Lead Software Engineer, Backend
As a Lead Software Engineer, the successful candidate will lead the charge in building scalable systems that power real-time experiences for millions of customers. The role involves architecting robust solutions, writing high-performance code, and guiding a team committed to technical excellence.
Working across disciplines, the Lead Software Engineer will align engineering execution with business strategy and elevate the enterprise platform. This is an opportunity to lead with impact, shape product direction, mentor talent, and drive innovation at scale.
- Architect, develop, and maintain scalable and secure systems and APIs that power high-impact applications used by millions of users in a real-time, always-on environment.
- Take ownership of the full development lifecycle from shaping the architecture of new features to breaking down workstreams and guiding implementation.
- Lead by example, writing high-performance, well-tested code that meets rigorous standards for reliability and scalability.
- Set and enforce best practices around code quality, design patterns, testing, and system performance.
- Triage, debug, and resolve complex issues in production environments, driving a culture of accountability and operational excellence.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Design, and Engineering teams to align technical solutions with strategic business goals.
- Act as a technical mentor and coach, providing guidance and feedback that helps engineers grow and deliver their best work.
- Play a critical role in shaping the team’s roadmap and technical direction while fostering a strong engineering culture grounded in ownership and continuous learning.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or any suitable combination of education, experience, and training (required).
- At least 5 years of experience in object-oriented backend development using languages such as C# or Java, with advanced expertise in OOP principles, design patterns, and backend architecture (required).
- Proven ability to architect, build, and scale distributed systems in Cloud environments such as AWS or Google Cloud Platform (GCP) (required).
- Deep experience developing and maintaining comprehensive automated test suites, including unit, integration, and performance tests, to ensure system resilience and scalability (required).
- A strong track record of mentoring engineers, leading code and design reviews, and driving high-impact technical decisions across cross-functional teams (required).
- A proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement, code quality, and driving engineering best practices across teams (required).
- Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans.
- Wellbeing program including free therapy sessions, employee assistance programs, the Calm App, and virtual yoga classes.
- 14 weeks of 100% paid parental leave and workplace lactation support.
- Partnership with Care.com for backup childcare.
- Family planning support including adoption, surrogacy, and fertility treatments.
- Flexible PTO for US employees.
- Pet insurance.
- Gym reimbursement.
- Financial planning resources including 401(k) matching and Origin Financial.
- Commuter benefits.
- Tuition reimbursement program.
DraftKings Inc. is a leading American digital sports entertainment and gaming company, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 2012, it started in daily fantasy sports and has grown into one of the largest US online sportsbook and iGaming operators. The company offers mobile sports betting, online casino and daily fantasy contests across regulated North American markets. DraftKings is listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange and employs several thousand people.