Staff Backend Software Engineer

About The Company

Laurel is a pioneering AI Time platform dedicated to transforming how professional services firms manage and optimize their most valuable resource: time. As the leading platform in this niche, Laurel leverages proprietary machine learning technology to automate work time capture, analyze time data, and connect it directly to business outcomes. This innovative approach enables organizations to increase profitability, enhance client delivery, and make strategic, data-driven decisions. Laurel serves some of the world's largest accounting and law firms, including EY, Aprio, Crowell & Moring, and Frost Brown Todd, processing over 1 billion work activities annually—data that has never been collected or aggregated before at this scale. The company's mission is rooted in redefining productivity in the knowledge economy by empowering professionals to deliver twice the value in half the time, fostering creativity and impact. With a team comprising top talent in AI, product development, and engineering, Laurel is committed to building solutions that revolutionize how work is perceived and executed, ultimately giving people more time to focus on what truly matters.

About The Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Staff Backend Software Engineer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will have a significant impact on the engineering practices across our backend stack, setting high standards for quality and performance. You will work closely with cross-functional teams—including product managers, designers, and fellow engineers—to develop scalable, reliable, and innovative software solutions that address complex business challenges. Your curiosity and problem-solving skills will be vital in understanding customer needs, designing effective technical solutions, and delivering value incrementally. Ownership and initiative are core to this role, as we empower our engineers to understand the broader business context and make meaningful contributions. You will be involved in designing, building, and maintaining high-quality backend components, optimizing system performance, and ensuring security and scalability. Additionally, you will participate in automated testing, CI/CD pipelines, and on-call rotations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. Your engagement with the product and user feedback will be highly valued, as we believe that building great software involves understanding and empathizing with end-users. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the technical direction of Laurel’s platform while working in a collaborative and innovative environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• 8+ years of professional experience in backend software development
• Full stack knowledge is a plus
• Experience working with large-scale data systems
• Proficiency in AI integration within software solutions
• Deep understanding of Typescript, Node.js, messaging queues (e.g., AWS SQS), and MongoDB
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities
• Customer-centric mindset with experience engaging with clients to understand their needs
• Experience with Python (Django, FastAPI, Flask), Airflow, PostgreSQL, and NestJS is desirable
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment managing multiple priorities
• Location: Hybrid work model based out of New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles; remote candidates within the US or Canada may be considered for exceptionally qualified applicants
• Visa sponsorship requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain efficient, reusable, and reliable backend code for Laurel’s platform
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, define technical specifications, and deliver high-quality solutions
• Identify system bottlenecks and bugs, and implement solutions to optimize performance, scalability, and security
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies, proactively suggesting improvements and new features
• Implement automated testing frameworks and CI/CD pipelines to ensure robust software releases
• Work closely with product and customer success teams to translate business requirements into technical designs
• Participate in on-call rotations to support system stability and incident management
• Engage with end-users and internal teams to incorporate feedback and enhance product usability
• Contribute to technical documentation, best practices, and knowledge sharing within the team

Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity packages
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Bi-annual in-person company off-sites in unique locations
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance

Equal Opportunity

Laurel is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic.