Founding Backend Engineer - Marketplace and Logistics - Remote (USA)

Role Summary

• Job Title: Founding Backend Engineer
• Location: Remote
• Company: Flocker

We’ve spent two years building Flocker ’s strategy, design, and systems, and we’re now looking for one more builder to help complete our final pre-launch phase and ship a public iOS/Android app in the next 4–6 months.

We’re seeking a highly skilled and motivated Founding Backend Engineer with expertise in marketplace architecture, geospatial matching, and scalable system design. You’ll join a small, collaborative team with experience from Google, Meta, ByteDance, Coinbase and Microsoft Research—bringing together excellence in design, science, and engineering.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain Flocker ’s backend services and APIs (FastAPI + PostgreSQL, migrating to DynamoDB over time).
• Implement authentication, session management, and secure cookie flows (FastAPI Users + CloudFront).
• Develop and scale real-time data pipelines (Kinesis, Lambda, S3) for interaction logging and personalization.
• Build and optimize media handling pipelines (image/video upload, compression, CDN delivery via CloudFront).
• Architect and tune database schemas (Postgres → DynamoDB single-table design) with focus on cost-efficient scale.
• Collaborate with mobile/frontend engineers to deliver seamless, low-latency user experiences.
• Engage in the full software development lifecycle: design, coding, testing, deployment.
• Work in a fast-moving, agile startup environment — iterating quickly and adjusting priorities based on learning and feedback.

Requirements

You’re Right For This If

• 5+ years designing, building, and scaling backend systems to millions of users.
• Expert in modern backend development (FastAPI, Django, Flask, or similar).
• Proven ability to build and launch products (startup, side project, or even a failed venture).
• Experience with relational databases (Postgres/MySQL) and exposure to NoSQL systems.
• Track record of shipped products or platforms we can see live today.
• Leadership ability, self-motivation, and comfort navigating ambiguity.
• Ready to operate with founder-level ownership and commitment.
• Bonus: Experience with real-time data pipelines, cloud infrastructure (AWS), or consumer apps.
• Bonus: Demonstrated experience building or scaling marketplace platforms with integrated logistics flows (matching, routing, ticketing, or fulfillment systems). e.g. Uber, Lyft, Airbnb, or Doordash.
• Application Process: If you are passionate about building massively scalable, cost-effective consumer-facing systems and want to be a part of a dynamic startup environment, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume, along with your LinkedIn profile link.
• Flocker is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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