Backend Developer

About Eli5

Eli5 is a boutique product and software studio working on business-critical software for Startups, Corporate Innovators, Venture Builders, and GovTech. We’re small by design, giving us the freedom to work closely with clients for the long haul. Our projects often span years, helping us build meaningful relationships and products that make an actual difference.

We focus on products that enhance productivity, intuitive and pleasant user experience, and refined but simplistic aesthetics. We approach projects with a tech agnostic mindset, so we choose the tools that best fit the solution and the client’s organization. While we’re remote-first, we have an office in central Amsterdam for when in-person collaboration sparks better ideas.

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The Role of an Eli5 Backend Developer

At Eli5, backend developers are the engineers who turn ideas into robust systems. Things often start from scratch and evolve into enterprise-grade solutions. You’ll be responsible for building and maintaining backend infrastructure while collaborating closely with frontend developers and designers to bring projects to life.

• Design lean and maintainable backend infrastructure and integration systems.
• Build backend systems that are easy to extend and maintain.
• Scope backend tasks with the team and clients.
• Collaborate with front-end developers and designers.
• Provide technical advice to clients and product owners about trade-offs in product strategy.

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The Essential Stuff

We’re looking for someone who can confidently tackle backend development challenges, combining technical expertise with a problem-solving mindset. This role requires a proactive attitude and the ability to make smart, pragmatic decisions while maintaining a high standard of code quality. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic environment, collaborates effectively with team members, and is passionate about learning and growing in their craft. Here’s what we’re specifically looking for:

• Knows their way around Laravel, .NET, Python, and/or Node.js.
• Can work in a Git environment.
• Has experience with relational SQL and NoSQL databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MongoDB, and similar solutions.
• Has experience with ownership of a production environment. 
• Writes clean, maintainable code.
• Makes well-informed decisions without overcomplicating things.
• Is eager to learn and improve.
• Stays organized and pays attention to the details.
• Works well independently but thrives in a team.
• Speaks English and/or Dutch fluently (we might ask for proof).

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Bonus Points For

You’ll stand out if you bring additional skills and experiences that enhance your ability to contribute to our projects. We value candidates who go beyond the basics, demonstrating a deep understanding of backend development and its ecosystem. Here are some ways to make your application stand out:

• Have experience building RESTful APIs.
• Know JSON-API or GraphQL.
• Understand CI/CD pipelines (GitLab, TravisCI, Jenkins).
• Familiarity with deploying solutions on Cloud Infrastructure providers such as AWS, Azure, GCP, DigitalOcean or similar services. 
• Apply software design patterns in your work.
• Are familiar with frontend frameworks like ReactJS or VueJS.
• Have worked with caching systems like Valkey, Redis or Memcached in production.
• Understand Agile workflows.
• Have experience with C#, .NET, Python or Django.
• Experience leveraging AI and productivity tools to speed up development in a professional environment. 

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Our culture and Eli5 perks

We’re big believers in making work enjoyable and rewarding. At Eli5, we know that happy, supported team members produce their best work, so we go beyond the usual perks to create an environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally. Here’s what you get:

• All the gear you need to do your job.
• Support for your growth with courses, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing.
• A tight-knit team that values collaboration and openness.
• Remote-first flexibility with a central Amsterdam office for in-person collaboration.
• Regular team outings and events with the Eli5 team and our sister company, Noco.
• Complex, impactful projects that keep things interesting.

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Let’s Build Together

Ready to build something extraordinary? We’re excited to hear from you. Hit the apply button, share your details, and let’s explore how your skills and ambitions align with what we’re building at Eli5.