Engineer at Harman International?
- Harman International offers a competitive benefits package including wellness benefits, 401K, comprehensive health coverage, paid time off, professional development through Harman University, tuition reimbursement, and employee discounts on products. They also foster an inclusive and diverse work environment.
- Is there an opportunity for career growth in this Principal Backend Engineer role?
- Absolutely. This role offers opportunities to influence the future of music discovery technology, drive technical innovation, and mentor junior engineers. Harman University also provides extensive professional development and training programs to support career growth.