What is a Backend Engineer?
A Backend engineer is a software developer who specializes in building and maintaining the server-side of web applications and systems. Backend engineers are responsible for the implementation and management of the servers, databases, and APIs that drive the functionality of web applications. They work closely with frontend engineers and product managers to ensure that the front-end and back-end of a web application work together efficiently and seamlessly.
Curious what we mean when we say "product?" Read This.
What does a Backend Engineer do?
At the very basic level, backend engineers are responsible for maintaining product data and ensuring scalability for a website or application.
At companies of all sizes, backend engineers will often work in a pod structure led by a product manager to decide what order to prioritize development tasks. It’s the product managers’ role to decide prioritization of development work based on a function of importance, function and visibility.
An engineer is usually responsible for completing a certain number of tasks– often referred to as “tickets” or “user stories” within a set timeframe (often referred to as a “sprint”).
Difference between Frontend, Backend, and Fullstack Engineers
The term and title of “Fullstack” engineer showcases the ability to work on either the front or back end of the product (hence, full stack engineers are capable of managing the company’s FULL tech stack).
Do I need a degree to be a Backend Engineer?
Contrary to popular belief, you do NOT need a CS or otherwise technical degree to be any sort of engineer. In fact, no degree is required for an associate/entry level backend engineering position. Hiring managers focus primarily on previous things built-- in this case, APIs written or logic coded, which is usually on display in a portfolio like Github. Job applications will often require a link space for a Github for a recruiter to review. Engineers can be self-taught, as long as they have a decent number of projects featured and can pass a coding interview. Job descriptions will often mention a requirement of something STEM related, but more often than not these roles are filled by bootcamp graduates or those with impressive portfolios.
HOWEVER, if you're looking to enter tech in a coding field, we recommend checking out frontend engineering instead. It is simpler to learn, easier to show off, and usually more fun for beginners.
We've seen these people become incredibly successful backend engineers:
- Any sort of college STEM background like mathematics, statistics, or computer science
- Data entry and receptionist professionals
- Accounting and budgeting roles
- Truck drivers (truly!)
If you're new here to bridged, we're glad to meet you! We are huge fans of alternate forms of education, and recommend specific certifications to target skills. Learn more here.
Our Favorite Backend Engineering Programs and Certifications
Engineering certifications and bootcamps are a dime a dozen, because it's an alternative form of education. Many of the reviewer sites recommending programs get significant kickbacks for the $3,000+ certifications they're reviewing, and while we respect their hustle and also love money-- that's a little shady.
Our criteria for these programs were that they costed under $300 for completion. Some dev programs come with a job guarantee after placement, which is pretty neat, but also can be expensive down the line with income sharing. For developers, the absolute best thing you can have is a snazzy portfolio of impressive projects. This can absolutely be self-taught if you're motivated enough.
Backend engineering is admittedly more a university-forward field-- usually they are computer science graduates that wind up in big tech-- but we really enjoyed the portfolio aspects of the Meta and IBM programs. If you're serious about backend engineering and have a propensity towards logic problems, we recommend auditing a course to see if it's a good fit for you.
Backend Developer Professional Program
Meta sponsors this Python-forward course that specializes in using code to solve complex problems.
While usually we're skeptical of programs taught by companies (instead of universities or specialists), we loved that you'll end the program with a portfolio-ready web application (most important) and sharable certificate for your resume.
IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Program
IBM teaches a highly-specialized devops program and promises a portfolio of backend applications upon completion. This course also heavily utilizes Python.
We share the same skepticism on IBM that we do about Meta, but there are not many programs for backend engineering because it's less sexy than frontend.
Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals
Duke was one of the only universities that had a program that touched on backend engineering. Duke is a premium university, and the certificate from completion will shine on resumes.
Luckily, all of these programs are hosted on Coursera so you can audit if needed. We recommend seeing which program resonates most with you before committing and paying the monthly fee.
Career Path of a Backend Engineer
Backend engineers have tons of options-- they can go on to be fullstack engineers, managers, or even product managers. So while this path is common, the #1 thing to keep in mind is this is a fabulous path to get your foot in the door at a tech company.
*Or Jr. Backend Engineer
Fullstack Engineer
Senior Fullstack Eng
Product Manager
What is an Backend Engineer's salary?
Engineers are some of the highest paid roles in the tech community. A high-level senior engineer can make an upwards of $500k+ at a bit tech company. We've aggregated thousands of salaries across glassdoor and linkedin, and entry-level backend engineers can make anywhere between 115k - 145k, depending on their location and skillsets.
Top Skills of a Backend Engineer
We've compiled thousands of job descriptions for backend engineers to record the most common requirements to save you time. While preparing for interviews, keep in mind specific times you've demonstrated these skills.
Remember: there are not many soft-skills required for backend engineering, and these skills reflect that. Familiarity with programming and language frameworks is key, which can be shown off through a portfolio on Github or Bitbucket.
- Design and develop the server-side of web applications using programming languages such as Java, Python, Ruby, or PHP.
- Implement and maintain APIs that allow the front-end of the application to interact with the back-end.
- Create and maintain databases, and design and implement data models.
- Optimize web application performance and scalability.
- Implement security measures to protect web applications and user data.
- Participate in code reviews and contribute to the development of best practices.
- Collaborate with other developers and stakeholders to understand and implement functional requirements.
Top Tools of a Backend Engineer
We've also compiled the most common tools listed in backend engineering job descriptions, which are primarily coding languages and frameworks. If you're serious about becoming a backend engineer, get familiar with these and be ready to talk about them.
Programming Languages
- Python
- Ruby
- JavaScript
- Java
- C#
- PHP
Programming Frameworks
- express.js
- ruby on rails
- spring
- dijango
- fiber
- laravel
Databases
- MySQL
- MongoDB
- PostgreSQL
- Oracle
APIs
- Postman
- cURL
- Swagger
Key Traits of a Successful Backend Engineer
Backend Engineers will work closely with:
Conclusion
Here at Bridged we are huge fans of stacking micro-certifications to achieve desired career results. We're building a product to make your career planning fun and affordable, and we'd love to talk to YOU! Was this article helpful? Did you land an interview for a backend engineering role?
Let us know at hello@getbridged.co
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