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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.
In this role, 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. You'll join a small, distributed team of four engineers (two backend, two frontend) working on one of GitLab's highest-visibility product bets, collaborating with design partners toward public beta.
Key responsibilities include: leading backend features from product discussions through technical design, implementation, rollout, and post-launch learning; building flows, APIs, and data models behind agent-generated work items and code; developing evaluation and benchmarking systems to measure workflow quality, token cost, and success rates; using Ruby on Rails and Python to build reliable production systems with PostgreSQL, GraphQL, REST, and LLM integrations; collaborating with product, design, and users to shape scope and make trade-offs; coordinating multi-person projects in an async, all-remote environment; mentoring other engineers and contributing to technical direction across the Plan group and AI initiatives; and working in short iterations with demos and user feedback loops.
You bring strong Ruby on Rails experience in large production codebases and production Python experience. You have driven substantial projects with multiple engineers over months with clear user or business outcomes. You possess a product mindset, owning features end-to-end including scope, trade-offs, user engagement, and post-launch learning. You have a full-stack background with current backend focus, ability to read modern frontend code, and strong API design and SQL fundamentals. Experience exploring AI-assisted development is expected. You work independently, collaborate across functions and regions, and provide technical leadership and mentoring. Experience with GraphQL, PostgreSQL at scale, or building/evaluating LLM or agent systems is helpful but not required.
