Backend Software Engineer IV

Job Title: Backend Software Engineer IVDuration: 9 monthsLocation: RemoteJob Summary:We are seeking a senior Backend Software Engineer to join our Media team, working closely with Horizon TV and Horizon Media Player. The ideal candidate will have strong backend development skills in one or more server-side languages (e.g., PHP, Java, Go, C/C++), with experience building reliable, scalable services. Candidates with AWS experience, video/media and CDN background are strongly preferred. The candidate will drive technical direction within their area, mentor junior engineers, and work closely with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and optimize backend systems that power media applications at scale.Job Responsibilities:Design and develop backend services and APIs using server-side languages such as PHP, Java, Go, or C/C++, supporting media-related applicationsDrive technical direction and architecture decisions for backend systemsDebug complex backend systems to identify and fix issues impacting performance, reliability, and scalabilityImplement best practices for operational excellence, ensuring reliability, scalability, and maintainabilityDevelop monitoring and alerting systems to detect issues before they become criticalCollaborate with cross-functional teams including frontend, media, and infrastructure engineersProvide technical guidance and mentorship to other engineersTroubleshoot production issues and make system changes as needed to resolve themSkills:Proficiency in one or more server-side languages (PHP, Java, Go, C/C++); PHP experience is a plusStrong understanding of backend engineering principles: APIs, data modeling, caching, queuingExperience with public cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) is a mustExperience with CDN architecture and optimization (e.g., 4K/8K video delivery, cache strategies, edge computing) is a mustKnowledge of the full software development lifecycleAbility to drive technical decisions and influence engineering directionStrong debugging and problem-solving skillsVerbal and written communication skills; ability to work independentlyExperience with AI development tools (e.g., Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT) and an AI-native mindset-using AI to multiply efforts in coding, debugging, and cross-disciplinary work-is a plusEducation/Experience:Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or relevant field required7+ years of experience in backend software engineering; video/media or CDN domain experience is a plus