Backend Software Engineer - Mobile

Perplexity AI9 months ago

Location

San Francisco

Type

Full Time

Salary

USD 220,000 – 405,000

Level

Senior

Role

Backend Engineer

Posted

May 29, 2025

Full TimeSenior

The role

Summary

Perplexity AI is seeking a skilled Backend Software Engineer to drive the development of scalable backend systems that power their innovative AI-powered search and interaction platform. The ideal candidate will work on complex data processing, optimization, and integration of AI technologies across web, mobile, and browser products.

What you'll do

System Architecture: Design and implement scalable backend systems for ingesting and processing data from diverse sources including web, files, and other platforms.

Database Optimization: Develop and optimize interfaces for efficient interaction with databases and caching systems to enhance system performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Frontend Engineers, AI, Search, and Data Science teams to refine product requirements and iterate on complex, non-deterministic systems.

Service Orchestration: Manage complex orchestration systems with multiple interfaces, focusing on scaling, optimization, and load balancing of services with dynamic requirements.

What we look for

Technical

Programming LanguagesExpert-level proficiency in Python with ability to develop high-performance backend systems

Database TechnologiesAdvanced experience with databases and caching systems, including PostgreSQL, DynamoDB, and Redis

Cloud InfrastructureProven experience with AWS cloud infrastructure, capable of managing and scaling complex cloud environments

AI and Data ProcessingStrong background in working with high-scale data and non-deterministic systems, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs)

Education

Academic BackgroundBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field preferred

Experience

Professional ExperienceMinimum of 4+ years of professional software engineering experience, with a strong track record in backend system development

Skills

Required skills

PythonStrong programming skills in Python for backend development

Database ManagementExpertise in database optimization and caching strategies

Cloud ServicesProficient in AWS cloud infrastructure and scalable system design

Nice to have

AI IntegrationExperience with AI technologies and Large Language Model integration

Distributed SystemsUnderstanding of complex, distributed system architectures

Compensation & benefits

Salary

USD 220,000 – 405,000 (annual)

Stock options

Available

Benefits

Equity Compensation

Stock options available as part of the total compensation package

Cutting-Edge Technology

Opportunity to work with advanced AI technologies and innovative search solutions

Interview process

1
Initial Screening — Review of resume and initial qualifications by recruiting team
2
Technical Assessment — Comprehensive technical evaluation of backend development skills and system design capabilities
3
AI-Focused Interview — Interview focusing on problem-solving, AI integration, and decision-making skills
4
Onsite/Virtual Interviews — Series of interviews with backend engineering team, AI researchers, and leadership