Senior Backend Engineer

We are looking for an experienced Senior Backend Engineer to join our Barcelona-based backend team and drive product features from conception to production with customer value at the forefront. You'll own the delivery side of our platform development while working alongside our technical leadership. Our platform is built in Java using Spring Boot, SQL databases, and AWS services on Kubernetes. We need someone who can balance technical excellence with shipping features that matter; someone who brings perspective from their experience, manages cross-team complexity, and helps the team operate at their best.

Here is a little taste of your challenge:

• Own product delivery and customer impact: Take responsibility for delivering backend services for product features end-to-end, from requirements through production. Ensure features are shipped with quality that meets customer needs. Coordinate with product and technical teams to manage dependencies, identify risks early, and drive initiatives to completion. Introduce structure and visibility to how we approach product work.
• Lead technical decisions with business perspective: Propose solutions that balance customer value, technical feasibility, and timeline. Work with the Product Owner and technical team to ensure decisions are sound. Understand when to optimize and when to ship. Contribute to architectural discussions where it matters.
• Help the team elevate its game: Mentor junior and mid-level engineers by owning features together and modeling what thoughtful, focused engineering looks like. Work effectively with our tech lead, bringing a different perspective and helping the whole team raise its bar. Collaborate openly across the organization and foster an environment where communication is clear and everyone is respected.

Who are you?

There is no set route to become part of Build38. But to be successful in this role, this is the kind of profile we have in mind:

• Experience: 10+ years of professional backend development experience, with at least 4 years working at a senior level. You've shipped multiple products and worked across different team structures and company cultures.
• Product mindset: You think about features from the customer's perspective. You understand the difference between technical perfection and customer value.
• Java & backend strong foundation: Solid proficiency in Java, Spring Boot, SQL databases. You understand modern backend architecture well enough to make informed technical decisions. You don't need to be an architect expert—solid engineering fundamentals and good judgment are what matter.
• Cross-functional leadership: You can communicate clearly with Product Owners, engineers, and management. You surface blockers proactively and manage dependencies. You bring people together around shared goals.
• Delivery and ownership: You own outcomes. You think about timelines, dependencies, and risk. You communicate progress openly. You get things done.
• Technical credibility with perspective: You've earned respect through your technical judgment and shipping track record. You can make architecture contributions where it matters, but you're not dogmatic. You bring seasoned perspective without being rigid.
• Autonomy: You work with minimal supervision. You figure out what needs to happen and make it happen.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken
• Bonus: Experience in fintech, security, or SaaS environments where customer impact and shipping discipline matter.

Practically Speaking, what's in it for you:

• Optimized onboarding – for your optimal start and customized induction.
• Enthusiastic team – ready to help you succeed.
• Simplicity – because we like to make things easy and practical.
• Greenfield opportunities – where you can explore and bring in your experience.
• Beautiful office spaces in the heart of Barcelona – with regular team/community events (breakfast, lunch…).
• Good transport connections – easy to reach by public transport.
• Flexible working hours & hybrid working.

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