At a Glance
- Tasks: Build large-scale platform products and collaborate with teams to bring ideas to life.
- Company: Join Roku, the leading TV streaming platform in North America.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, healthcare, retirement options, and flexible remote work.
- Other info: Fast-paced, collaborative environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on millions of users while working with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: Strong software development skills, preferably in Java; experience with cloud services is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 100000 £ per year.
Requirements
- Strong software development experience, preferably in Java; Python is a plus
- Experience building large-scale cloud services, ideally on AWS
- Experience selecting appropriate data stores and evaluating trade-offs
- Experience with in-memory caching layers such as Redis, Redis Cluster, or Memcached
- Track record of monitoring deploy quality and troubleshooting production systems
- Strong understanding of end-to-end web architecture, from end-user device to data center service
- Masters degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience
- Experience using AI/agentic engineering tools such as Claude Code, Cursor, MCP servers, custom skills, or agent frameworks, with the ability to verify outputs and ramp quickly on unfamiliar codebases
Responsibilities
- Build extremely large-scale platform products and services used by our engineers and by consumers across millions of devices
- Work with Product and Design teams to iterate and build software, taking concepts from ideation through production deployment and support
- Lead efforts to evaluate new technologies and promote best practices across the full development lifecycle, including code and design reviews
- Manage project priorities, deadlines, and deliverables
- Participate in our Agile development process, including scoping, technical design, coding, testing, deployment, and maintenance
Technologies
- AI
- AWS
- Claude Code
- Cloud
- Cursor
- Support
- Java
- MCP
- Python
- Redis
- Roku
- Web
- AI Agents
- Backbone
- LESS
- Backend
More
We are Roku, the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.
S., Canada, and Mexico, with a mission to connect the entire TV ecosystem and power every television in the world.
Our browse and discovery platform supports The Roku Channel and helps deliver free and premium content to millions of users in the US and around the world.
We offer a fast-paced, collaborative environment where everyone contributes from day one, along with a comprehensive benefits package that may include healthcare, retirement options, mental health and financial wellness support, and paid time off depending on location and role.
We generally work in the office Monday through Thursday, with Fridays typically flexible for remote work.
- last updated 36 week of 2026
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Backend Engineer — Distributed Systems in Cambridge employer: Roku
Roku is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration, particularly in the dynamic field of AI and software engineering. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer comprehensive benefits, including mental health support and flexible working arrangements, fostering a culture where creativity thrives. Join us in our mission to revolutionise TV streaming while enjoying a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Backend Engineer — Distributed Systems in Cambridge
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Roku or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Roku.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Roku.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Roku that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Backend Engineer — Distributed Systems in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Roku.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Roku and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Roku
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Roku uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
