Senior Backend Developer & Project Manager

Company Description

Spitfire Communications is a full-service employee communications firm that specializes in communicating to recruits, employees, and retirees. We excel in collaboration with multiple corporate teams to execute integrated and engaging internal communication campaigns. Our creative and energetic approach turns ideas into results, from strategy and design to production and distribution. We pride ourselves on meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations with customized solutions that fit each client's unique environment. At Spitfire, our sole focus is employee communication, backed by a team of experienced professionals.

Position Overview

We are looking for a dynamic and innovative person to help us develop a transformative web app designed to empower users to manage their health and wellness seamlessly. We are seeking a talented and motivated Project Lead to drive the development and delivery of this exciting product.

The Project Lead will oversee the end-to-end development of our new product, with a focus on backend development, vendor coordination, and internal team collaboration. This role combines technical expertise, project management, and leadership to ensure the successful delivery of a scalable, secure, and user-focused application. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with strong backend development skills and experience managing cross-functional teams and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Leadership: Oversee all aspects of the new offering’s development, including planning, execution, and delivery, ensuring alignment with business goals and timelines.
• Backend Development: Design, develop, and maintain robust backend systems, APIs, and integrations to support the app’s functionality, scalability, and performance.
• Vendor Management: Collaborate with external vendors to integrate third-party services, APIs, or tools, ensuring seamless compatibility and adherence to project specifications.
• Team Coordination: Lead and mentor an internal team of designers, and product specialists, fostering collaboration and ensuring high-quality deliverables.
• Technical Architecture: Define and implement the technical architecture for the backend, ensuring security, scalability, and compliance with industry standards (e.g., SOC2, HIPAA, ISO, GDPR as applicable).
• Stakeholder Communication: Act as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, providing regular updates on project progress, risks, and milestones.
• Quality Assurance: Oversee testing and quality assurance processes to ensure the app meets performance, security, and user experience standards.
• Roadmap Development: Work with product managers to define and prioritize features, enhancements, and technical debt resolution for the new offering.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience:
• 5+ years of experience in backend development, with proficiency in languages such as Python, Node.js, Java, or similar.
• 2+ years of project leadership or management experience, preferably in a SaaS or app development environment.
• Proven experience working with external vendors or third-party APIs/services.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in an agile development environment.
• Technical Skills:
• Expertise in backend frameworks (e.g., Django, Express, Spring) and database technologies (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB).
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and microservices architecture.
• Knowledge of API design and integration (REST, GraphQL).
• Understanding of security and compliance standards (e.g., SOC2, HIPAA, GDPR) is a plus.
• Soft Skills:
• Strong leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to motivate and align diverse teams.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Problem-solving mindset with a focus on delivering high-quality, user-centric solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the health or wellness technology sector.
• Familiarity with frontend development or full-stack experience to facilitate collaboration with UI/UX teams.
• Knowledge of DevOps practices (e.g., CI/CD, containerization) for streamlined development and deployment.
• Prior experience launching a consumer-facing mobile or web application.

Why Join Us

• Be at the forefront of building a transformative product that impacts users’ lives.
• Work in a collaborative, innovative environment with a passionate team.
• Opportunity to lead a high-visibility project with significant growth potential.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected status.