Backend Staff Engineer - Application
Degreed
Degreed is the upskilling platform that fuels growth and innovation through lifelong learning. We bring together everything you need to learn and advance—LMSs, courses, videos, articles, projects, and real-world skill insights—and match you with opportunities that align with your skills, role, and goals.
For businesses, Degreed helps build a culture of learning that attracts, develops, and retains top talent—driving both individual and company success.
We believe learning is the key to unlocking opportunities. Our mission is to discover, empower, and celebrate the next generation of global expertise.
Join us in shaping the future of learning and workforce development.
We’re looking for an experienced Backend Staff Engineer who is excited about architecting and implementing scalable, resilient systems to join our Application Engineering team. This role will operate cross-functionally and partner deeply and tactically with Database Developers, Engineering Managers, and the VP of Application Engineering. You will support the technical function of a Database Developer—helping design and implement sophisticated system architectures in collaboration with our Architecture team—while maintaining a strong coding presence in our C# codebase.
The ideal candidate for this role will be based locally in or near Draper, Utah.
Strong US remote candidates may be considered.
Key Skills
- Database & Backend Developer: 6+ years of experience developing complex backend systems and databases, ideally within SaaS environments.
- Relational Database Expertise: Advanced experience designing (architecture, ERD, schema), optimizing, and tuning relational databases (SQL Server/T-SQL preferred), including performance tuning and complex query optimization.
- C# Proficiency: Advanced background in building, maintaining, and scaling backend services using C#.
- Distributed Systems Design: Solid understanding of distributed system architecture, cross-platform development, and patterns for scalability.
- SQL Mastery: Ability to write, analyze, and optimize complex and performant SQL queries and stored procedures.
- Technical Communication & Collaboration: Strong ability to produce clear technical documentation and communicate complex ideas effectively across diverse, cross-functional leaders and teams.
- Distributed Teamwork: Proven effectiveness working within a distributed/remote team environment, utilizing asynchronous communication practices.
- Mentorship & Technical Leadership: Demonstrated ability to mentor fellow engineers, contribute to code reviews, and help elevate team-wide technical standards.
- Problem-Solving & Learning Agility: Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, combined with a proactive approach to learning and tackling new technical challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Architectural Design: Collaborate with Engineering Managers, Engineers, and Senior Leaders to drive deep architectural designs for our Skills, Learner Experience, and Academies products and solutions.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as a key technical partner, collaborating with Product, Design, and Engineering leaders to define requirements, dependencies, and technical trade-offs, ensuring alignment across teams.
- Database Strategy & Optimization: Contribute to the evolution and resilience of the database architecture through analysis, performance tuning, upgrades, and refinement. Collaborating with Database Developers on schema design, stored procedures, and maintenance of relational and document databases.
- Backend & API Development: Architect, implement, and maintain scalable, high-quality backend services and APIs using C#, applying SOLID principles and software design best practices.
- Technical Excellence & Mentorship: Drive technical excellence within the team through mentoring peers, code reviews, promoting best practices, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Architectural Alignment: Contribute to design reviews and ensure technical solutions align with the long-term platform direction and Architecture team guidance.
- Operational Ownership: Actively participate in deployment processes, production monitoring, incident response, and on-call rotations.
- Strategic Partnership: Build strong relationships with Engineering Managers and leadership to ensure engineering solutions align with business priorities.
What Sets You Apart
- Prior experience working within an enterprise SaaS company.
- Hands-on experience with ElasticSearch in production environments.
- Experience working in an AI-focused environment, potentially building services or partnering with AI/Data Science teams.
- Knowledge of SQL Server, Microsoft Azure, or other key elements relevant to Degreed’s technology stack.
- Proven experience collaborating in cross-functional teams, working closely with Architecture groups and Engineering leadership.
- Familiarity with tools like Jira, Confluence, and GitHub Actions for workflow management and collaboration.
Compensation
Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to: skill set, depth of experience, certifications, and specific work location.
Benefits
We take care of our people with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and success.
View the full details here: https://px.sequoia.com/globalcompanybenefits
At Degreed, We Value
🌍 Diversity & Inclusion – We celebrate diverse perspectives and backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute.
📈 Growth Mindset – Learning is at the heart of what we do. We empower our employees to continuously develop their skills and grow their careers in alignment with their unique strengths and aspirations.
🤝 Collaboration – The best ideas come from working together. We cultivate a culture of open communication, teamwork, and shared success.
By joining Degreed, you’ll be part of a community that values learning, collaboration, and meaningful impact. If you’re passionate about driving change through upskilling and workforce transformation, we encourage you to apply and contribute to our mission.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Degreed offers flexible work arrangements tailored to each role. Some positions are fully remote, while others follow a hybrid model for employees near an office. Please check the job details for role-specific requirements.
For remote and hybrid roles, you’ll collaborate virtually using tools like Zoom and Slack. This role may require prolonged computer use and stationary work, with the ability to interpret written and verbal communication effectively.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and adaptable work environment that enables every team member to thrive and do their best work.
Additional Information
Degreed is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, career development, compensation, and training.
💡 Accessibility & Accommodations
We are dedicated to full inclusion and will provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If you need assistance, please let us know.
🔍 Fair Hiring Practices
In compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
📄 E-Verify Participation
Degreed participates in the E-Verify employment verification program.
Global Data Privacy Notice for Job Candidates & Applicants
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For more details on how we process applicant data, please review our Global Data Privacy Notice for:
https://explore.degreed.com/privacy/
https://degreed.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/4409131149458-General-Data-Protection-Regulation-GDPR-Degreed-Update
By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree to our use and processing of your data in compliance with applicable laws.
Fraudulent Recruitment Warning 🚨
Beware of fraudulent recruitment scams using the Degreed name. Scammers may impersonate our company, website, or hiring team.
⚠️ Degreed will never:
❌ Conduct recruitment via WhatsApp, Telegram, or direct-messaging platforms.
❌ Request sensitive personal or financial information in unsolicited communications.
❌ Offer jobs requiring upfront payments or promising unrealistic returns.
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If you encounter suspicious activity, please report it immediately. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from fraud.