About us
At Sanofi, we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. All our decisions are taken with our most important stakeholder in mind – the patients.
Having a rich history of innovation that dates back over 100 years, Sanofi more than ever stays true to its commitment to transform the practice of medicine by providing potentially life-changing treatments and the protection of life-saving vaccines to millions of people. This history includes the first treatments for many rare diseases and the establishment of standards of care in diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Sanofi’s commitment to public health has helped protect hundreds of millions of people from influenza every year for decades and pushed polio to the brink of eradication, while its scientific vision has led to breakthrough innovations in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
~ 43.07Bn€ Net Sales FY23
~90 countries
~ 91K employees
~ 59 manufacturing sites
~ 20 R&D sites
Job Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Backend Engineer to design and deliver sophisticated server-side solutions. This role requires deep expertise in Java Spring and Spring Boot (latest versions, Java 17+), with additional experience in C# and Python development. You will specialize in Spring Gateways, leverage large language models (LLMs) exclusively for code generation, and uphold a “do not reinvent the wheel” philosophy. Essential skills include experience with Elasticsearch, Redis, and Kubernetes, as well as deep knowledge of GitHub CI/CD and Infrastructure as Code (IaC). Fluency in English (speaking and writing) is essential, with day-to-day work conducted in Chinese.
Key Responsibilities
- Kubernetes superstar is a must!
- Design, develop, and maintain high-performance backend systems using Java Spring and Spring Boot (latest versions, Java 17+), with all code generated using LLM tools.
- Architect and optimize Spring Gateways to ensure secure, scalable, and efficient API management and routing.
- Design robust data models and system architecture with attention to scalability, modularity, and maintainability.
- Leverage existing libraries, frameworks, and open-source solutions to avoid redundant development, embodying a “do not reinvent the wheel” mindset.
- Implement and manage distributed systems using Elasticsearch for search and analytics, Redis for caching, and Kubernetes for container orchestration.
- Drive continuous integration and deployment pipelines using GitHub CI/CD, ensuring robust and automated delivery processes.
- Define and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using tools like Terraform or similar to provision and manage cloud resources efficiently.
- Collaborate with frontend developers, data engineers, and other stakeholders to integrate backend services seamlessly into Sanofi’s ecosystem.
- Participate in Agile ceremonies such as sprint planning, stand-ups, and retrospectives, contributing to iterative and incremental delivery.
- Utilize C# and Python where applicable to support cross-functional projects and enhance system interoperability.
- Train and mentor team members on using LLMs for code generation, fostering a culture of innovation and productivity.
- Implement and enforce standardization in coding practices, build tools, and deployment processes to ensure consistency and reliability.
- Optimize system performance, scalability, and security while adhering to best practices and industry standards.
- Stay current with emerging backend technologies and integrate them pragmatically into Sanofi’s technology stack.
- Communicate effectively with global teams in English while managing daily operations and stakeholder interactions in Chinese.
Required Skills & Qualifications
Technical Expertise
- Be very efficient with Kubernetes infrastructure and toolset (Kubectl, Helm etc.)
- Extensive experience with Java Spring and Spring Boot (latest versions, using Java 17+), including Spring MVC, Spring Data, and Spring Security.
- Deep knowledge of Spring Gateways, with proven ability to design and implement API gateways for complex systems.
- Some experience in C# development (e.g., .NET Core) and Python (e.g., Flask, Django) for supporting diverse project needs.
- Proficiency in build tools like Gradle (preferred) and Maven for efficient project management and dependency handling.
- Hands-on experience with Elasticsearch for search and analytics, Redis for caching, and Kubernetes for container orchestration and deployment.
- Familiarity with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and ORM frameworks (e.g., Hibernate).
- Solid data modeling skills and understanding of system design principles including domain-driven design, modularization, and abstraction.
- Strong database knowledge, including proficiency in SQL (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and ORM frameworks (e.g., Hibernate), query optimization, indexing strategies, and ACID principles.
DevOps & CI/CD
- Deep expertise in GitHub CI/CD for automating build, test, and deployment workflows.
- Strong knowledge of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices using tools like Terraform or similar to manage cloud infrastructure.
LLM-Assisted Development
- Demonstrated expertise in generating high-quality backend code exclusively with LLM tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, similar platforms).
- Ability to teach and guide team members in adopting LLM-assisted coding workflows to enhance efficiency.
Mindset & Practices
- Strong commitment to a “do not reinvent the wheel” approach, leveraging existing frameworks, libraries, and tools to accelerate development.
- Understanding of standardization in coding, testing, and deployment to ensure maintainability and scalability.
- Experience with testing frameworks (e.g., JUnit, TestNG) and tools for continuous integration.
Language Proficiency
- Fluency in English (speaking and writing) for collaboration with global teams.
- Comfortable working in a Chinese-speaking environment for day-to-day tasks and local stakeholder engagement.
Soft Skills
- Strong problem-solving skills with a pragmatic approach to balancing innovation and practicality.
- Excellent leadership and communication abilities to guide teams and align with business goals.
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of backend development experience, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior role.
- Familiarity with Tencent Cloud as a bonus, enhancing capability to work with regional cloud infrastructure.
- Experience with additional cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) and complementary technologies (e.g., Docker).
- Knowledge of message queues (e.g., RabbitMQ, Kafka) and monitoring tools (e.g., Prometheus, ELK Stack) for building resilient systems.
- Contributions to open-source projects or a portfolio showcasing LLM-generated, reusable backend solutions.
- Exposure to the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry is a plus.
Complementary Technologies
In addition to the core requirements, proficiency in the following technologies is highly desirable:
- Gradle: For advanced build automation and dependency management.
- RESTful APIs & GraphQL: For designing and consuming modern API architectures.
- Terraform: For Infrastructure as Code to streamline cloud provisioning.
- Monitoring Tools: Familiarity with Prometheus or ELK Stack for system observability.
- Version Control: Expertise in Git for collaborative development and code versioning
Pursue progress, discover extraordinary
Better is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, let’s be those people.
At Sanofi, we provide equal opportunities to all regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or gender identity.
Watch our ALL IN video and check out our Diversity Equity and Inclusion actions at sanofi.com!