Senior Backend Engineer

ChargerHelp! Inc. is a California-based tech company on a mission to power up the EV ecosystem.  We're not just solving a challenge; we're driving the charge towards a sustainable future. Our EMPWR platform provides Reliability as a Service (RaaS), delivering data-driven insights that keep electric vehicle charging stations operating smoothly.

We're a dynamic, mission-driven startup that believes in innovation, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to quality. If you join us, you'll be part of a team that's leading EV reliability and helping shape the future of transportation and environmental sustainability.

We're looking for a Senior Backend Engineer to join our small, highly collaborative team. You'll work closely with our engineering lead to develop and enhance our Rails codebase while having significant influence on our technical direction as we grow. This role combines hands-on development with the chance to build cutting-edge AI-enhanced software that transforms how EV charging infrastructure is maintained and managed.

On our nimble team, you'll have significant autonomy and impact. We value engineers who thrive in startup environments, take ownership, and are excited about implementing ambitious solutions that provide real-world value to our customers.

You'll be joining a lean, balanced engineering team consisting of:

• Engineering Lead (Rails expert who actively contributes to the codebase daily)

• Senior Data Engineer (Snowflake, dbt)

• Senior Frontend Engineer (React, React Native, TypeScript)

• You as Senior Backend Engineer

This structure ensures you'll have technical leadership, collaborative support, and clear ownership areas while working as part of a cross-functional team.

Our stack includes:

• Ruby on Rails 6

• PostgreSQL

• Redis

• Sidekiq

• RESTful and GraphQL APIs serving React & React Native web & mobile apps

• Turbo-driven UI components (gradually transitioning to TypeScript & React)

• LLM integration (emerging area we're building out)

We're focused on building robust APIs while transitioning from some legacy Turbo-driven UIs to more modern React components.

Objective: Take full ownership of our Rails applications as the dedicated backend specialist

• Partner with our engineering lead on the development and maintenance of our Rails codebase, taking ownership of key components and features

• Implement best practices for API design, security, and performance optimization

• Develop and maintain well-structured, testable, and efficient code

• Design database schemas and data models that directly support our mobile applications

• Work hands-on across all aspects of our backend systems

Objective: Transform our product into a scalable platform through API excellence and AI integration

• Design and implement RESTful and GraphQL APIs that connect seamlessly to our frontend experience

• Architect and implement scalable solutions that deliver AI-powered services that complement existing business logic and data-driven workflows

• Build connective tissue that efficiently ties together our frontend, backend, data systems, and AI services
  

Objective: Work collaboratively across our engineering stack

• Collaborate directly with our engineering lead, senior data engineer, and senior frontend engineer as part of our tight-knit, cross-functional team

• Contribute to architectural decisions alongside the engineering team

• Be an active voice in all technical conversations with the product and engineering team

• Embrace the breadth of responsibilities that come with a small team environment
  

Objective: Balance quality and velocity as a key contributor to our small team

• Take ownership of backend delivery timelines and communicate proactively

• Help identify and execute on the highest-value technical investments

• Participate in our lightweight agile process as a core team member

• Identify and resolve technical debt with practical, implementation-focused solutions

• Ship production-ready code that balances immediate needs with long-term maintainability

• Expert-level Ruby on Rails development (4+ years)

• Strong API design experience and PostgreSQL expertise

• Self-directed with ability to own systems with minimal oversight

• Excitement about building LLM-enhanced products

• Excellent communication skills for our async/remote environment

• Experience with AI/LLM integration

• TypeScript/JavaScript ecosystem familiarity

• Background collaborating with React Native developers

• Experience on small engineering teams (2-5 engineers)

• Interest in electric vehicles and climate tech

• 4+ years of professional Ruby on Rails development

• Track record of direct collaboration with frontend and product teams

• Flexible work hours with core collaboration hours in US time zones

• Regular video stand-ups and planning sessions via Zoom

• Asynchronous communication via Slack and project management tools

• No regular on-site requirements

• Significant influence on technical architecture decisions

• Chance to shape emerging AI integration strategy

• Leadership opportunities as the team scales

• Direct visibility to company leadership and impact

We've designed our interview process to be focused, transparent, and respectful of your time:

1. Recruiter Screening (30 min): Initial conversation about your background and our team

2. Technical Assessment (2 hours): Practical Rails exercise and architectural discussion

3. Team Interview (1 hour): Meet engineering and product teammates

4. Executive Interview (1 hour): Explore how you'll impact our mission and growth

Ready to make an impact? Apply with your resume, and we'll be in touch if there's a good match!