Backend Developer

About the Role

We're seeking a skilled Backend Developer to build and scale the server-side infrastructure powering our AI applications. You'll design robust APIs, optimize database performance, and integrate cutting-edge AI models while ensuring our systems can handle rapid growth and high user demand.

What You'll Build

• Scalable APIs: Design and implement RESTful APIs and GraphQL endpoints that power our frontend applications

• AI Integration Services: Build backend systems that seamlessly integrate multiple AI models (OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, Llama, etc.)

• Database Architecture: Design efficient database schemas and optimize queries for both SQL and NoSQL systems

• Cloud Infrastructure: Develop serverless functions and microservices on Google Cloud Platform

• Real-Time Systems: Implement background processing, scheduled tasks, and real-time data pipelines

• Performance-Critical Services: Build high-throughput systems that handle thousands of concurrent AI requests

Our Tech Stack

Languages: TypeScript, Python
Backend: GCP, Cloud Functions, Firestore & PostgreSQL, Firebase Auth, Cloud Tasks, Cloud Scheduler, Trigger.dev, Vercel
Frontend: Next.js, React, shadcn/ui, Tailwind CSS
AI: OpenAI, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini, Llama, and other cutting-edge models

You're a Great Fit If You:

• Are ambitious and hard working

• You can Vibe code and work in a fast paced environment

• Can architect scalable systems while writing production code

• Work quickly, efficiently, and with a bias for action

• Have experience leading technical teams and making architectural decisions

• Deliver high-quality work at a very fast pace

• Thrive in environments where you can make immediate, high-impact decisions

Core Technical Skills

Backend Development

• TypeScript/Node.js Mastery: Expert-level skills in building production backend services with TypeScript

• API Design: Strong experience designing RESTful APIs, GraphQL endpoints, and webhook systems

• Serverless Architecture: Proficiency with Google Cloud Functions, serverless patterns, and microservices

• Authentication & Security: Experience implementing secure authentication, authorization, and data protection

• Performance Optimization: Track record of building high-performance, low-latency backend services

Database Expertise

• SQL Proficiency: Advanced PostgreSQL skills including query optimization, indexing, and schema design

• NoSQL Experience: Working knowledge of Firestore or similar document databases

• Data Modeling: Ability to design efficient data models for complex application requirements

• Database Performance: Experience with query optimization, connection pooling, and caching strategies

• Migrations: Comfortable with database migrations and schema evolution in production

Cloud & Infrastructure

• Google Cloud Platform: Experience with GCP services including Cloud Functions, Cloud Tasks, and Cloud Scheduler

• Firebase Integration: Knowledge of Firebase Auth, Firestore, and other Firebase services

• Monitoring & Logging: Understanding of application monitoring, error tracking, and debugging in production

• DevOps Basics: Familiarity with deployment pipelines, environment management, and basic infrastructure concepts

AI/ML Integration

• LLM API Integration: Experience working with AI model APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic, etc.) in production systems

• Async Processing: Building systems that handle long-running AI tasks and streaming responses

• Rate Limiting: Understanding of API rate limits, queuing systems, and batch processing

• Prompt Management: Experience with prompt engineering and managing AI model interactions at scale

What We Look For

We don't require specific degrees or years of experience. Instead, we value clear indicators of excellence, whether it's:

• Exceptional academic performance in computer science or related fields

• High FIDE chess rating or competitive programming achievements

• Building and scaling backend systems that handle significant traffic

• Contributing to high-impact open-source backend projects

• Successfully launching APIs or services used by thousands of users

• Winning hackathons or coding competitions focused on backend challenges

• Any other achievement that demonstrates exceptional technical skill and system thinking

Bonus Points

• Open Source Contributions: Active contributions to backend frameworks, databases, or infrastructure tools

• Production Experience: Backend systems you've built that we can examine (with appropriate privacy considerations)

• Startup Experience: Having worked at early-stage companies or built your own backend services

• AI/ML Background: Personal projects or professional experience with machine learning model deployment

• Performance Engineering: Experience optimizing systems for high throughput and low latency

• Database Administration: Deep knowledge of database internals, replication, and performance tuning

• Security Expertise: Knowledge of backend security best practices and vulnerability mitigation

What We Offer

• Meaningful Equity: Significant ownership stake as an early backend team member

• Technical Challenges: Work on complex problems involving AI integration and high-scale systems

• Architecture Influence: Direct input on technical decisions and system architecture

• Learning Opportunities: Exposure to cutting-edge AI models and modern backend technologies

• Performance Impact: Your optimizations will directly affect user experience for thousands of users

• Growth Potential: Opportunity to lead backend architecture as the team scales

• Competitive Compensation: Strong salary plus equity package

• Modern Tools: Access to the best development tools and infrastructure

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

System Development

• Design and implement new backend features and API endpoints

• Optimize database queries and improve system performance

• Integrate new AI models and services into existing architecture

• Write comprehensive tests for critical backend functionality

Infrastructure & Operations

• Monitor production systems and respond to performance issues

• Implement logging, monitoring, and alerting for backend services

• Manage database migrations and schema changes

• Optimize cloud resource usage and costs

Collaboration & Planning

• Work with frontend developers to design efficient API contracts

• Collaborate with product team on technical feasibility and system design

• Participate in code reviews and maintain high code quality standards

• Provide technical input on product roadmap and architecture decisions