Lead Software Engineer - Backend

Freshworks builds uncomplicated service software that delivers exceptional customer and employee experiences. Our enterprise‑grade solutions are powerful, easy to use, and quick to deliver results. With a people‑first approach to AI, we help over 72,000 companies—Bridgestone, New Balance, Nucor, S&P Global, Sony Music, and many more—fuel customer loyalty and service efficiency. We employ more than 4,500 professionals worldwide.

We’re looking for a Lead Backend Engineer who will build scalable systems that power our global products. You’ll own backend modules end‑to‑end, influence architecture across teams, and raise the bar on performance, stability and code quality.

• Architect and build scalable backend services that handle millions of transactions reliably.
• Own the full development lifecycle: design, deployment, debugging and monitoring.
• Write clean, modular, and testable code optimized for readability and performance.
• Apply deep OOP concepts and design patterns to solve real‑world engineering problems.
• Ensure systems are tuned for high availability, fault tolerance, and observability.
• Collaborate with Product, Frontend and SRE teams to deliver customer value fast.
• Lead code reviews, mentor 2–3 engineers, and drive engineering best practices across the team.
• Troubleshoot performance bottlenecks in production and implement long‑term stability improvements.
• Influence platform direction through architectural reviews and roadmap planning.

• 6–8 years of experience building and scaling backend systems in fast‑paced product teams.
• Expertise in data structures, algorithms, and time/space complexity trade‑offs. Deep knowledge of REST APIs.
• Strong problem‑solving and logical analysis skills; ability to articulate thought processes.
• Command of object‑oriented design, SOLID principles, and scalable code architecture.
• Proven ability to design highly available, fault‑tolerant end‑to‑end systems (API design, schema, data models).
• Experience with RDBMS, caching strategies, distributed queues, and microservices.
• Experience or exposure to AI tools and technologies that improve engineering efficiency.
• Strong ownership and collaboration skills. Demonstrated potential for mentoring.

• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related technical field.
• Skilled at balancing fast delivery with long‑term scalability.
• Clear in code and architecture diagrams.
• Shipped features at scale and supported them in production.
• Enjoy working in collaborative, agile teams and mentoring others.

This is a hybrid role based in San Mateo, CA or Bellevue, WA
. An in‑office presence is required three days per week (Tuesday – Thursday).

The annual base salary range is $168,300 – $207,900
. Bonus and equity may be available. Freshworks offers dental, medical, vision, disability and life insurance, ESPP, flexible PTO, flexible spending, commuter benefits, wellness benefits and parental leave.

Freshworks is committed to providing equal opportunity and believes that diversity in the workplace creates a more vibrant, richer environment. We welcome employees of all backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, religions and ethnicities.