Turnitin is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer with a strong focus on backend development, particularly in Java and serverless architectures, combined with solid frontend experience. This role is ideal for engineers passionate about building scalable distributed systems, data modeling, and delivering high-performing, reliable software solutions for our award-winning educational platform.
As a core contributor to our shared services team, you will play a key role in developing and enhancing the foundational systems that power both existing and new applications.
Responsibilities:
- Design, develop, and optimize scalable shared backend services using Java and serverless technologies (AWS Lambda).
- Design / implement RESTful APIs and event-driven systems.
- Contribute to the development of user-facing frontend components as needed.
- Optimize existing services for improved performance and cost-efficiency.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Architects, Product Managers, and other engineering leads, to deliver innovative solutions.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to junior developers, fostering growth and sharing best practices.
- Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines.
- Ensure high-quality code through peer reviews, automated testing, and adherence to software development standards.
- Create comprehensive documentation for the developed shared components, including usage guidelines and examples.
Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Knowledge/Experience:
- 8+ years of expertise in backend development, with proficiency in Java and experience with serverless frameworks (e.g., AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions).
- Hands-on experience with frontend technologies (e.g., React, Web Components).
- Strong understanding of distributed systems, scalability, and data modeling.
- Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and collaborate with stakeholders across various locations, including distributed teams based in Europe and the USA, to deliver impactful solutions.
- Practical experience in cloud technologies and frameworks, specifically developing serverless applications on AWS using technologies such as lambda, DynamoDB, API Gateway and SNS/SQS/EventBridge.
- Extensive experience with software development best practices (e.g. design patterns, test-driven development, code profiling, debugging).
- Experience with CI/CD tools, including build, deployment and test automation.
- Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical colleagues in agile environments.
- A passion for mentoring and developing the skills of junior engineers.
Preferred Qualifications, Skills, and Knowledge/Experience:
- Understanding or experience with AI/ML.
Tii Elements:
- Action and Ownership, Accountability
- Educator
- Collaboration
- Quality Focus
- One Team
Total Rewards @ Turnitin
At Turnitin, we believe Total Rewards go far beyond pay. While salary, bonus, or commission are important, they’re only part of the value you receive in exchange for your work.
Beyond compensation, you’ll experience the intrinsic rewards of unleashing your potential and making a positive impact on global education. You’ll also thrive in a culture free of politics, surrounded by humble, inclusive, and collaborative teammates.
In addition, our extrinsic rewards include generous time off and health and wellness programs that provide choice, flexibility, and a safety net for life’s challenges. You’ll also enjoy a remote-first culture that empowers you to work with purpose and accountability in the way that suits you best, all supported by a comprehensive package that prioritizes your overall well-being.
Our Mission is to ensure the integrity of global education and meaningfully improve learning outcomes.
Our Values underpin everything we do.
- Customer Centric: Our mission is focused on improving learning outcomes; we do this by putting educators and learners at the center of everything we do.
- Passion for Learning: We are committed to our own learning and growth internally. And we support education and learning around the globe.
- Integrity: Integrity is the heartbeat of Turnitin—it is the core of our products, the way we treat each other, and how we work with our customers and vendors.
- Action & Ownership: We have a bias for action. We act like owners. We are willing to change even when it’s hard.
- One Team: We strive to break down silos, collaborate effectively, and celebrate each others' successes.
- Global Mindset: We consider different perspectives and celebrate diversity. We are one team. The work we do has an impact on the world.
Global Benefits
- Remote First Culture
- Health Care Coverage*
- Education Reimbursement*
- Competitive Paid Time Off
- Self-Care Days
- National Holidays*
- 2 Founder Days + Juneteenth Observed
- Paid Volunteer Time*
- Charitable contribution match*
- Monthly Wellness or Home Office Reimbursement/*
- Access to Modern Health (mental health platform)
- Parental Leave*
- Retirement Plan with match/contribution*
* varies by country
Seeing Beyond the Job Ad
At Turnitin, we recognize it’s unrealistic for candidates to fulfill 100% of the criteria in a job ad. We encourage you to apply if you meet the majority of the requirements because we know that skills evolve over time. If you’re willing to learn and unleash your potential alongside us, join our team!