Senior Backend Developer (Node.js & Django) for P2P Tutoring Platform (equity base)

***********************************IMPORTANT NOTICE
THIS IS CURRENTLY A 100% EQUITY-BASED POSITION
NO SALARY OR CASH COMPENSATION IS OFFERED AT THIS STAGE
PLEASE DO NOT APPLY IF YOU ARE NOT SPECIFICALLY LOOKING FOR AN EQUITY-BASED STARTUP OPPORTUNITY*********************************************************************

About APOLO P2P

APOLO P2P is the first global peer-to-peer tutoring marketplace focused exclusively on blockchain and cryptocurrency education.

The platform delivers live one-to-one tutoring sessions through an integrated collaborative learning environment that includes real-time communication, interactive educational tools, collaborative workspaces, technical analysis systems, and live coding environments.

Unlike traditional course-based platforms, APOLO focuses on live, on-demand learning where students connect directly with tutors and pay by the hour for personalized educational sessions.

We are currently seeking a highly experienced Senior Backend Developer with strong expertise in Node.js and Django to help lead the development, scalability, architecture, and long-term evolution of the platform’s backend systems.

Working Structure

• Equity-based founding-stage position
• Fully remote
• Team collaboration is synchronous, not asynchronous
• Core working hours are Monday to Friday from 4:00 PM UTC to 7:00 PM UTC
• Direct collaboration with Backend, Frontend, DevOps, QA, Product, and Founder-level leadership
• Long-term technical leadership opportunity within the company

Role Overview

This role focuses on designing, developing, optimizing, and maintaining scalable backend systems that support APOLO’s live educational marketplace and collaborative learning infrastructure.

You will work on backend architecture, APIs, database systems, integrations, performance optimization, scalability, and platform reliability while collaborating closely with the broader engineering team.

We are looking for someone highly technical, proactive, detail-oriented, and comfortable operating inside a fast-moving startup environment.

Key Responsibilities
Backend Architecture & Development

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend systems using Node.js and Django
• Build reliable and maintainable backend services supporting live platform functionality
• Design backend architecture with strong focus on:
• Scalability
• Performance
• Reliability
• Security
• Maintainability
• Develop and maintain APIs supporting frontend systems, platform services, and third-party integrations
• Improve platform performance and backend efficiency across critical workflows

Database Design & Optimization

• Design and maintain scalable database structures and data models
• Work with relational and non-relational database systems where appropriate
• Optimize database performance, indexing, queries, and scalability
• Help maintain data consistency, reliability, and operational efficiency across platform systems

API & Platform Integrations

• Develop and maintain APIs and backend integrations
• Integrate third-party systems related to:
• Payments
• Notifications
• Identity verification
• Platform services
• Ensure backend systems remain reliable, secure, and maintainable as integrations evolve
• Help maintain clear API structure and backend service organization

Infrastructure & Deployment Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with DevOps on deployment workflows and backend infrastructure requirements
• Support scalable deployment practices and backend operational reliability
• Help optimize backend systems for production stability and future platform growth
• Participate in discussions related to backend scalability, monitoring, and operational performance

Security & Reliability

• Follow and help implement secure backend development practices
• Help improve:
• Authentication systems
• Authorization flows
• Data protection
• API security
• Operational reliability
• Participate in debugging, issue resolution, and platform hardening efforts
• Help identify vulnerabilities, bottlenecks, and architectural risks

Testing & Code Quality

• Write maintainable, testable, and production-grade code
• Participate in:
• Code reviews
• Backend testing
• Architecture reviews
• Performance optimization
• Help maintain high engineering standards and development quality across backend systems

Collaboration & Technical Leadership

• Work closely with:
• Frontend engineers
• DevOps
• QA
• Product and Design teams
• Founder-level leadership
• Contribute to architectural decisions and technical planning
• Help mentor junior developers and support engineering best practices
• Participate actively in technical discussions and long-term platform planning

Requirements

• 5+ years of backend development experience
• Strong expertise with:
• Node.js
• Django
• RESTful API development
• Scalable backend architectures
• Strong understanding of:
• Backend system design
• Database architecture
• Authentication and authorization systems
• API integrations
• Performance optimization
• Experience working with:
• PostgreSQL
• Redis
• Modern backend workflows
• Containerized development environments
• Strong debugging and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to independently manage technical responsibilities and contribute to architectural decisions
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to work effectively during synchronous working hours

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on:
• Marketplace platforms
• Real-time systems
• Educational technology platforms
• Fintech or crypto-related applications
• Familiarity with:
• Payment systems
• Identity verification systems
• High-concurrency backend systems
• WebSocket or real-time architectures
• Basic understanding of blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystems is considered a strong advantage

Compensation

• Equity allocation through a SAFE agreement
• Future salary opportunity following successful fundraising and platform growth
• Long-term growth opportunity within the company
• Direct collaboration with the founding and engineering teams

Why Join APOLO?

Joining APOLO at this stage provides the opportunity to help architect and scale the backend infrastructure of a global blockchain and cryptocurrency education platform from the ground up.

You will have:

• High ownership and technical influence over backend systems
• Direct collaboration with the founding and engineering teams
• Long-term growth opportunities as the platform scales globally
• The opportunity to help build a next-generation live educational marketplace focused on blockchain and cryptocurrency learning