RioSlum Studio is hiring a Backend Engineer to join our remote engineering team.
This is not a role for someone who needs hand-holding.
This is for someone who gets direction, locks in, and executes.
We build systems that power high-impact platforms used by large organizations across the U.S. The work matters, the pace is real, and expectations are high.
If you are the type who takes ownership, moves fast, and solves problems without drama, keep reading.
Compensation & Benefits
$5,000 to $6,000/month (USD)
$1,600/year healthcare stipend
10 days PTO per year
All major holidays paid
End of year holiday break
Fully remote (Potential for in-office work in the future)
What We Need From You
* You run with instructions and figure things out
* You move with urgency, not anxiety
* You are thick skinned, we operate in the political space
* You are professional, no complaining, no excuses
* You are flexible, late nights or weekends happen when things get urgent
* You take extreme ownership of your work
* You are responsive on email, Slack, and calls, you do not disappear
* You have stability, we are not looking for job hoppers
What You’ll Do
* Build scalable backend systems using PHP (Laravel, WordPress) and Node.js
* Develop and maintain REST APIs
* Design and optimize background processing systems (queues, batching, retries, rate limiting)
* Integrate with third-party services (CRMs like HubSpot, external APIs, email/SMS tools)
* Handle large datasets and data pipelines
* Improve performance across APIs and backend systems
* Design data models and scalable architecture
* Implement caching strategies
* Debug and resolve production issues quickly
* Own features end to end
Core Responsibilities
* Write clean, maintainable, documented code
* Build reusable services and modules
* Handle real-world edge cases (API failures, rate limits, inconsistent data)
* Work with cron jobs and scheduled systems
* Communicate clearly with the team
* Hit deadlines and move projects forward
Requirements
* 5+ years backend development experience
* Strong experience with:
* PHP
* Laravel
* Node.js
* Deep understanding of APIs and system design
* Experience with async processing (queues, batch jobs, cron)
* Experience with third-party integrations
* Strong debugging and problem-solving ability
* Comfortable in a remote environment
* Fluent in English
* Experience with Git/GitHub
* AWS experience
Nice to Have
* WordPress as a backend (headless or API-first)
* HubSpot or CRM integrations
* Redis / queue systems
* High-volume data systems
What We Value
* Ownership mindset
* Builders, not just coders
* Pragmatic thinking, not perfection paralysis
* Clear communication
* Client focused (going above and beyond)
* Fast learners
If you are looking for something easy, this is not it.
If you want to be part of a small team doing meaningful work at a high level, we should talk.
Apply here or message me directly.