Find back-end software engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more on Ladders. These roles focus on the server-side systems that power websites, mobile apps, and digital services—from APIs and databases to cloud infrastructure and distributed applications. Browse opportunities with vetted employers seeking experienced engineers to build reliable, secure, and scalable software.
Back-end engineers design, develop, test, and maintain the services and infrastructure that applications depend on. Their work can include building APIs, modeling and managing data, improving system performance, integrating third-party services, and troubleshooting production issues. They often collaborate with front-end engineers, product managers, designers, security teams, and site reliability engineers to deliver complete products.
Employers commonly seek experience with languages such as Java, Python, Go, C#, JavaScript, or Ruby, along with frameworks and tools suited to their technology stack. Many positions also call for knowledge of SQL or NoSQL databases, API design, cloud platforms, containers, CI/CD, automated testing, system design, and secure coding practices. The right mix varies by company, product, and level of responsibility.
Back-end software engineers can grow into senior, staff, or principal engineering roles, or move toward technical leadership and architecture. Some specialize in areas such as distributed systems, data infrastructure, cloud engineering, developer platforms, or application security. Job titles and expectations differ between employers, so review each listing for scope, required experience, and opportunities for growth.
Use Ladders to explore vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more. Compare role responsibilities, technologies, experience requirements, and compensation details to identify positions that match your skills and career goals. New listings and employer needs vary, so check back regularly for current opportunities.
$120K - $145K *
Transform your career by designing and scaling secure infrastructure for AI workloads across cloud and edge environments. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance platform reliability and impleme...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the development and certification of advanced software systems for Navy combat applications, ensuring cybersecurity and integration across multiple platforms while managing testing and deployment...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Engage in developing and enhancing software solutions to improve guest experiences and operational efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address technical challenges and maintain robu...
4 days ago
Staff Software Engineer - Run Managment
$189K - $330K *
Champion the design and delivery of scalable global payroll systems, leading technical architecture and driving impactful features while mentoring engineers and collaborating across functions to enhan...
3 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer - Distributed Embedded Systems
$120K - $145K *
Transform critical healthcare technology by leading embedded software development for anesthesia systems. Drive architecture decisions, mentor engineers, and ensure system reliability in a hands-on te...
1 week ago
Senior/Staff Software Engineer
$206K - $350K *
Innovate core banking capabilities by building and scaling AI-driven services for Tier-1 financial institutions. Drive production ownership and enhance engineering practices while collaborating with a...
4 days ago
Sr. Backend Engineer - Test Automation
$118K - $157K *
Elevate your career by joining a dynamic engineering team focused on building a scalable Authentication as a Service platform. Collaborate on backend development, automated testing, and quality assura...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer, API & Automation
$150K - $210K *
Unlock potential by designing and building APIs and SDKs that enhance integration with Formlabs printers, enabling seamless automation and user-friendly experiences across diverse software and manufac...
1 week ago
[C] Senior Software Engineer - Developer Platform
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's transforming software development through innovative cloud solutions, CI/CD practices, and AI integration. Leverage your expertise to enhance developer tooling and optimize producti...
2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer - Core Platform
$300K - $350K *
Shape the future of our streaming and storage platforms by leading architecture, driving migration to AWS, and ensuring operational excellence for high-throughput systems that process billions of even...
3 weeks ago
$200K - $250K *
Optimize backend engineering processes by leading a team to build and maintain scalable services. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experience while driving technical excellence in an AI-first...
2 weeks ago
Principal Software Engineer, Collaborative Web Platform
$175K - $219K *
Elevate engineering excellence by guiding technical strategy and best practices across teams. Lead architectural vision, ensure reliability and security, and foster collaboration to build a cutting-ed...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of digital platforms by developing and maintaining robust front and back end solutions, ensuring optimal performance and user experience across multiple web properties...
3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer (Cloud Native, React/Node.js)
$120K - $160K *
Engineer innovative cloud-native solutions in the IoT space, leveraging TypeScript and Azure for scalable applications. Collaborate in an agile environment to deliver high-quality software with a focu...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer (Cloud Native, React/Node.js)
$120K - $160K *
Join a dynamic team to design and implement cloud-native IoT solutions, utilizing modern technologies and agile methodologies to deliver scalable, reliable software applications with a focus on perfor...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer (Cloud Native, React/Node.js)
$120K - $160K *
Engineer innovative cloud-native solutions in the IoT space, leveraging TypeScript and Azure. Collaborate in an Agile environment to deliver scalable applications, ensuring quality through automated t...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer (Cloud Native, React/Node.js)
$120K - $160K *
Join a team that's redefining IoT solutions by designing and implementing cloud-native applications. Leverage your expertise in TypeScript and Azure to create scalable, reliable software while ensurin...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer (Cloud Native, React/Node.js)
$120K - $160K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of IoT by designing and implementing innovative cloud-native solutions. Leverage your expertise in software development to create scalable applications and enhanc...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of defense systems by supporting engineering activities across the DoD acquisition lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and ensure mission...
Reposted yesterday
Senior/Staff Software Engineer, Ecosystem & Connectors
$180K - $230K *
Drive innovative API integrations that connect systems for law firms. Collaborate with engineering and customer teams to enhance solutions, ensuring reliability and efficiency while addressing real-wo...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, .NET
$110K - $135K *
Lead the charge in developing scalable software solutions that empower clients. As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll mentor teams, drive technical standards, and shape the future of our public-facing...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, D Management Layer
$174K - $252K *
Innovate within a dynamic team to enhance and scale critical storage systems, optimizing performance and reliability across Google's vast infrastructure while driving impactful solutions in distribute...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Software Development Engineer, Agentic AI, Velocity Labs
$168K - $227K *
Lead innovative software solutions by designing AI primitives and user services. Collaborate in a dynamic team to deliver high-quality products from concept to rollout, enhancing customer experience a...
1 week ago
Sr. Software Engineer - Stacklok Enterprise
$189K - $231K *
Innovate and shape the future of AI platforms as a Senior Engineer, designing and building critical subsystems for enterprise Kubernetes environments. Collaborate with customers and mentor engineers t...
4 days ago
Staff Software Engineer, Frontend (Decisions Orchestration)
$181K - $241K *
Elevate the checkout experience by leading frontend engineering initiatives. Drive technical strategy, collaborate across teams, and foster a culture of quality while ensuring operational excellence a...
6 days ago
What does a back-end software engineer do?
A back-end software engineer builds and maintains the server-side services behind digital products, including APIs, databases, business logic, and integrations. They also help ensure systems are reliable, secure, and able to scale.
What skills are commonly required for back-end software engineer jobs?
Requirements vary, but often include proficiency in one or more programming languages, database experience, API development, testing, system design, and familiarity with cloud platforms or distributed systems. Check each job listing for its specific stack and qualifications.
What is the difference between a back-end and a front-end software engineer?
Back-end engineers typically work on server-side logic, data, and services, while front-end engineers build the user-facing parts of websites and applications. The two roles collaborate to deliver a complete product.
Do back-end software engineer jobs on Ladders pay $100,000 or more?
Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more. Compensation and eligibility details vary by listing, so review the individual job posting for current information.
What career paths are available for back-end software engineers?
Experienced engineers may advance to senior, staff, or principal roles, pursue technical leadership or architecture, or specialize in fields such as cloud platforms, distributed systems, data infrastructure, or security.