Principal Backend Developer
Job Description
Toast is recruiting on behalf of this company for a Principal Backend Developer to help build transformative technology in the sports betting space. This company is modernizing the way sportsbooks operate by delivering scalable, real-time data systems and high-performance backend infrastructure. As part of a lean and collaborative 10-person tech and product team (within a 20+ person organization), this role is ideal for someone who thrives in ambiguity, values impact, and is excited to help shape both architecture and culture from the ground up.
This is an opportunity to lead complex technical projects in a high-growth environment where your work directly influences operational efficiency and user experience.
Responsibilities
- Lead backend development across core data and customer-facing products.
- Architect, build, and maintain high-performance systems for real-time data ingestion and processing.
- Drive improvements to system reliability, scalability, and automation across backend services.
- Collaborate with product and engineering teams to deliver powerful dashboards and data pipelines.
- Enhance and maintain systems for order flow management, data normalization, and API integrations.
- Champion engineering best practices while mentoring teammates and promoting an inclusive tech culture.
Requirements
- 3+ years of experience in backend development with cloud-based architectures.
- Proficiency in Python, including experience working with APIs, data pipelines, and messaging tools (Pub/Sub, RabbitMQ).
- Strong knowledge of Kubernetes, AWS services (Lambda, ECS, DynamoDB), and Redis.
- Experience with data visualization or dashboarding tools such as Looker or Grafana.
- Comfortable working independently in a fast-paced, startup environment.
- Bonus: Experience in the sports betting, iGaming, or financial market industries.
Benefits
- Impact-first environment: Be part of a small team where your ideas directly shape product direction.
- Sustainable growth: The company is self-funded, profitable, and committed to long-term vision — no VC pressures or pivots.
- Hybrid flexibility: Balance in-office collaboration and remote work in a hybrid Toronto setup.
- Clear career trajectory: Join during a stage of rapid growth and take on leadership responsibilities with room to evolve.
Toast's Process
1. Application Review
Submit your application, including your resume and cover letter, through our online portal. Our team will carefully review your qualifications and experiences. We take pride in responding promptly, so if your application aligns with our current opportunities, you’ll hear back from us with next steps. Your journey with Toast begins here, and we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
2. Vetting Call
If your application is successful, we’ll schedule a vetting call with a member of the Toast team. This 30-45 minute informal conversation is designed for us to get to know you better and assess your skills. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, the challenges you’ve tackled, and the impact you’ve made. This is your chance to shine and show us why you’re a great fit for the roles we offer.
3. Profile Creation
Once you’ve impressed us in the vetting call, we’ll create an unbiased profile that highlights your experience while minimizing common biases. Instead, we focus on your skills, industry experience, and the impact you’ve made. This way, your profile reflects your true potential and accomplishments.
4. Client Submission
After crafting your unbiased profile, we submit it to our trusted clients. We work closely with these clients to ensure they understand the value you bring. Throughout their interview process, we remain by your side, providing support and guidance. Our goal is to help you navigate the hiring process smoothly and confidently, ensuring you have the best chance to secure a role that fits your skills and aspirations.