Senior Backend Engineer

ChargerHelp! Inc. is a California-based tech company on a mission to power up the EV ecosystem.  We're not just solving a challenge; we're driving the charge towards a sustainable future. Our EMPWR platform provides Reliability as a Service (RaaS), delivering data-driven insights that keep electric vehicle charging stations operating smoothly.

We're a dynamic, mission-driven startup that believes in innovation, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to quality. If you join us, you'll be part of a team that's leading EV reliability and helping shape the future of transportation and environmental sustainability.

We're looking for a Senior Backend Engineer to join our small, highly collaborative team. You'll work closely with our engineering lead to develop and enhance our Rails codebase while having significant influence on our technical direction as we grow. This role combines hands-on development with the chance to build cutting-edge AI-enhanced software that transforms how EV charging infrastructure is maintained and managed.

On our nimble team, you'll have significant autonomy and impact. We value engineers who thrive in startup environments, take ownership, and are excited about implementing ambitious solutions that provide real-world value to our customers.

You'll be joining a lean, balanced engineering team consisting of:

Engineering Lead (Rails expert who actively contributes to the codebase daily)

Senior Data Engineer (Snowflake, dbt)

Senior Frontend Engineer (React, React Native, TypeScript)

You as Senior Backend Engineer

This structure ensures you'll have technical leadership, collaborative support, and clear ownership areas while working as part of a cross-functional team.

Our stack includes:

Ruby on Rails 6

PostgreSQL

Redis

Sidekiq

RESTful and GraphQL APIs serving React & React Native web & mobile apps

Turbo-driven UI components (gradually transitioning to TypeScript & React)

LLM integration (emerging area we're building out)

We're focused on building robust APIs while transitioning from some legacy Turbo-driven UIs to more modern React components.

Objective: Take full ownership of our Rails applications as the dedicated backend specialist

Partner with our engineering lead on the development and maintenance of our Rails codebase, taking ownership of key components and features

Implement best practices for API design, security, and performance optimization

Develop and maintain well-structured, testable, and efficient code

Design database schemas and data models that directly support our mobile applications

Work hands-on across all aspects of our backend systems

Objective: Transform our product into a scalable platform through API excellence and AI integration

Design and implement RESTful and GraphQL APIs that connect seamlessly to our frontend experience

Architect and implement scalable solutions that deliver AI-powered services that complement existing business logic and data-driven workflows

Build connective tissue that efficiently ties together our frontend, backend, data systems, and AI services

Objective: Work collaboratively across our engineering stack

Collaborate directly with our engineering lead, senior data engineer, and senior frontend engineer as part of our tight-knit, cross-functional team

Contribute to architectural decisions alongside the engineering team

Be an active voice in all technical conversations with the product and engineering team

Embrace the breadth of responsibilities that come with a small team environment

Objective: Balance quality and velocity as a key contributor to our small team

Take ownership of backend delivery timelines and communicate proactively

Help identify and execute on the highest-value technical investments

Participate in our lightweight agile process as a core team member

Identify and resolve technical debt with practical, implementation-focused solutions

Ship production-ready code that balances immediate needs with long-term maintainability

• Expert-level Ruby on Rails development (4+ years)

  Strong API design experience and PostgreSQL expertise

  Self-directed with ability to own systems with minimal oversight

  Excitement about building LLM-enhanced products

  Excellent communication skills for our async/remote environment

• Experience with AI/LLM integration

  TypeScript/JavaScript ecosystem familiarity

  Background collaborating with React Native developers

  Experience on small engineering teams (2-5 engineers)

  Interest in electric vehicles and climate tech

• 4+ years of professional Ruby on Rails development

  Track record of direct collaboration with frontend and product teams

• Flexible work hours with core collaboration hours in US time zones

  Regular video stand-ups and planning sessions via Zoom

  Asynchronous communication via Slack and project management tools

  No regular on-site requirements

• Significant influence on technical architecture decisions

  Chance to shape emerging AI integration strategy

  Leadership opportunities as the team scales

  Direct visibility to company leadership and impact

We've designed our interview process to be focused, transparent, and respectful of your time:

Recruiter Screening (30 min): Initial conversation about your background and our team

Technical Assessment (2 hours): Practical Rails exercise and architectural discussion

Team Interview (1 hour): Meet engineering and product teammates

Executive Interview (1 hour): Explore how you'll impact our mission and growth

Ready to make an impact? Apply with your resume, and we'll be in touch if there's a good match!