Senior SWE, AI Backend: Observe by Snowflake

Snowflake1 weeks ago

Location

US-CA-Menlo Park

Type

Full Time

Salary

USD 200,000 – 287,500

Level

Senior

Role

Backend Engineer

Posted

Apr 17, 2026

Full TimeSenior

The role

Summary

Snowflake's Observe team is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to build cutting-edge AI-powered observability backend systems. The role focuses on designing scalable infrastructure for real-time AI workflows, working at the intersection of backend engineering, distributed systems, and AI technology.

What you'll do

Backend System Design: Design and build backend systems that power Observe's AI product layer, including context resolution APIs and real-time alert-to-agent pipelines

End-to-End Service Ownership: Own services comprehensively across design, implementation, and production reliability

Product-Driven Engineering: Apply strong product intuition to technical decisions, understanding how backend work connects to user and agent outcomes

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with product managers and AI/ML engineers to ship high-quality, well-designed systems in a fast-moving environment

What we look for

Technical

Programming LanguagesFluency in Go, with proficiency in TypeScript and Python

Distributed SystemsDeep understanding of backend engineering principles, APIs, and data infrastructure

AI EngineeringExperience with LLM quality measurement and evaluation techniques

Education

Computer ScienceStrong computer science fundamentals with emphasis on backend systems and infrastructure

Experience

Backend Engineering7+ years of production system development at scale

System DesignProven track record of designing and implementing complex backend systems

Skills

Required skills

Go ProgrammingAdvanced proficiency in Go programming language

Distributed SystemsExpert-level understanding of scalable backend architectures

AI InfrastructureAbility to build and optimize AI-powered backend systems

Nice to have

LLM TechnologiesExperience with large language model evaluation and integration

Open Source FormatsFamiliarity with open data formats like Apache Iceberg

Compensation & benefits

Salary

USD 200,000 – 287,500 (annual)

Stock options

Available

Benefits

Innovative Work Environment

Opportunity to work at the forefront of AI-powered observability with Snowflake's resources

Fast-Paced Team

Small, dynamic team with high ownership and impact potential

Interview process

1
Initial Screening — Review of resume and background
2
Technical Interview — In-depth assessment of backend engineering and AI infrastructure skills
3
Systems Design Challenge — Evaluate candidate's approach to designing scalable backend systems
4
Team Fit Interview — Assess alignment with Snowflake's innovative and experimental culture