Senior Backend Engineer (Streaming)

As a Senior Backend Engineer on the Streaming team, you will be part of a group responsible for building & maintaining streaming media features in the backend services of one of the most-watched & highest-rated streaming apps across multiple platforms. You will collaborate with other teams across the organization to deliver new features, work on bug fixes, code reviews, and participate in key decisions that drive the team & product forward.

• You will build robust backend functionality to support new and existing streaming experiences across multiple client platforms, using TypeScript and modern backend technologies.
• You will develop and maintain scalable, reliable backend systems for key streaming architecture components like content ingestion, catalog management, and playback services.
• You will collaborate closely with Product, UX, Content, and Marketing to shape new streaming features and update existing features.
• You will work with client engineers and other backend engineers to help define how features are built, and how existing features are maintained.
• You will lead and participate in code reviews, advocating for best practices, continuous improvement, and clean, well-tested code.
• You will analyze and improve backend performance, reliability, and data pipelines to ensure seamless streaming experiences.
• You will contribute to technical discussions, architecture decisions, and team-wide initiatives, and may mentor other engineers.

• You have at least 5 years of experience building performant, distributed backend services at scale.
• You are detail-oriented and focused on delivering seamless, high quality code, efficient data pipelines, and focused on continuous improvement in all things.
• Strong proficiency in Node.js and TypeScript, as well as API frameworks like Express and GraphQL.
• You have demonstrated skill implementing caching strategies—including edge caching, in-memory, and distributed caches—to deliver performant APIs at scale.
• Experience with databases such as MongoDB (or similar), and optimizing query or data flow for high-throughput applications.
• You have practical familiarity with cloud components and architectures, including messaging queues such as RabbitMQ, and cloud storage such as S3.
• You are familiar with how backend services are deployed and orchestrated, CI/CD, testing strategies, Docker, and Kubernetes.
• You are familiar with using telemetry data to inspect and monitor backend services errors and performance.
• Nice to have - You have experience working on streaming or content delivery applications.
• Nice to have - You are familiar with media streaming protocols such as HLS and Dash, and video encoding and packaging optimization techniques for online streaming.
• Nice to have - You have experience working with complex datasets and maintaining data cleanliness, you may have a special interest in movie & TV metadata.
• You are kind, humble, helpful and enjoy getting stuff done.
• You are intrinsically motivated, able to manage your time, and enjoy working with a distributed team across the globe.
• You believe in asking for help and in helping others when asked, in assuming ownership on issues until they are fully resolved, and in never simply throwing a problem over a wall.
• You are hungry to have an impact, continuously working to improve our product, process and push the team to be its best.

Plex is a global streaming media platform that gives millions of customers around the world the freedom to enjoy all the content they love in one simple, beautiful app. Our vision is to empower real human connections by bringing people and entertainment together. So, we’re on a mission to create a global community for streaming content that people can depend on to easily discover, experience, and share all of the entertainment that matters to them.

• We are the largest independent streaming platform built by a global team of employees who are fanatically passionate about delivering the highest quality, most unified, and user-friendliest entertainment experience possible.
• We have always been a distributed organization, with people making great things happen in over 20 different countries and 11 time zones. 
• We host epic in-person off-sites to bring team members together a few times a year. 
• We are passionate about our mission and we work hard, while still providing flexibility around a schedule that works for you.
• We love what we’re building and our user community is an integral part of our development process. We actively engage with customers to understand what is working, what they want more of, and how we can be better.
• We are committed to improving the communities where we live and work with charitable contributions, partnerships, and service.

• Plex hires new team members in countries around the world. 
• As such, Plex does not sponsor employment visas.
• All of our roles are remote, however some roles may carry specific location-based eligibility requirements. Our hiring team can help answer any questions about location after starting the recruiting process. 
• Also, please note, though we largely work asynchronously, as it relates to meetings, those generally occur between UTC 1600 to UTC 1900

• Be kind, humble, and helpful.
• Approach problems with curiosity, creativity, and flexibility.
• Put yourself on the customer’s couch.
• Be a good steward. Like a boss!
• Build relationships to ensure healthy debate.
• Foster a global and diverse team spirit.
• Show gratitude and give back.
• Seek balance for yourself and Plex.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US and Global geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $120,000/year in our lowest geographic market up to $160,000/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location, seniority, local currency and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

• Monthly Balance Wellness Stipend
• Productivity Stipend
• Flexible paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• Hardware stipend
• Flextime, work from anywhere
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Stock options
• 401k (US employees)
• Plex for the Planet community service opportunities

At Plex, our vision is to empower real human connection by bringing people and entertainment together. This vision is at the heart of our diversity, equity and inclusion work. 

As a fully remote, global company, we take pride in our ability and dedication to building a workforce that represents our global audience. Our virtual work environment is intentionally designed to draw from all backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging and ownership for every employee. 

As we create a global community of streaming media, we know we need a team that represents the diversity of our users and a company culture that welcomes people to be their authentic selves, and we’re all in!  

Our DEI efforts are focused on the following:

• Building a diverse and global company
• Creating an inclusive culture

Our DEI Foundations:

• Participation, Education and Awareness, Data and Understanding
  

Does this sound interesting? We're looking for a Senior Backend Engineer  who is ready to join us to have a material impact in Plex's growth and success!

Plex is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status or any other classification protected by applicable discrimination laws.