Staff Backend Engineer

We are seeking a Staff Backend Engineer to design, build, and scale critical rental systems that power core business operations. This role requires strong expertise on backend development, with the ability to design end-to-end solutions, drive architecture decisions, and deliver highly scalable, resilient systems. You will partner with product, design, and engineering teams to build modern, customer-centric rental experiences and robust backend platforms. A Day in the Life: As a Staff Backend Engineer, with a backend engineering focus you will: Design and develop end-to-end featuresOwn critical components of rental systems such as reservations, pricing, fleet, and checkout flowsBuild scalable microservices and responsive user interfacesCollaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into technical solutionsLead architectural discussions and influence system design decisionsMentor junior engineers and promote engineering best practicesEnsure high standards of performance, security, scalability, and maintainability What you will do: Backend Development Design, develop, and maintain production servicesDevelop backend services using Java, Node.js, or similar technologiesDesign and implement RESTful APIs System Design & Architecture Architect scalable, distributed systems for rental platformsDesign domain-driven solutions for reservations, inventory, pricing, and customer workflowsEnsure systems are resilient, fault-tolerant, and highly availableCloud & DevOpsBuild and deploy applications in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP)Implement CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure-as-code practicesMonitor and optimize system performance and reliability Data & Integration Work with relational and NoSQL databasesDesign efficient data models and ensure data consistencyIntegrate with internal and external services (payments, identity, third-party APIs)Quality & Engineering ExcellenceDrive test automation (unit, integration, end-to-end)Participate in code reviews and enforce coding standardsImprove engineering processes, tooling, and developer productivity Collaboration & Leadership Partner with Product, UX, and business stakeholdersBreak down complex problems into deliverable solutionsMentor engineers and contribute to team growth What We're Looking For: 7+ years of software engineering experience; backed focusedB.S. in Computer Science or equivalentProven experience building and scaling production-grade systemsExperience in domain-heavy systems (e.g., rental, travel, e-commerce, logistics) preferredProficiency in Java, Spring Boot, Node.js, or similarStrong experience designing APIs and microservicesUnderstanding of authentication, authorization, and security best practicesExperience with AWS/Azure/GCPStrong knowledge of databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, DynamoDB, etc.)Experience with caching, messaging systems (Kafka, SQS), and event-driven architecture. Strong understanding of system design, scalability, and distributed systemsExperience with CI/CD, DevOps practices, and observability toolsTest-driven development and automation mindsetStrong problem-solving and analytical thinkingAbility to own features end-to-endExcellent communication and collaboration skillsProduct mindset with focus on customer experienceAdaptability in fast-paced environments Nice to Have Experience with rental, mobility, or travel systemsKnowledge of pricing engines, inventory systems, or booking platformsExposure to event-driven systems and domain-driven design The starting salary is $175k but will be commensurate with experience. What You’ll Get: 40% off any standard Hertz Rental Paid Time OffMedical, Dental & Vision plan optionsRetirement programs, including 401(k) employer matchingPaid Parental Leave & Adoption AssistanceEmployee Assistance Program for employees & familyEducational Reimbursement & DiscountsVoluntary Insurance Programs - Pet, Legal/Identity Theft, Critical IllnessPerks & Discounts –Theme Park Tickets, Gym Discounts & more About UsThe Hertz Corporation operates the Hertz, Dollar Car Rental, Thrifty Car Rental brands in approximately 9,700 corporate and franchisee locations throughout North America, Europe, The Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The Hertz Corporation is one of the largest worldwide airport general use vehicle rental companies, and the Hertz brand is one of the most recognized in the world. US EEO STATEMENT At Hertz, we champion and celebrate a culture of diversity and inclusion. We take affirmative steps to promote employment and advancement opportunities. The endless variety of perspectives, experiences, skills and talents that our employees invest in their work every day represent a significant part of our culture – and our success and reputation as a company. Individuals are encouraged to apply for positions because of the characteristics that make them unique. EOE, including disability/veteran