Backend Engineering Manager

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big.

When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future.

Reports to: Director of Platform & Interfaces

About The Position

We are seeking a Backend Engineering Manager to lead and grow our backend development team. This role blends hands-on technical expertise with strategic leadership to guide the architecture, development, and operations of our backend systems.

You will take ownership of our existing systems, ensuring stability, performance, and continuous improvement, while also managing team transitions—including onboarding new hires and identifying new team members. You will work closely with leadership to align backend technology strategy with business priorities, ensuring our platforms are secure, scalable, and future-ready.

Specific Responsibilities

• Ownership & Continuity
• Take over and manage all existing backend systems and infrastructure.
• Ensure smooth knowledge transfer and continuity as team members transition to other roles.
• Onboard and integrate new backend team members effectively.
• Team Leadership & Management
• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of backend engineers and DevOps specialists.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance engineering culture.
• Define team goals, KPIs, and development plans.
• Technical Leadership
• Architect, design, and oversee backend systems, APIs, and data pipelines.
• Ensure systems are secure, scalable, and maintainable.
• Lead the adoption of best practices in software development, code quality, and testing.
• Cloud Infrastructure & MLOps
• Own and manage our AWS infrastructure, ensuring cost efficiency, security, and scalability.
• Oversee Terraform-based Infrastructure as Code (IaC) deployments.
• Manage and optimize Machine Learning pipelines and MLOps workflows for model training, deployment, and monitoring.
• Project & Stakeholder Management
• Collaborate with Product, domain specialists, and Frontend teams to align backend solutions with product needs.
• Plan and prioritize backend roadmap items and technical debt reduction.
• Provide regular progress updates to senior leadership.
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven experience as a senior backend engineer or backend team lead with at least 7+ years in software development and 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven ability to lead, coach and guide teams to success in a dynamic environment.
• Strong expertise in AWS (EC2, S3, Lambda, API Gateway, CloudFormation/Terraform, IAM, etc.).
• Proficiency in Python for backend and data processing.
• Experience with Databases (SQL and NoSQL).
• Experience in Microservice architectures and distributed systems.
• Experience with Machine Learning pipelines and MLOps tools/workflows.
• Hands-on experience managing Terraform IaC deployments.
• Track record of delivering production-grade backend systems at scale.
• Strong understanding of security best practices and cloud cost optimization.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Experience in data-intensive or ML-driven products.
• Familiarity with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Prior experience in scaling engineering teams and managing team transitions.
• Knowledge of event-driven architectures and real-time data processing.
  
  

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit at a desk and do general office work, which includes periodic sedentary responsibilities;
• Be available to work outside normal business hours when required;
• Ability to use and view a computer screen for up to 8 hours per day;
• Ability to communicate in various electronic formats including email, video conference and phone;
  
  

Our Benefits Include

• An estimated annual salary ranging from $130,000 - $150,000 at the time of posting. Individual compensation is determined by factors such as job-related skills, relevant experience, education and/or training.
• Comprehensive benefit package specific to your work status (including extended medical, dental, and vision coverage, access to company perks, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with company match, employee assistance and wellness programs)
• Additional vacation days for years of service
• Business support for education or training after 9 months with the company
• Learning & development opportunities (unlimited access to e-learnings and more)
  
  

Please note: Benefits vary based on employee status.

Working at ALS

The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world.

Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence.

At ALS, you’ll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programs and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us.

We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities.

Everyone Matters

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued.

 Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, military or veteran status, gender, age, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information and any other characteristics protected by the law. We invite resumes from all interested parties, including women, First Nations Metis and Inuit persons, members of minority groups, and persons living with disabilities.  

ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. 

Eligibility

To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.

How To Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.