Staff Software Engineer, Backend Systems (US East Coast)

Docker3 months ago

Location

United States

Workplace

Remote

Type

Full Time

Salary

USD 195,400 – 275,550

Level

Staff

Role

Staff Software Engineer

Posted

Dec 5, 2025

Full TimeRemoteStaff

The role

Summary

Docker is seeking a Staff Software Engineer for its Developer Experience (DevEx) team, focusing on backend systems that power critical infrastructure for Docker Scout and Hardened Images. The ideal candidate will be a technical leader proficient in Clojure and Go, capable of driving architectural decisions, mentoring teams, and navigating complex technology transitions in a polyglot engineering environment.

What you'll do

Backend System Architecture: Lead architecture and design for major backend systems in Clojure and Go, focusing on scalability, security, and resilience

Cross-Team Technical Leadership: Work across teams to define, align, and drive shared technical direction, connecting technical decisions with business outcomes

Engineering Mentorship: Mentor engineers across DevEx in both Clojure and Go, helping teams navigate technology transitions and maintain technical excellence

System Reliability: Drive improvements in observability, performance, and service reliability across the entire technology stack

Strategic Technology Evolution: Make strategic recommendations about maintaining, evolving, or rebuilding components while supporting Docker's technology strategy

What we look for

Technical

Programming LanguagesProficiency in Clojure or Go, with demonstrated ability and willingness to learn both languages

Distributed SystemsDeep understanding of cloud-native systems, distributed system patterns, and microservices architecture

System DesignProven experience in designing and operating large-scale backend systems with focus on scalability and reliability

Education

Computer Science DegreeBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience

Experience

Backend Engineering8+ years of directly applicable experience in backend system development and architecture

Technical LeadershipProven track record of driving architectural design and guiding multi-team technical initiatives

Skills

Required skills

Clojure or GoStrong programming abilities in either Clojure or Go with commitment to learning both

Architectural DesignAbility to design complex backend systems and drive technical strategy

CommunicationExcellent written and verbal communication skills for remote, async work environments

Nice to have

Polyglot EngineeringExperience working in multi-language programming environments

Platform MigrationTrack record of successfully navigating platform migrations or technology consolidations

Event-Driven ArchitectureExperience with Datomic, event-driven architectures, or Kafka

Compensation & benefits

Salary

USD 195,400 – 275,550 (annual)

Stock options

Available

Benefits

Remote Work

Fully remote-first culture with flexible work arrangements

Home Office Setup

Stipend for comfortable home office equipment

Technology Allowance

$100 monthly net technology stipend

Parental Leave

16 weeks of paid parental leave

Training Support

Stipend for conferences, courses, and professional development

Equity

Stock options to share in company's growth and success

Time Off

Quarterly Whaleness Days and end-of-year Whaleness break

Interview process

1
Initial Screening — Phone or video call with recruiting team to assess background and fit
2
Technical Interview — In-depth technical discussion covering system design, coding skills, and architectural experience
3
Team Interviews — Multiple interviews with team members to evaluate technical and cultural fit
4
Final Leadership Interview — Discussion with senior technical leadership to assess strategic thinking and potential impact