WHAT YOU WILL DO

onX is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer with a passion for building scalable platform Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems. Your focus will be on designing, developing, and scaling secure authentication, authorization, and user management services that are foundational to our platform. You will play a key role in evolving our IAM platform and delivering seamless cross-platform authentication across iOS, Android, and web.

You will be part of our Core Services team that enables product teams to build faster and more securely by providing core infrastructure, services, and patterns. This is a great opportunity to help shape the future of how users securely access and interact with onX's suite of outdoor technology products.

This position reports to the Director of Engineering, Core Services.

TECHNOLOGIES WE USE

Our backend engineers primarily work in Go running in Kubernetes on Google Cloud Platform. The IAM team works extensively with identity platforms (Ory Kratos, Hydra, Oathkeeper), distributed databases (CockroachDB), and OAuth 2.0/session management patterns. Understanding mobile authentication tradeoffs (WebView vs. browser-based auth, token-based patterns) is particularly relevant for this role.

As an onX Senior Backend Engineer, your day to day responsibilities would look like:

(Essential Job Duties)

• Build scalable, secure IAM services that enable new features and products across the onX suite of apps
• Design and implement backend systems focusing on observability, fault-tolerance, security, and high performance
• Drive architectural decisions related to Identity and Access Management, ensuring alignment with and advancing our broader platform strategy
• Define and implement SLIs/SLOs for IAM services; drive reliability engineering practices including incident response and performance optimization
• Write thorough unit, integration, and acceptance tests to ensure high service quality and maintainability
• Document APIs, service architectures, and technical decisions for internal stakeholders and external partners as needed
• Collaborate closely with fellow engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders through design reviews, paired programming, and cross-functional planning sessions
• Leverage and extend existing onX services and platform patterns to drive consistency and reduce duplication
• Proactively improve system monitoring, alerting, diagnostics, and operational readiness of IAM-related services
• Participate in an on-call rotation to ensure backend services remain highly available and reliable
• Mentor and share knowledge with engineers on your team
• Lead by example and embody onX's company values, fostering a culture of technical excellence, ownership, and collaboration
•  

LOCATION

onX has created a thriving distributed workforce community across several US locations. This position can be performed from an onX corporate office, “Basecamp,” or “Connection Hub". 

• Corporate Offices: onX was founded in Montana with offices in Missoula and Bozeman. If you prefer to work in an office at least part of the time this is a great option.
• Basecamps: Basecamps are established virtual workforce communities where a sizable number of distributed team members group for work, volunteering, socializing, and adventure.  
  • Our current Basecamps are located within a 90-mile radius of the following: Austin, TX; Charlotte, NC; Denver, CO; Kalispell, MT; Minneapolis, MN; Portland, OR; Salt Lake City, UT; and Seattle, WA. 
• Connection Hubs: Connection Hub locations are smaller, emerging communities of distributed team members. 
  • Our current Connection Hubs are located within a 60-mile radius of the following: Boise, ID; Charleston, SC; Dallas/Fort Worth, TX; Phoenix, AZ; Richmond, VA; Spokane, WA; and Vermont.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• B.S., M.S., or equivalent experience in computer science or a related field
• Eight or more years of professional software development experience, with API development as a primary focus for at least three of those years
• Strong Go/Golang backend development experience with RESTful API design
• Experience building and debugging distributed, scalable, highly available microservices architecture
• Solid understanding of identity systems: OAuth 2.0, session management, bearer token authentication, SSO integrations
• Experience with distributed databases (CockroachDB or similar PostgreSQL-compatible distributed systems) and relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL)
• Excellence in designing and developing modern APIs and scalable systems that ensure reliability and extensibility
• Familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, and infrastructure-as-code technologies such as Terraform
• Strong computer science foundation
• Security-first mindset -- you think about threat models, secure defaults, and defense in depth as part of your design process
• You evaluate technologies and solutions based on merit, stability, performance, and the ability to debug
• Ability to write maintainable, well-tested code that's easy for others to understand
• A strong sense of ownership of your work
• Advocacy for customers -- both internal colleagues and end users -- and their experience
• Permanent US work authorization is a condition of employment with onX

Preferred Qualifications

Though not required, we would be thrilled to consider candidates with any of the following:

• Experience with identity platforms such as Ory Kratos, Auth0, Cognito, or similar
• Experience with the Ory Stack, especially Hydra, Kratos, and Oathkeeper
• Experience with Authzed SpiceDB, Google Zanzibar, or AWS Cedar for fine-grained authorization
• Understanding of mobile authentication patterns: WebView vs. browser auth tradeoffs, token-based flows across iOS/Android/web
• Reliability engineering experience: SLI/SLO implementation, incident response, performance optimization
• SOC2 compliance experience or familiarity with security audit frameworks
• Experience with Elixir or the Phoenix Framework
• Familiarity with Google Cloud Platform
• Experience working with a distributed team

COMPENSATION

onX is committed to compensating all employees fairly and equitably for their contributions. For this position, applicants can expect to make between $146,000 to $182,000 upon hire. The pay range will vary based on experience, skills, certifications, and education among other factors as required in the job description. In addition, full-time onX employees are eligible for a grant of common share options with a vesting schedule and a potential annual bonus of 10% based on company performance.

WHAT WE ARE OFFERING YOU

• Competitive salaries, annual bonuses, equity, and opportunities for growth
• Comprehensive health benefits including a no-monthly-cost medical plan 
• Parental leave plan of 5 or 13 weeks fully paid
• 401k matching at 100% for the first 3% you save and 50% from 3-5%
• Company-wide outdoor adventures and amazing outdoor industry perks
• Annual “Get Out, Get Active” funds to fuel your active lifestyle in and outside of the gym
• Flexible time away package that includes PTO, STO, VTO, quiet weeks, and floating holidays

PERFORMANCE ESSENTIALS

In this role, success is driven by cognitive abilities such as concentration and problem-solving, essential for our computer-centric tasks. onX will explore reasonable accommodations to ensure that individuals with diverse abilities can fully engage in and contribute to the essential physical and mental functions of the job. If you need assistance or accommodation, please contact us at PS@onxmaps.com. 

Position open until filled. 

#LI-Remote

Software Architect – Inspire11  

Elevens, as we call ourselves here, are curiously smart, purposefully scrappy, and dedicated to the highest standard of quality. By being true to ourselves and others, we create a respectful environment that enhances collaboration, drives growth through high expectations, and ensures alignment with our core values. Inspire11 is more than a modern business and technology consulting firm; we're a revolution. We work differently — and it shows. Every move we make is tied to measurable value, and our success aligns with our clients’ success. We partner to simplify the complex, solve sustainably, and stay ahead by continuously pushing our own thinking forward. Value creation isn't something we talk about — it's something we live, every day. 

At Inspire11, we're not just offering a job; we're providing a platform for you to transform the future. You'll feel right at home here if you think differently, build boldly, and lead with impact. We're a place where your unique perspective is valued, your boldness is celebrated, and your potential is unleashed. 

• Growth Through Challenge:  We hold ourselves to the highest standards of excellence and accountability. At Inspire11, we are committed to delivering exceptional results and empowering our employees to take ownership of their work and drive meaningful impact. You'll work alongside elite consultants who challenge you to expand your skills and think even more creatively. 
  
• The Autonomy to Do Your Best Work: Here, outcomes matter more than outputs. It's about the value we create. You'll have the autonomy to shape your work, drive decisions, and make an impact—not just for our clients but for your growth. You'll be challenged to think strategically, anticipate needs, and solve problems. Bold thinking, creative approaches, and challenging conventional wisdom are part of our DNA. Our clients rely on us to lead them into what's next. 
• Diverse Perspectives Driving Innovative Solutions: We champion inclusivity and authenticity, knowing that diverse perspectives drive better solutions. You'll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work, knowing that's where true innovation happens. We also believe that doing great work should be fun. Our culture thrives on energy, camaraderie, and appreciating the unique contributions that make Inspire11 an amazing place. Our teams get energy from being the best they can be. 

What you can expect in this role: 

• Lead highly collaborative, cross-functional development teams across multiple client projects in diverse industries
• Partner with key stakeholders (CIOs, CTOs, Directors, and business leaders) to shape and drive strategic technology initiatives
• Own the full software development lifecycle—from requirements gathering and architecture through implementation and rollout
• Design, develop, and support complex, mission-critical applications and systems
• Define and maintain architecture standards, best practices, and technical guidelines
• Contribute to the evolution and enhancement of both new and existing applications, platforms, and components 

Tools for success: 

• Experience architecting and delivering end-to-end software solutions—from modern front-end interfaces (React) to scalable back-end systems and cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure)
• Proven full-stack development skills with deep expertise in JavaScript (React, Node.js), Java/Kotlin, Python, and designing/documenting APIs
• Adept at selecting the right tools, languages, and frameworks to match the needs of each unique software solution
• Skilled in working directly with clients to lead projects from ideation to delivery in fast-paced, collaborative environments
• Experienced with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitHub Actions), and modern version control using Git
• Skilled in Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) with a strong foundation in database design and development using both relational and non-relational systems (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB)
• Passionate about mentoring, continuous learning, and shaping a modern, forward-thinking engineering culture
• Actively explores AI/ML technologies and integrates them into solutions; stays current with trends in the evolving AI landscape 

This role requires the willingness and ability to be onsite at the Inspire11 or client location depending on project needs to maximize in-person collaboration and build stronger relationships. 

Inspire11 is unable to sponsor employment visas at this time. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment. 

Inspire11’s Privacy Policy: https://www.inspire11.com/privacy-policy/  

For more information regarding our compensation and benefit offerings please see below: 

Software Engineer – Inspire11  

Elevens, as we call ourselves here, are curiously smart, purposefully scrappy, and dedicated to the highest standard of quality. By being true to ourselves and others, we create a respectful environment that enhances collaboration, drives growth through high expectations, and ensures alignment with our core values. Inspire11 is more than a modern business and technology consulting firm; we're a revolution. We work differently — and it shows. Every move we make is tied to measurable value, and our success aligns with our clients’ success. We partner to simplify the complex, solve sustainably, and stay ahead by continuously pushing our own thinking forward. Value creation isn't something we talk about — it's something we live, every day. 

At Inspire11, we're not just offering a job; we're providing a platform for you to transform the future. You'll feel right at home here if you think differently, build boldly, and lead with impact. We're a place where your unique perspective is valued, your boldness is celebrated, and your potential is unleashed. 

• Growth Through Challenge:  We hold ourselves to the highest standards of excellence and accountability. At Inspire11, we are committed to delivering exceptional results and empowering our employees to take ownership of their work and drive meaningful impact. You'll work alongside elite consultants who challenge you to expand your skills and think even more creatively. 

• The Autonomy to Do Your Best Work: Here, outcomes matter more than outputs. It's about the value we create. You'll have the autonomy to shape your work, drive decisions, and make an impact—not just for our clients but for your growth. You'll be challenged to think strategically, anticipate needs, and solve problems. Bold thinking, creative approaches, and challenging conventional wisdom are part of our DNA. Our clients rely on us to lead them into what's next. 
• Diverse Perspectives Driving Innovative Solutions: We champion inclusivity and authenticity, knowing that diverse perspectives drive better solutions. You'll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work, knowing that's where true innovation happens. We also believe that doing great work should be fun. Our culture thrives on energy, camaraderie, and appreciating the unique contributions that make Inspire11 an amazing place. Our teams get energy from being the best they can be. 

What you can expect in this role: 

• Collaborate closely with clients to design and build custom technology solutions tailored to business needs.
• Develop responsive, declarative front-end user interfaces using ReactJS and modern JavaScript libraries, while also building complex back-end systems using Java (or Scala/Kotlin), C#, Node.js, or Python. 
• Design, develop, and support critical applications and system components from end to end.  
• Write and execute unit tests; troubleshoot and recommend solutions for complex technical issues.
• Contribute to ongoing enhancement of both new and existing applications across the full stack. 

Tools for success: 

• Contribute to ongoing enhancement of both new and existing applications across the full stack. 
• Proficient in full-stack development with expertise in either modern JavaScript & React, or backend-languages like Java, Kotlin, Python, etc., along with API design and documentation 
• Experienced with both relational and non-relational databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB), and database schema design.   
• Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (primarily AWS), containerization tools (e.g., Docker), and CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitHub Actions).   
• Strong understanding of Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) and version control using Git.   
• Passion to mentor other engineers, driving technical excellence, while contributing to a strong engineering culture.
• Actively explores and integrates AI/ML technologies into development workflows; stays up to date on the rapidly evolving AI landscape and market trends.   
• Committed to continuous learning and staying current with evolving technology trends, frameworks, and best practices.   
• Excellent communicator with the ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments and take initiative across varied responsibilities.    

This role requires the willingness and ability to be onsite at the Inspire11 or client location depending on project needs to maximize in-person collaboration and build stronger relationships. 

Inspire11 is unable to sponsor employment visas at this time. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment. 

Inspire11’s Privacy Policy: https://www.inspire11.com/privacy-policy/  

For more information regarding our compensation and benefit offerings please see below: 

U.S. Compensation & Benefits  

Compensation at Inspire11 
Inspire11 follows Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Equal Wage Act, and the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003. We believe that people performing the same role at the same level, with similar levels of ability or experience, should be similarly compensated. We also believe that the most critical factors driving compensation should be an Eleven’s skill, experience, performance, responsibility, and effort. We may also consider an employee’s length of service, relevant education, training, or certification, and the requirements of a specific job. We may also consider whether the cost of living or competition for talent in specific markets requires adjustments in compensation for employees in those markets. Our goal is to fairly compensate all our Elevens based on these factors within the Company’s financial ability.   

Compensation may be increased or decreased at Inspire11’s discretion based on an employee’s performance reviews, market conditions, and the Company’s financial performance. Inspire11 will always notify an employee in writing before any change is made to their compensation.  

Bonuses 
We may allow employees in Sales, Recruiting, or Leadership to earn periodic bonuses based on sales, revenue, client-specific or practice-specific targets. These targets are communicated to each eligible employee via offer letter or annual update. All such target-based bonuses are calculated based on the Company and an individual’s periodic performance and will only be awarded if: (a) the employee is meeting performance expectations and is an employee in good standing of the Company; (b) the target is met; and (c) the Company’s current financial performance and market conditions permit the bonus to be paid out. All periodic bonuses are discretionary and are earned only when paid out.   

Each year, the Company will decide whether the Company’s financial performance, market performance, and business realities allow it to create an annual bonus pool. If the Company decides that annual bonuses may be awarded, then the Leadership Team will grant annual bonuses to employees in good standing based on the same factors discussed in the previous paragraph while also considering employees’ diligence, performance, expertise, skill, judgment, and experience. To be eligible to participate in this annual bonus pool, an employee must be hired by no later than October 1st of the preceding year. Annual bonuses and merit increases may be prorated based on hire date. Employees eligible for target-based periodic bonuses are not eligible to participate in the annual bonus pool.   

Options or Other Equity in Inspire11 
Inspire11 has a legacy program that allowed certain high-performing employees to purchase shares of the Company through an affiliate. The Company also has a newer program that grants options annually to high-performing employees based on their performance reviews, their managers’ recommendation, and leadership approval. These options have a vesting period associated with them.  

Benefits 
Full-time employees are eligible for the following contributory benefits, where premiums are partially paid by the Company and partially by the employee:   

• Medical insurance plans, 
• Dental insurance plans, and  
• Vision insurance plans.  

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits provided wholly by the Company:  

• Short-term disability, providing for a benefit of 60% of an employee’s salary up to a maximum of $2,000 per week for up to 11 weeks after a 7-day waiting period; 
• Long-term disability, providing for 60% of an employee’s salary up to a maximum of $10,000 per month for the time period from the 91st day after a qualifying event through the earlier of the end of the disability or age 67; 
• Life insurance, providing for a benefit of two times the employee’s annual salary, up to a maximum payout of $400,000;   
• A connectivity stipend of $325 annually; 
• Employee Assistance Program, providing for confidential counseling sessions, 24-hour crisis support, online peer support groups, skills training, behavioral health coaching, initial free legal consultations (and discounted rates on referred lawyers), online legal forms, assistance with eldercare and parenting services, among other things.  

Full-time employees are also eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) plan, which allows employees to contribute to a standard or Roth IRA. According to a vesting schedule, the Company matches 100% of employee contributions up to 3% of an employee’s salary.  

Depending on eligibility and their elections, full-time employees may also have access to certain tax-advantaged savings accounts set up through the Company, into which employees contribute withheld funds:   

• Flexible savings accounts
• Limited-purpose flexible savings accounts  
• Healthcare savings accounts
• Dependent care savings accounts  
• Commuter benefit accounts  

Paid Time Off and Leave 
Inspire11 grants all eligible employees any statutory leave required by federal, Illinois, or other applicable law, such as FMLA, bereavement, sick leave, emergency leave, jury duty or witness leave, and VESSA leave.   

In addition, Inspire11 has a self-managed paid time off policy (PTO) that does not set predetermined upper limits on the amount of PTO an employee may take. All PTO must be requested in advance and approved by the appropriate supervisor to ensure client work can continue. All full-time employees are expected to take a minimum of one week of PTO each year.   

Inspire11 offers paid parental leave to full-time employees who have been with the company for at least one year. Birthing parents are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave, while non-birthing parents are eligible for up to 6 weeks. Short-term disability (STD) benefits are also provided following childbirth. When combined with PTO and STD, birthing parents may receive a total of 18–20 weeks of paid leave. Lastly, Inspire11 has eight paid holidays.  

Other Benefits 
Inspire11 also maintains other programs that provide additional benefits to employees, such as:   

• Impact to 11: a charitable giving matching program where, after being employed by Inspire11 for a year, employees may request that a qualifying charity receive up to $500 in matching donations each year. 
• Professional development benefits for qualifying employees: a program allowing for reimbursement of certain course materials and costs on a discretionary basis for employees who have been at Inspire11 for at least 6 months, with supervisor’s approval. 
• Regular gifts of Inspire11 clothes, office items, and swag.  

Disclaimer 
This document applies only to the United States and to Inspire11 LLC, not our worldwide partners.  

Inspire11 reserves the right to change the benefits offered to employees in accordance with applicable law based on business needs, market conditions, and financial stability. Before changing any benefits, Company will notify all employees of the change and will update this document.  

EEOC 
Inspire11 is an Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact us at hr@inspire11.com, or inform your recruiting partner.