L1 Backend Engineer

Job Description

The Problem

OpenFX builds backend systems that power pricing, transaction execution, settlement, reconciliation, and risk across global corridors. These systems move real money, where even small bugs can create financial or operational risk.

As we scale, we need strong foundational engineers who can write clean, correct backend code, understand basic system design principles, and grow into larger ownership over time.

We are hiring Backend Engineers who can execute well-defined backend tasks, contribute to production systems responsibly, and learn quickly in a high-intensity environment.

If we do not invest in strong foundational engineers, senior engineers will become bottlenecks and system quality will suffer over time.

What You Will Actually Do & Own

In your first 6 to 12 months, you will:

1. Own well-scoped backend components or features under guidance.
2. Build and maintain REST APIs and services used in production.
3. Write clean, testable, and maintainable code following team standards.
4. Handle basic failure cases such as retries, timeouts, and input validation.
5. Fix production bugs with structured debugging and root cause analysis.
6. Write unit and integration tests for the services you build.
7. Collaborate closely with senior engineers and reviewers to improve quality.
8. Improve basic service metrics such as latency, error rates, and test coverage.

What Success Looks Like

You will be measured on:

• Code quality: Clean, readable, maintainable backend code
• Correctness: Fewer regressions and escaped defects
• Learning velocity: Rapid improvement in technical depth
• Execution reliability: Deliver tasks on time with minimal rework
• Collaboration: Works well with peers and reviewers

Requirements

Required (Non negotiable)

• 0 to 3 years experience in backend development
• Strong fundamentals in data structures and algorithms
• Basic understanding of APIs and relational databases
• Experience with at least one backend language (Java, Typescript, Python, Node.js, Go, etc.)
• Familiarity with Git and basic testing concepts
• Willingness to learn and accept feedback

Preferred (Accelerates ramp, not required)

• Experience building small backend projects
• Exposure to REST APIs and JSON
• Basic understanding of concurrency concepts
• Experience working on a team project
• Familiarity with cloud fundamentals

Why This Role

Impact: You contribute to systems that move real money.

Learning: Strong exposure to real production systems early in your career.

Growth: Clear path toward L2 ownership and system design.

Mentorship: Work closely with experienced engineers.