Lead Backend Engineer

About The Company

OWNDAYS (part of Lenskart) is a leading eyewear company that offers a wide range of high-quality spectacles to customers worldwide. Established in Tokyo, Japan in 1989, the company has grown to over 500 stores in 13 countries worldwide and has become one of the most trusted and innovative eyewear brands in many parts of the world. The company's success is a testament to its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Company Mission

Our mission goes beyond just providing clear vision; we aim to enrich our customers' lives by offering glasses that enhance their daily experiences. Committed to exploring new demands and services from Japan to the world, OWNDAYS continuously takes on the challenge of innovation. We are committed to providing customers with the highest quality products at the most affordable prices. With over 1,500 styles of frames available in-store and online, customers can choose from a vast selection of designs to suit their unique style and personality.

About The Role

We are seeking a Lead Engineer to spearhead the development and management of our 機関システム (Core System) —the backbone of a global retail business operating across multiple regions. This role will be based in our Tokyo Global HQ and will partner with engineers and stakeholders worldwide to ensure the stability, scalability, and evolution of systems critical to our global operations.

As Lead Engineer, you will own the technical direction of the core system, lead initiatives for new integrations and API development, and mentor engineers across regions to align best practices. You will be both a hands-on builder and a strategic leader, bridging the gap between local execution and global collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of the core system (機関システム) used across the global retail business.
• Collaborate with engineers and stakeholders in Japan and internationally to align on requirements, priorities, and timelines.
• Develop, optimize, and manage APIs to integrate the core system with global platforms and applications.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams, ensuring adherence to coding standards, security, and scalability best practices.
• Work closely with product managers and business stakeholders to translate business needs into technical solutions.
• Drive system modernization initiatives, ensuring long-term stability and flexibility.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• You will report directly to the Global Head of IT

Requirements

• Strong expertise in C# and PHP development and experience with Java.
• Proven experience in designing and building APIs and integrating complex systems.
• 5+ years of software engineering experience, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior engineer capacity.
• Hands-on experience with system architecture, databases, and performance optimization.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to coordinate with stakeholders and engineers globally.
• Experience working in a global organization or across multiple regions is a strong plus.
• Business-level English (TOEIC 850+)
• Business Japanese language skill (N1) is a must

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead mission-critical projects in a truly global role.
• Work in a collaborative, multicultural environment at our Tokyo Global HQ.
• Be part of a global retail company with continuous innovation and large-scale impact.