Software Engineer, Backend

About PikaAt Pika, we’re building the next generation of AI creative tools to empower human creativity. Our mission is to make video creation seamless, intuitive, and accessible to everyone, leveraging the power of advanced AI. We believe that AI should amplify creative expression—enabling everyone to create, collaborate, and communicate across media. Our team includes engineers, artists, and product thinkers, all passionate about building tools that unlock new creative possibilities.Pika has raised significant funding and is backed by leading investors, with a collaborative culture based in Palo Alto, CA. We prefer hybrid in-office, sharing ideas and launching products together.About the RoleWe are looking for a Staff Software Engineer, Backend, to lead and scale the backend infrastructure powering Pika’s user-facing products. In this high-impact role, you’ll own the design and delivery of robust, scalable backend systems, APIs, and infrastructure that support real-time collaboration, AI-powered workflows, and seamless product experiences.You’ll work closely with engineering, product, and design teams to deliver features that are reliable, performant, and secure. Your leadership in architectural decisions and backend best practices will shape the technical foundation of Pika for millions of users, helping to define both the immediate experience and the long-term direction of our core backend platforms.What You’ll DoArchitect and develop scalable, high-performing backend systems and APIs powering all Pika products and servicesBuild, maintain, and enhance distributed systems and cloud infrastructure (AWS/GCP), ensuring high availability and reliabilityTake ownership of backend features and platforms from ideation through launch and ongoing iterationDevelop systems to support low-latency, real-time collaboration and messaging at scaleDesign and optimize backend features that power creative, AI-driven product capabilitiesLead technical discussions, review code, drive backend architecture proposals, and mentor engineers to elevate standards across the teamWhat We’re Looking For5+ years of backend software engineering experience, with at least 2+ years in senior backend rolesDeep expertise in building distributed systems, RESTful and real-time APIs, and cloud-native infrastructure (AWS, GCP, Kubernetes, etc.)Strong system design skills for reliable, scalable backend services for high-traffic applicationsTrack record of launching impactful backend features that balance technical quality with business needsProven ability to independently lead complex projects, troubleshoot problems, and deliver impactful solutionsExcellent written and verbal communication, able to thrive in cross-functional teamsNice to HaveExperience with real-time collaboration platforms, creative tools, or media-rich applicationsFamiliarity with integrating generative AI or agent-based systemsExperience at high-growth startups or in rapidly evolving settingsCompetitive coding, hackathon, or open-source contributionsOur StackPython, Go, Node.js, Postgres, Redis, Docker, Kubernetes, AWS/GCPWhat We OfferCompetitive salary in the AI industryEquity in a rapidly growing startup shaping the future of AI and creativityComprehensive health benefits, monthly stipends, and company retreatsSupportive, collaborative office culture—we’re all building and launching togetherCompensation Range: $250K - $350KLocationPalo Alto HQEmployment TypeFull timeLocation TypeOn-siteDepartmentEngineeringCompensationbase salary $250K – $350K