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GitLab is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer to join the Plan: Spec-Driven Development team, working on the intent-to-code loop—agentic workflows that transform stated intent into refined work items, implementation plans, and verified, mergeable code.
You will own early-stage backend work across flows, APIs, data models, and evaluation systems using Ruby on Rails, Python, PostgreSQL, GitLab Duo Agent Platform, LLM APIs, and an AI gateway. The team is small and distributed, working on one of GitLab's highest-visibility product bets with design partners toward public beta.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead backend features from product discussions through technical design, implementation, rollout, and post-launch learning
- Build flows, APIs, and data models behind agent-generated work items, implementation plans, specifications, and mergeable code
- Develop evaluation and benchmarking systems measuring workflow quality, token cost, and success rate
- Use Ruby on Rails and Python to build reliable production systems with PostgreSQL, GraphQL, REST, and LLM integrations
- Collaborate with product, design, engineers, and users to shape scope and make practical trade-offs
- Coordinate multi-person projects and communicate decisions in an async, all-remote environment
- Mentor other engineers and contribute to technical direction across the Plan group and AI initiatives
- Work in short iterations, share progress through demos, and use feedback to guide next steps
Required experience:
- Strong Ruby on Rails in large production codebases and production Python experience
- Track record driving substantial multi-engineer projects over months with clear outcomes
- Product mindset with end-to-end feature ownership, scope shaping, and post-launch learning
- Full-stack background with current backend focus; ability to read modern frontend code and design effective APIs
- Strong API design and SQL fundamentals
- Experience with AI-assisted development
- Independent work, cross-functional collaboration, and technical leadership/mentoring
Helpful but not required: GraphQL, PostgreSQL performance at scale, LLM/agent system building and evaluation.
