Software Engineer, Backend

Backend Engineer · Senior · Full Time

Redwood City, CAUSD 180k – 300k8mo ago
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Role

What you'll do.

Character.AI is seeking an experienced Backend Software Engineer to develop and maintain scalable, high-performance backend systems that power their innovative AI character interaction platform. The ideal candidate will design robust backend services, implement secure APIs, and optimize system performance while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams in a fast-growing AI technology startup.

Responsibilities

  • Backend System Development: Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services supporting Character.AI's AI-driven platform and infrastructure
  • API Design and Integration: Implement secure and efficient REST and GraphQL APIs to support frontend applications and third-party integrations
  • Performance Optimization: Optimize system performance, reliability, and scalability through advanced architectural strategies and engineering best practices
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with product managers, data analysts, and frontend engineers to develop backend solutions aligned with business and user needs
  • System Monitoring and Maintenance: Ensure high availability, fault tolerance, and performance of backend systems through continuous monitoring and proactive improvements
  • Security Management: Maintain rigorous security best practices to protect user data and system integrity

Qualifications

What we look for.

Technical

  • Programming Languages

    Strong proficiency in Python, Go, Java, with preference for Python and Go

  • Database Technologies

    Expertise in PostgreSQL, MySQL, and NoSQL database solutions

  • System Architecture

    Advanced understanding of distributed systems, microservices architecture, and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure)

Education

  • Computer Science Degree

    Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field preferred

Experience

  • Backend Development

    5+ years of experience building scalable and reliable backend applications

  • API Integration

    Proven experience designing and integrating REST and GraphQL APIs

  • Cloud and Containerization

    Hands-on experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud infrastructure

Skills

Required

  • Backend Development

    Advanced backend system design and implementation skills

  • System Performance

    Expertise in optimizing system reliability and scalability

  • Cloud Infrastructure

    Proficient in cloud platform technologies and containerization

Preferred

  • Event-Driven Architecture

    Nice to have

    Experience with Kafka, RabbitMQ, and event-driven system design

  • Performance Optimization

    Nice to have

    Knowledge of advanced caching strategies and performance tuning techniques

  • DevOps Practices

    Nice to have

    Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure as code

Tech stack

Languages

PythonGoJava

Frameworks

GraphQLREST

Databases

PostgreSQLMySQLNoSQL Databases

Tools

DockerKubernetes

Other

AWSGCP

Compensation

Pay and benefits.

Base·USD 180,000 – 300,000

Equity·Stock options

Benefits

  • Innovative Work Environment

    Be part of a cutting-edge AI technology startup that achieved unicorn status within two years

  • Career Growth

    Opportunity to shape the future of Consumer AI and work on groundbreaking interactive entertainment technologies

  • Diversity and Inclusion

    Inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds

Process

Interview steps.

  1. 01

    Initial Screening

    Phone or video call with recruiting team to discuss background and role fit

  2. 02

    Technical Assessment

    Online coding challenge or take-home project demonstrating backend development skills

  3. 03

    Technical Interviews

    Multiple rounds of in-depth technical interviews with senior engineers and team leads

  4. 04

    System Design Interview

    Comprehensive interview focusing on distributed systems design and architectural problem-solving

  5. 05

    Cultural Fit Interview

    Meeting with potential team members to assess collaboration and alignment with company values

  6. 06

    Final Decision

    Comprehensive review of interview feedback and candidate evaluation

Full posting

Original listing.

About the Role

We are looking for a talented and motivated Backend Engineer to join our team. You will be responsible for building and maintaining scalable, high-performance backend systems that power our products. Collaborating with designers, data scientists, and engineers, you'll play a key role in conceptualizing, designing, and delivering robust and efficient backend solutions.

What you’ll do

  • Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services that support our applications and infrastructure.

  • Implement secure and efficient APIs to support frontend applications and third-party integrations.

  • Optimize system performance, reliability, and scalability through effective architecture and engineering best practices.

  • Work closely with product managers, data analysts, and frontend engineers to develop backend solutions that align with business and user needs.

  • Ensure high availability, fault tolerance, and performance of backend systems.

  • Monitor system health, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and stability.

  • Maintain security best practices to protect user data and system integrity.

  • Stay up to date with industry trends and emerging technologies in backend development and distributed systems.

Who you are

  • 5+ years of experience in backend development, building scalable and reliable applications.

  • Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or Go. Python and Go are preferred.

  • Experience with database technologies such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, or NoSQL solutions.

  • Familiarity with designing and integrating APIs, including REST and GraphQL.

  • Understanding of distributed systems, microservices architecture, and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure).

  • Experience with containerization and orchestration tools like Docker and Kubernetes.

  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to optimize system performance and reliability.

  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with event-driven architectures and messaging systems (Kafka, RabbitMQ, etc.).

  • Knowledge of caching strategies and performance optimization techniques.

  • Experience working on large-scale, high-traffic applications.

  • Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps best practices.

  • Exposure to machine learning or data-driven applications.

About Character.AI

Character.AI empowers people to connect, learn and tell stories through interactive entertainment. Over 20 million people visit Character.AI every month, using our technology to supercharge their creativity and imagination. Our platform lets users engage with tens of millions of characters, enjoy unlimited conversations, and embark on infinite adventures.


In just two years, we achieved unicorn status and were honored as Google Play's AI App of the Year—a testament to our innovative technology and visionary approach.


Join us and be a part of establishing this new entertainment paradigm while shaping the future of Consumer AI!

At Character, we value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. As an equal opportunity employer, we firmly uphold a non-discrimination policy based on race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or disability. Your unique perspectives are vital to our success.

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