Senior Backend Engineer (Space42)

Overview:

ABOUT US
Space42 (ADX: SPACE42) is a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company that integrates satellite communications, geospatial analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities to enlighten the Earth from space. Established in 2024 following the successful merger between Bayanat and Yahsat, Space42’s global reach allows it to address the rapidly evolving needs of its customers in governments, enterprises, and communities. 
 
Our vision is to pioneer beyond today for humanity to experience a better tomorrow. Space42 challenges traditional approaches with advanced AI and cutting-edge satellite technology, making space more accessible and redefining how data from space can be used on Earth. We aim to achieve this by connecting people to rewire potential, informing decisions to reimagine impact and enabling action to redefine tomorrow. 

For more information visit: www.space42.ai, follow us on X and Instagram @Space42ai

ROLE PURPOSE
The Senior Backend Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining high-quality backend services using Java and Spring Boot. This role plays a key part in shaping system architecture, ensuring scalability, security, and performance, and mentoring other engineers while collaborating closely with product, frontend, and DevOps teams.

Responsibilities:

•    Design, develop, and maintain backend applications using Java and Spring Boot
•    Build secure, scalable, and high-performance RESTful APIs
•    Participate in system architecture and technical design discussions
•    Ensure code quality through code reviews, unit testing, and best engineering practices
•    Optimize application performance, reliability, and maintainability
•    Integrate with databases, caches, messaging systems, and external services
•    Implement authentication, authorization, and API security best practices
•    Troubleshoot production issues and provide long-term solutions
•    Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver features end-to-end
•    Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team technical growth
•    Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and deployment processes

Qualifications:

•    Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
•    8+ years of professional experience in backend development.
•    Strong proficiency in Java (17+)
•    Solid experience with Spring Boot, Spring MVC, Spring Data, and Spring Security
•    Experience designing and consuming RESTful APIs
•    Strong understanding of microservices architecture
•    Experience with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and SQL optimization
•    Familiarity with NoSQL databases and caching solutions (e.g., Redis)
•    Good knowledge of OAuth2, JWT, opaque tokens, and API security concepts
•    Experience with unit testing and integration testing frameworks
•    Hands-on experience with Git and modern development workflows
•    Understanding of containerization and cloud-native concepts (Docker, Kubernetes is a plus)
•    Strong problem-solving and communication skills

Ideally, you should have
•    Experience building large-scale or mission-critical backend systems
•    Exposure to event-driven architectures and messaging platforms (e.g., Kafka, RabbitMQ)
•    Knowledge of CI/CD tools and DevOps practices
•    Experience with performance tuning and system observability
•    Familiarity with clean architecture, domain-driven design (DDD), or hexagonal architecture
•    Prior experience in mentoring or leading technical initiatives
•    Experience working in agile or fast-paced development environments

OUR BENEFITS & PERKS
•    Competitive compensation packages and comprehensive medical insurance to support you and your family.
•    Wellbeing-focused initiatives and resources, designed to enhance your personal and professional life.
•    Access to exclusive discount programs, offering savings across various lifestyle and leisure experiences across the UAE.

WHAT MAKES A GREAT FIT
If you are performance-driven and possess an inquisitive mind with the agility to navigate ambiguity, you will thrive here. At the heart of the Space42 community is a bias for action and a passion for developing innovative, efficient space services through AI-driven smart solutions that drive technological advancements and create a better tomorrow.