Senior Backend Engineer

About Skyfire
Skyfire is building the payment backbone for the emerging machine economy — a future where AI and machines transact seamlessly, instantly, and autonomously. Current financial systems aren’t designed for this, so we’re creating one that is. By leveraging stablecoins and blockchain technology, Skyfire enables instant, global micropayments between AI, APIs, data providers, and services. Enterprises can also automate microtransactions at scale — all with speed, security, and transparency. Our team brings deep experience in payments, fintech, and distributed systems — and we’re moving fast to define how the machine economy will pay for itself.

Why This Role Matters

As a Backend Engineer at Skyfire, you’ll be building the infrastructure that powers high-speed, high-volume machine-to-machine payments. From smart contract integrations to high-throughput APIs, you’ll architect, code, and optimize backend systems that will scale from tens to thousands of requests per second. Your work will be critical in making AI-to-AI payments not just possible, but frictionless.

In This Role, You’ll Get To:

• Design and develop core backend components, including smart contract integrations, payment processing logic, and APIs.
  
  
• Implement scalable blockchain solutions for on-chain machine payments with high throughput and low latency.
  
  
• Collaborate closely with product to translate requirements into robust, maintainable technical solutions.
  
  
• Optimize performance for speed, scalability, and cost-efficiency across distributed systems.
  
  
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of technical excellence and innovation.
  
  
• Stay ahead of the curve on blockchain, smart contracts, and AI technologies — integrating them where they create real impact.
  
  

We’re Excited About You Because You Have:

• A self-starter mindset and the drive to tackle big challenges head-on.
  
  
• Strong TypeScript proficiency and Node.js backend development expertise.
  
  
• Experience with PostgreSQL or MySQL and sound database design skills.
  
  
• Solid system design skills to scale from 10s to 1000s of RPS.
  
  
• Familiarity with CI/CD, Kubernetes, and Docker for smooth build and deployment.
  
  
• Experience with cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP, or Azure) — including networking fundamentals like load balancers and firewalls.
  
  
• Strong skills in testing, debugging, and reliability engineering .

Bonus Points If You Have:

• Experience with REST or GraphQL APIs (design + integration).
  
  
• Knowledge of OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect , SSO, and RBAC.
  
  
• Understanding of time complexity and system performance optimization.
  
  
• Familiarity with NoSQL / Key-Value Stores .
  
  
• Awareness of security best practices for authentication, authorization, and encryption.
  
  
• Web3 / blockchain experience — especially smart contracts and dApps.
  
  

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Competitive cash + equity package — we believe in rewarding impact.
  
  
• Healthcare coverage for you and your family.
  
  
• Fast-growth startup environment — with real ownership from day one.
  
  
• Collaborative, high-impact culture — where innovation and execution thrive.
  
  
• Shape the future — play a key role in how AI and machines transact globally.

  Interview Process

  • Recruiter Screen
  • Woven Assessment
  • Hiring Manager Screen
  • Live Coding
  • System Design
  • Commitment Interview

📍 Location: Hybrid — in-office T/W/Th in Union Square, NYC.