Backend Engineer - Python/Django

Location: San Francisco, CA (Hybrid)

Search Atlas Group is a bootstrapped, profitable SaaS company and the pioneer of agentic marketing — AI systems that don't just analyze data, they act autonomously on behalf of marketers at scale. From our headquarters in San Francisco, we serve Fortune 500 companies and growth-stage businesses alike, delivering enterprise-grade reliability across terabytes of search data. We've grown to $32M ARR without venture funding, and we're building toward $100M by doing more with less: smarter systems, leaner teams, and a relentless focus on outcomes over optics. If you want to work somewhere that moves fast, builds things that matter, and treats its people like adults, this is it.

Search Atlas is at an inflection point. Our platform processes terabytes of search data daily, and our backend systems are the engine behind everything — from real-time SEO intelligence to autonomous AI workflows that act on behalf of our clients. As we scale from $32M to $100M ARR, the reliability, performance, and elegance of our backend infrastructure becomes even more critical. This is where you come in.

As a Backend Engineer, you'll own core systems end-to-end — from API design and database architecture to task queue performance and deployment pipelines. You'll work directly with product, data, and frontend teams to ship features that reach Fortune 500 clients and fast-growing startups alike. This isn't a role where you execute tickets handed down from above; you'll have genuine influence over technical direction and will be expected to bring strong opinions to the table.

The challenge ahead is a good one: scale a backend that already works well to handle 10x the load, while maintaining the code quality and test discipline that got us here. If you're energized by that kind of problem, we'd love to talk.

You're walking into a high-performing, product-focused engineering team that moves fast and holds a high bar for code quality. Here's what your world looks like:

Day-to-Day Work Python 3 and Django REST Framework are your primary tools. You'll write and review production code daily, manage complex data workflows across PostgreSQL and ClickHouse, and work within a Celery-powered task queue system. Local development runs on macOS or Linux with Docker Compose, and deployments flow through GitLab CI/CD into a GCP Kubernetes ArgoCD stack. Cursor is a standard part of the workflow.

Team & Partners You'll report to your Product Manager and collaborate closely with frontend engineers (React/TypeScript), DevOps, and product stakeholders. Sprints are run on GitLab Boards using Scrum methodology, and code reviews are a core part of how the team stays sharp.

Domain Context You'll be working in the SEO and agentic marketing space — a technical domain where data freshness, query performance, and API reliability have a direct impact on client outcomes. You don't need to be an SEO expert, but curiosity about the problem space matters.

Scale You'll be building systems that serve Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startups, processing large volumes of search data in near real-time. Performance isn't an afterthought here — it's a first-class concern.

• 5 years of experience with Python and/or Node.js, with a strong focus on backend systems
• 5 years working with Django REST Framework in production environments
• 3 years of hands-on experience with MySQL or PostgreSQL
• Proven track record of writing well-tested, production-grade code with a TDD mindset
• Proficient with Flake8 and committed to maintaining code quality standards
• Comfortable working within Scrum teams and contributing to sprint planning and retrospectives
• Uses Cursor as part of your daily development workflow
• You take ownership, communicate proactively, and don't wait to be told what to do

Bonus: Frontend experience with ReactJS & TypeScript

• Base: $135,000 – $200,000 USD annually
• Health Insurance: Fully covered medical (Aetna), 99% covered dental & vision
• PTO: Unlimited PTO
• Parental Leave: Paid leave for both birthing and non-birthing parents
• Personal Development: $100/quarter development budget
• Lasik Benefit: Company-paid Lasik eye surgery (eligible after 2 years)
• Pet Insurance: Coverage for up to 2 pets via Lemonade (up to $100/month)
• Retirement: 401(k) plan through Deel

1. Screening Call with recruiter
2. Technical Assessment — a skills-based evaluation relevant to the role
3. Hiring Manager Interview with VP of Engineering
4. Offer Extension

Search Atlas Group is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.