Backend Software Engineer (AI Systems & Automation)

We're looking for an AI-enabled, product-minded Backend Software Engineer to strengthen the technical foundation of a global, digital-first higher education institution.

This is not a traditional backend role and it is not a purely internal one. More than 60% of your time will be spent working directly with a small number of high-value enterprise accounts through Slack and Zoom, camera on, alongside the business team and their product engineers. You will handle complex backend integrations, navigate regulated workflows, and design solutions for real client concerns in real time. The ability to communicate clearly and confidently on camera with technical counterparts at enterprise customers is not optional here.

The remaining time is spent strengthening the internal product: designing scalable systems, integrating AI into production workflows, and contributing to long-term architecture. AI usage must go beyond personal productivity. You need hands-on experience integrating AI into live systems, and practical experience using Claude Code or similar AI coding copilots in real development environments.

This role requires full alignment with US working hours.

Why You'll Want to Join

• You will be paid in USD (bi-monthly: every 15th and 30th)
• Paid Time Off in accordance with company policy
• Observance of Holidays per company guidelines
• 100% remote setup so you can work wherever you're most productive
• High-ownership engineering role inside a product-driven organization
• Opportunity to shape long-term architecture and AI-enabled workflows
• Direct collaboration with product, engineering, and enterprise clients

What You'll Work On

Enterprise Client Support and Technical Engagement

• Spend more than 60% of your time embedded with a small number of high-value enterprise accounts through Slack and Zoom
• Engage directly with technical counterparts at enterprise customers, camera on, to understand their needs and design solutions
• Handle complex backend integrations and regulated workflows on behalf of enterprise clients
• Translate client requirements into clear technical solutions and communicate tradeoffs confidently
• Collaborate with the business team and client-side product engineers to ensure solutions land correctly

AI-Integrated Product Architecture

• Design and implement backend systems that integrate AI directly into production workflows
• Use Claude Code or similar AI copilots as a core part of your engineering workflow
• Build AI-powered features that support core product functionality
• Identify automation opportunities across internal and client-facing systems
• Contribute to AI architecture decisions and long-term scalability planning

Backend System Design and Scalability

• Architect and build scalable, reliable backend services
• Design APIs and service layers that support complex product and client initiatives
• Work with distributed systems, databases, and cloud infrastructure
• Improve performance, reliability, and resilience across the product

End-to-End Product Ownership

• Take ownership of technical components from design through deployment and optimization
• Collaborate with product and design teams to translate user needs into robust technical solutions
• Proactively identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and architectural risks
• Contribute to long-term roadmap planning and infrastructure decisions

Engineering Standards and Team Contribution

• Write clean, maintainable, well-tested code
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines, observability, and monitoring improvements
• Participate in architectural discussions and technical trade-off decisions
• Support junior and mid-level engineers through thoughtful code reviews and mentorship

What You Bring

• 4+ years of professional software engineering experience in a product-focused startup environment
• Backend-leaning engineering profile with comfort pushing full stack end-to-end when the work calls for it
• Proven client-facing experience working directly with enterprise or high-value accounts in a technical capacity
• Demonstrated experience integrating AI into production systems and workflows
• Practical experience using Claude Code, strongly preferred, or comparable AI coding copilots in real development environments
• Proven ability to communicate clearly and confidently on camera with technical counterparts at enterprise or high-value accounts
• Strong system design fundamentals including databases, service architectures, and distributed systems
• Experience working in fast-paced or scaling startups
• Background in product companies rather than services, agency, or consulting-heavy environments
• Strong ownership mindset with ability to work autonomously
• Full availability during US business hours

Preferred but not strictly required:

• Experience with TypeScript, Python, or Java
• Exposure to GCP, Spanner, Redis, or similar cloud infrastructure
• Strong academic background from a reputable university

Nice to Have

• Experience building AI-powered user-facing features
• Background in EdTech or regulated industries
• Experience contributing to architectural modernization efforts
• Prior mentorship or technical leadership experience

How to Apply

Please include:

1. Your updated resume
2. A short Loom video (1 to 2 minutes) describing a production system where you integrated AI into backend architecture, how you used Claude Code or similar tools in your development process, and an example of a time you worked directly with a client or enterprise stakeholder to solve a technical problem

Only candidates who submit a Loom video will be moved to the next step of the hiring process.

If you are a backend-leaning engineer who integrates AI into real systems, communicates confidently with enterprise clients on camera, and thrives in fast-moving product environments, this role offers architectural influence, direct client impact, and meaningful technical ownership.

Application Process Overview

Our comprehensive selection process ensures we find the right fit for both you and our clients:

1. Initial Application - Submit your application and complete our prequalifying questions
2. Video Introduction - Record an video introduction to showcase your communication skills and work experience
3. Role-Specific Assessment - Complete a homework assignment tailored to the position (if applicable)
4. Recruitment Interview - Initial screening with our talent team
5. Executive Interview - Meet with senior leadership to discuss role alignment
6. Client Interview - Final interview with the client team you'd be supporting
7. Background & Reference Check - Professional reference verification
8. Job Offer - Successful candidates receive a formal offer to join the team

Each stage is designed to evaluate your fit for the role while giving you insights into our company culture and expectations. We'll keep you informed throughout the process and provide feedback at each step.