Key skills
Ruby on RailsActiveRecordRedisGraphQL APIsPostgreSQL query designPostgreSQL optimizationPostgreSQL scalingAI agentsIntelligent workflowsModel Context Protocol (MCP)Production debuggingBackend architectureRubyAIRailsGraphQLPostgreSQLGitLabMentoringCommunicationCollaboration
About this role
GitLab is the intelligent orchestration platform for DevSecOps, and they are seeking a Senior Backend Engineer (Ruby on Rails) to help shape how teams plan, document, and share knowledge in GitLab. The role involves building and improving backend systems while designing AI-powered capabilities, collaborating with various teams to create reliable and scalable systems.
Responsibilities:
- Lead backend architecture for Wiki, Pages, Markdown, and text editor capabilities used across GitLab
- Design and build AI agents that support planning and knowledge management workflows
- Architect MCP integrations that connect GitLab GraphQL APIs with external AI platforms and tools
- Drive improvements in reliability and performance across application code, PostgreSQL queries, Redis usage, and background jobs
- Develop and evolve GraphQL APIs that are clear for frontend engineers and support scalable product experiences
- Collaborate with frontend engineers, Product, UX, and Security to break down complex work into shippable iterations
- Mentor engineers through code review, technical discussions, and shared backend best practices
- Support incident response and production debugging, then turn learnings into lasting system improvements
Requirements:
- Strong experience building and maintaining backend applications with Ruby on Rails, including core components such as ActiveRecord and Redis
- Experience designing and supporting GraphQL APIs with attention to usability, maintainability, and performance
- Knowledge of PostgreSQL query design, optimization, and scaling in high-traffic production systems
- Experience building or integrating AI agents, intelligent workflows, or related platform capabilities
- Familiarity with Model Context Protocol (MCP) or similar patterns for connecting APIs to external tools and platforms
- Ability to investigate production issues, debug complex systems, and improve reliability over time
- Experience leading technical decisions, mentoring engineers, and contributing to engineering standards across a team
- Clear communication and cross-functional collaboration skills, with openness to candidates who bring transferable experience from adjacent backend or platform work