Job Purpose

Panera Bread is seeking a Sr. Software Engineer to design, develop, and optimize a scalable middleware layer (Backend-for-Frontend – BFF) supporting Web, Mobile, Kiosk, and emerging digital channels. This role focuses on building lightweight, secure, and high-performance APIs using Node.js, TypeScript, and GraphQL, while leveraging AI-enabled Developer Lifecycle Capabilities (DLC) to accelerate software delivery, improve code quality, and enhance customer experience across Panera’s digital platforms.

Location: St. Louis, MO (hybrid)

Duties & Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of this job include, but are not limited to:

• Design, develop, and maintain lightweight BFF services using Node.js and TypeScript to support Panera’s Web, Mobile, Kiosk, and digital ordering experiences
• Build and optimize RESTful, GraphQL APIs (schema design, resolvers, federation) with a focus on performance, scalability, and minimal payload delivery
• Leverage AI-powered development tools (code assistants, automated testing, and code quality tools) to accelerate development cycles and improve engineering productivity
• Collaborate with frontend, backend, product, and digital teams to define efficient API contracts and data orchestration strategies
• Implement secure-by-design APIs using industry best practices (OAuth2, JWT, API gateways, data protection standards)
• Optimize middleware performance via caching strategies, batching, and efficient data aggregation patterns
  Integrate with microservices, enterprise systems, and third-party platforms ensuring resiliency and fault tolerance
• Drive CI/CD automation and DevOps practices, incorporating AI-assisted testing, security scanning, and deployment validation
• Monitor system health and performance using observability tools, proactively identifying and resolving production issues
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to engineering excellence, including architecture standards and AI-enabled development practices
  
  

Qualifications (Education & Experience)

• 5+ years of experience in software engineering, with strong focus on backend, API, or middleware (BFF) development
• Strong understanding of Node.js, asynchronous programming, and TypeScript
• Experience with GraphQL (schema design, resolvers, performance tuning, federation concepts preferred)
• Experience designing lightweight, high-performance APIs and data aggregation layers
• Familiarity with AI-enabled Developer Lifecycle Capabilities (e.g., AI code assistants, automated testing, intelligent code analysis, DevOps automation tools)
• Strong understanding of API security best practices including authentication, authorization, encryption, and threat mitigation
• Experience with microservices architecture and distributed systems
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Experience building CI/CD pipelines with emphasis on automation, speed, and reliability
• Excellent problem-solving, debugging, and performance optimization skills
• Understanding of observability practices (logging, tracing, metrics)
• Strong collaboration and communication skills within cross-functional teams

Working Conditions

• Primary locations: Boston, MA or St. Louis, MO
• Hybrid work model: 4 days in office and 1 day remote per week

Physical Requirements

• While performing this job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, sit, talk hear & use hands and fingers to operate keyboards

Direct Reports

• N/A

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disabled/Veterans

Competitive Pay $127,461 - $152,953 annually

The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and geographical location. Individual compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.