About this role.
Palmstreet is hiring a senior backend engineer to build and operate Node.js and TypeScript services powering web and mobile live-shopping experiences. The role emphasizes scalable, reliable architecture for high-volume real-time workflows such as instant bidding, live interactions, streaming, and checkout. The engineer will make key architectural decisions, own systems end to end, and partner closely with product, design, and infrastructure teams. Candidates need 5+ years of experience building scalable infrastructure, English and Mandarin proficiency, and preferably payments and Kubernetes expertise.
Role DNA
A quick view of the complexity, pace, ownership and collaboration implied by the job description.
Job Complexity
5/5Pace & Pressure
5/5Autonomy Level
5/5Communication Load
4/5Salary analysis
Estimated compensation compared with the broader CA market for similar roles.
Core skills
Skills and capabilities most closely associated with this opportunity.
Sample interview questions
I would separate the bid-ingestion path from downstream processing, use low-latency state management with ordered event handling, and make bid submission idempotent. I would define clear concurrency rules, persist an auditable event stream, and use load testing plus observability to validate latency, correctness, and failure behavior.
I would explain the business and technical constraints, compare viable options, and describe how I involved relevant stakeholders. A strong example would include the selected design, migration plan, measurable reliability or performance outcomes, and lessons learned after operating the system.
I would use strict TypeScript contracts, input validation, structured logging, metrics, tracing, timeouts, retries with backoff, circuit breaking where appropriate, and idempotent handlers. I would also maintain strong automated tests, safe deployment strategies such as canaries, and documented runbooks for critical services.
I would begin by mapping payment states, authorization and capture flows, refunds, seller payouts, reconciliation, and failure cases. I would prioritize security, PCI-aware vendor integration, idempotency, immutable transaction records, and monitoring that detects failed or delayed payment events quickly.
I translate technical choices into customer impact, delivery risk, reliability, cost, and operational consequences. I provide concise design documents with options and recommendations, invite early feedback, and ensure decisions, ownership, and success metrics are explicit before implementation.
About Palmstreet:
Palmstreet is the #1 live shopping platform for rare plants, handmade crafts, & unique goods. Founded in 2020 by Instagram and Apple veterans, Palmstreet began as a plant identification app and quickly evolved into a trailblazer in live shopping, beginning with plant sellers. Fueled by a passionate, plant-loving community, we rapidly expanded into new categories to better serve our fast-growing audience.
Our vision is to become the “World’s Online Main Street,” bringing the charm of in-person shopping to engaging, social online experiences. Backed by top Silicon Valley VCs and powered by a nimble, empathetic team, we’ve grown our GMV by 500x in the last 18 months.
As we continue shaping the future of social commerce, we’re looking for talented individuals who are excited to grow with us and join our mission.
The Opportunity:
Palmstreet is looking for a Senior Backend Software Engineer to join the team. As a Senior Software Engineer, you will lead the team on key architectural decisions, work on core user experiences like instant bidding and live interactions, develop scalable architecture to handle millions of users, innovate core features like live streaming and checkout processes, and maintain a reliable deployment pipeline.
Responsibilities:
– Build and maintain robust backend services and APIs that power both web and mobile applications using Node.js and TypeScript
– Work closely with PM, design, and infrastructure teams to build scalable products and services
– Establish self as an owner of a particular component, feature, or system with expert end-to-end understanding.
– Successfully completes projects at large scope while maintaining a consistently high level of productivity
Qualifications:
– BS (or higher) in Computer Science
– Bilingual proficiency in English and Mandarin
– 5+ years experience of building highly scalable and reliable infrastructure
– Payment system experience preferred
– Kubernetes experience preferred
Your Location:
– Remote – Anywhere in the Canada
Compensation:
– Pay Range: $200,000 – $250,000 CAD
– Equity grants will also be provided as part of the total compensation package.
Why Join Us?
– Shape the future of live shopping: Be part of a dynamic team revolutionizing the online shopping experience, combining creativity and technology to create immersive, interactive platforms for sellers and buyers alike.
– Collaborate with industry pioneers: Work alongside a nimble, innovative team, backed by some of the most prestigious VCs in Silicon Valley, with opportunities to influence the product direction.
– Solving complex challenges: You’ll take on complex problems that others haven’t yet been able to solve, driving innovation and pushing boundaries in your work.
– Thrive in a flat, startup environment: Take full ownership of your projects while working alongside a supportive team that values collaboration and mutual respect.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
Palmstreet is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from everyone—especially those whose identities are traditionally underrepresented in tech. We do not discriminate on race, religion, color, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, political belief, or any other characteristic protected by law.
For roles in Canada, we also comply with the Employment Equity Act.
Application Process:
We’re excited to review your application! If your experience aligns with what we’re looking for, our hiring team will reach out to schedule an initial screening call and walk you through the next steps of our interview process.
While we try our best to respond to everyone, the high volume of applications may mean we’re unable to provide individual updates if we decide not to move forward.
To stay connected and explore future opportunities, follow us on LinkedIn or visit us at https://palmstreet.app/careers.
Upload your resume now
- To unlock remote work opportunities and be discovered by global employers.
This job listing has been manually reviewed by the Jobicy Trust & Safety Team for compliance with our posting guidelines, including verification of the company's legitimacy, accuracy of job details, clarity of remote work policy, and absence of misleading or fraudulent content.
