Job Overview
The backend developer is the specialist for the server-side portion of an application. He designs, develops and maintains the business logic, databases and APIs that feed user interfaces. A key player in digital transformation, he ensures application performance, security and scalability for web and mobile applications.
Unlike the frontend developer who manages the user interface, the backend developer focuses on server architecture, data management, authentication, security and performance. He must design robust systems capable of supporting thousands, even millions of simultaneous users.
The role evolves rapidly with cloud computing, microservices, serverless architectures and containers (Docker, Kubernetes). The modern backend developer must master these technologies whilst maintaining solid fundamental expertise.
Key Responsibilities
API design and development
Design and develop REST or GraphQL APIs to expose data and business logic. Define endpoints, manage authentication (JWT, OAuth), implement data validation and document APIs (Swagger, OpenAPI).
Database architecture and modelling
Design database schema (SQL or NoSQL), optimise queries for performance, manage schema migrations, implement backups and replication.
Business logic development
Implement application business rules: user management, payment processing, search engine, notification systems, complex workflows.
Third-party service integration
Integrate external services: payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal), messaging services (Twilio, SendGrid), cloud storage (AWS S3, Google Cloud Storage), analytics tools.
Performance and scalability
Optimise performance (Redis caching, CDN), implement scaling mechanisms (load balancing, sharding), monitor performance and address bottlenecks.
Security and compliance
Implement security measures: SQL injection protection, XSS, CSRF, secure secrets management, sensitive data encryption, GDPR compliance.
Technical skills vs soft skills
- Mastery of at least one backend language (Node.js, Python, Java, PHP, Go, Ruby)
- SQL and NoSQL expertise (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis)
- Knowledge of RESTful and GraphQL architectures
- Git mastery and Agile/Scrum methodologies
- Web security principles knowledge (OWASP)
- Cloud familiarity (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure)
- Docker container understanding
- Design patterns knowledge (MVC, Repository, Factory)
- Code rigour and attention to detail
- Complex problem-solving capability
- Analytical thinking and algorithm logic
- Autonomy and continuous learning
- Communication and team collaboration (with frontend, product, design)
- Stress management and deadline respect
Salary Grid 2026 (annual gross)
| Experience | SME/Startup | IT Services Firm | Tech Scale-up | London Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior (0-2 yrs) | 32-40K EUR | 30-38K EUR | 38-45K EUR | +10-15% |
| Established (2-5 yrs) | 40-50K EUR | 38-45K EUR | 48-58K EUR | +10-15% |
| Senior (5-10 yrs) | 50-62K EUR | 45-55K EUR | 58-70K EUR | +15-20% |
| Lead/Tech Lead (10+ yrs) | 60-80K EUR | 55-70K EUR | 70-90K EUR | +20-25% |
What is the difference between backend developer and fullstack developer?
Must you know multiple backend languages?
Must the backend developer know DevOps?
Can someone become a backend developer without a degree?
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