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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Software Engineer, Backend Systems (SF) - **Company:** United States Agency For International Development - **Location:** San Francisco, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $185,000.0 - $300,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), C++ (Programming Language), Databases, Distributed Systems, Blockchain, Software Engineering, WebSocket, Rust (Programming Language), State Machines, Backend, Free and Open-Source Software, Asynchronous Programming, Restful APIs, Docker, Programming Languages - **Published:** October 22, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.thejobnetwork.com/job/656145fd-3699-4844-9e07-c12b86685e88/software-engineer-backend-systems-sf ## About the Role * 5+ years of experience in backend software engineering. * Production experience with Rust (strongly preferred) or C++. * Experience building real-time, high-throughput backend systems. * Strong knowledge of asynchronous programming, preferably with Tokio or similar frameworks. * Experience working with a variety of databases, including relational, time-series, and key-value databases. * Experience developing low-latency or performance-critical systems, ideally within trading platforms, financial infrastructure, or similar environments. * Previous experience in FinTech, trading, blockchain, or other high-performance distributed systems is highly desirable. * Experience working in a startup environment (VC-backed preferred). * A genuine interest in financial markets, trading, or blockchain technologies. * Personal side projects or open-source contributions, particularly in Rust or C, are considered a strong advantage. Tech Stack * Programming Language: Rust * Async Runtime: Tokio * Architecture: Distributed Systems, Blockchain * APIs & Communication: REST APIs, WebSocket APIs * Containerization: Docker ## Description We are looking for Software Engineers - Backend Systems on behalf of our client, an innovative technology company building a high-performance, real-time trading platform. Our client is seeking engineers with production experience in Rust to play a key role in developing the backend infrastructure that powers its platform. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of asynchronous programming, solid systems knowledge, and a performance-driven mindset. You'll work closely with a highly collaborative engineering team in an in-person environment based in New York or San Francisco. Why Join? This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge blockchain execution environments and distributed systems, building the technology behind a high-performance real-time trading platform. You'll solve challenging engineering problems involving live market data, high-throughput event streams, and complex trading infrastructure operating at scale. The company is expanding its engineering team and is hiring 3-5 Backend Software Engineers to build critical risk engines, trading APIs, and backend services. If you enjoy working on performance-critical systems, collaborating with top engineers, and making a direct impact on a core product, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to grow your career. Responsibilities * Design, develop, and maintain risk and liquidation engines to effectively manage risk and improve capital efficiency in fast-moving markets. * Build and implement blockchain state machines that support trading, settlement, and risk management operations. * Develop backend services that maintain consistent system state across asynchronous processes using consensus, voting, and coordination mechanisms. * Process real-time market data and coordinate trading activities across multiple venues, managing WebSocket streams and latency-sensitive workflows. * Design and optimize high-performance REST and WebSocket APIs that power the trading platform with millisecond-level response times., * Team Growth: The client is hiring 3-5 Software Engineers for this role * Work Authorization: Candidates must already have the legal right to work in the United States (U.S. citizens or Green Card holders). Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Recruitment Process Stage 1: Initial Screening - CV Review: Your application will be reviewed within 24 hours of submission. * Short Q/A Session: To assess your experience and technical background, you'll be invited to complete one of the following: * Automated Q/A session (recommended for faster feedback), or Recruiter interview. * Candidates whose experience best matches the role will be shortlisted and presented to the hiring manager. Stage 2: Recruiter Screening (30 minutes) - An introductory conversation with the client's recruitment team to discuss your background, experience, motivation, and answer any initial questions about the opportunity. Stage 3: CTO Interview (30 minutes) - An introductory meeting with the CTO to discuss your experience, technical background, and mutual expectations. Stage 4: Technical Interviews (2 × 60 minutes) - Two hands-on technical interviews with a Senior Backend Engineer, focusing on Rust, asynchronous programming, and systems design. Stage 5: Reverse Diligence Call (45 minutes) - A one-on-one conversation with one of the company's investors, giving you the opportunity to learn more about the business, vision, and growth plans while validating the company from your perspective. Stage 6: Final Interview (30 minutes) - A final behavioral interview to discuss your working style, collaboration, and overall fit with the team., * We recommend completing the Automated Q/A Session during the pre-screening stage, as it typically allows us to provide feedback more quickly. * Candidates who prefer a traditional approach may instead complete the pre-screening with one of our recruiters. * We aim to keep candidates informed throughout the process and provide updates after each completed stage.