Back End Developer

Do you want to help build the backend systems powering next generation AI video creation?

Location: Palo Alto, California

Compensation: $200k - $240k strong equity

The Company

This is a cutting edge AI company building creative, agent driven systems for modern content creation. The team is focused on generative AI video editing, with a product that is mobile first and supported by a powerful API used by external platforms and partners.

The company is early stage, well funded, and moving quickly with strong product momentum and a clear technical vision. Engineering quality, ownership, and execution standards are extremely high. Engineers are expected to design and build new systems from first principles rather than maintain legacy infrastructure.

The Opportunity:

This is a Backend Engineer role aimed at strong builders who want real ownership early. You will join a lean backend team where engineers own modules end to end, from initial design through production deployment.

You will work on foundational backend systems that support AI agent workflows, APIs, and core product functionality. This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy solving hard problems, care deeply about code quality, and want to be accountable for meaningful systems in a fast-moving environment.

What You Will Do:

• Own backend modules end to end, from design to production
• Design, implement, and maintain APIs and backend services
• Build infrastructure that supports AI agent-driven systems
• Collaborate closely with product, iOS, and research teams
• Take full ownership of features, including architecture, implementation, and operational readiness
• Write clear, maintainable code with a strong emphasis on correctness and performance

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong backend engineering fundamentals
• Solid experience with API design, databases, and system architecture
• Python experience preferred, but strong backend engineers in other languages are encouraged
• Strong algorithmic and problem-solving skills
• Clear and structured communication skills
• Typically 3 to 6 years of experience for mid-level roles, with flexibility for exceptional candidates

Nice to Haves:

• Experience at high-bar engineering organizations
• Background in competitive programming, hackathons, or algorithm-heavy environments
• Experience building or operating large-scale or complex backend systems
• Exposure to AI or ML systems, though this is not required

What Great Looks Like:

• Takes full ownership of backend systems and delivers reliably to production
• Writes clean, well-reasoned code and communicates design decisions clearly
• Ramps quickly in a high-expectation environment
• Comfortable working with ambiguity and making sound technical trade-offs
• Demonstrates strong engineering judgment and pride in craft

Why This Role:

• Foundational hire with immediate ownership and impact
• Opportunity to join an elite backend team early and shape core systems
• Exposure to AI agent infrastructure and creative tooling at the cutting edge
• Strong compensation and equity upside for high performers
• Ideal environment for builders who want responsibility, learning, and technical growth

Interview Process:

• Initial recruiter screen
• Algorithm focused technical interview
• System design interview with emphasis on clarity and communication
• Culture and team fit discussion

Candidates should submit a CV along with a recruiter write-up covering current level, promotion history, interview timeline, and motivation for joining an early-stage company.