Founding Backend Developer

Founding Backend Developer (Node/NestJS & Microservices)Equity Only | Pre-Seed Stage Startup | India OnlyAbout UsWe are building an industry-leading FinTech mobile app that brings hedge-fund-grade trading intelligence to everyday investors. Think Robinhood, but powered by AI-driven insights, ultra-low-latency systems, and transparent user experiences. As part of our founding technical team, you will architect and implement the backend foundation that powers our entire platform — from trading services and portfolio management to real-time data streaming and user-facing APIs.The RoleWe are seeking a Founding Backend Developer with in-depth expertise in Node.js, NestJS, and microservices architecture to design and deliver the high-performance backend powering our trading platform. This is a hands-on, builder role: you will create systems that handle real-time financial data, low-latency execution pipelines, and mission-critical APIs that integrate with frontend apps, AI engines, and external brokerage APIs.You will bring a DIY founder mindset, taking ownership of backend reliability, security, and scalability in an equity-only, pre-funding environment.What You’ll DoBackend Architecture & DevelopmentDesign and implement low-latency, high-throughput microservices using Node.js and NestJS.Build real-time APIs and services over REST, WebSockets, and gRPC to support live trading, portfolio updates, and event-driven alerts.Optimize systems for sub-100ms response times where required, enabling trading-grade performance.API-First DevelopmentDefine clear API contracts and generate Swagger/OpenAPI documentation.Ensure seamless integration with mobile frontend, AI/ML services, and data pipelines.Security & ComplianceImplement authentication and authorization (JWT, OAuth2).Integrate secure practices for handling financial and personal data (KYC, 2FA, PCI/DSS awareness).Establish logging, monitoring, and audit trails for regulatory alignment.Scalability & ReliabilityDesign systems that can scale horizontally under heavy load.Ensure fault tolerance, failover mechanisms, and efficient resource utilization.Build observability into services with metrics, tracing, and alerts.Collaboration & Startup DNAWork closely with the Frontend, AI, and Data Engineering teams to build seamless end-to-end flows.Take complete ownership of backend development: from initial design to deployment and monitoring.Contribute to technical vision and make early architectural choices that define the company’s long-term success.What We’re Looking For10+ years of backend development experience, with strong proficiency in Node.js and NestJS.Proven expertise in designing and implementing microservices and API-driven architectures.Hands-on experience building low-latency, high-performance systems (sub-100ms response targets).Solid knowledge of REST, WebSockets, gRPC, and event-driven architectures.Experience with Swagger/OpenAPI, API lifecycle management, and contract-first development.Strong understanding of cloud-native practices, containerization, and CI/CD pipelines(GitHub Actions).Familiarity with financial/trading systems is a significant plus.Deep knowledge of security practices (JWT, OAuth2, KYC workflows, PCI compliance awareness).A DIY builder and founder mindset: resourceful, entrepreneurial, and willing to operate in ambiguity.Willingness to work in an equity-only, pre-funding startup environment.Why Join UsBe the founding architect of backend systems that power a next-gen FinTech platform.Build Robinhood-class infrastructure with trading-grade performance and reliability.Collaborate with a small, elite founding team across AI, Data, and Frontend.Equity-based compensation at pre-angel stage: high risk, high reward, massive ownership potential.Shape the core product and technology stack at the ground floor.