Backend Software Engineer - Software Architecture

Backend Software Engineer

At Pickle Robot, we're on a mission to automate global supply chains with Physical AI. Our robots work alongside warehouse teams to unload trucks and containers — one of the toughest, most understaffed jobs in logistics — making the work safer, faster, and more efficient for the people doing it. Loading trucks comes next, followed by the Dill Autonomy Engine: generalized autonomy that will eventually orchestrate robots across entire logistics processes.

We're looking for a Backend Software Engineer to join our Software Architecture team and build the scalable systems that support robotic workflows. This role sits at the intersection of software engineering and robotics infrastructure — you'll work closely with robotics engineers to design backend services that power real robotic systems on the warehouse floor, bringing solid engineering practices into an environment where you're not afraid to get close to the hardware.

What You'll Do

• Own the design and implementation of backend projects, working independently with strategic guidance
• Help the architect understand how data flows through the system — how it's stored, moved, and ultimately consumed
• Design architectural solutions and develop scalable, reliable, and performant systems (Python and/or C++) that stay maintainable over the long term
• Build and maintain event-driven, messaging-based architectures
• Collaborate closely with robotics engineers to integrate backend systems with real-world workflows
• Share knowledge across the team and elevate engineering standards through code reviews and technical discussions

What You'll Bring

• 5+ years of experience in backend or distributed systems engineering
• Strong programming experience in Python
• Proficiency in at least one other strongly typed language — C++ preferred, though others used in robotics (e.g., Rust, Go, Java) are welcome
• Strong understanding of software architecture, concurrency, and distributed system design
• Experience building or supporting event-driven systems, messaging frameworks, or service-oriented architectures
• A clear communicator who can work independently and help teammates grow
• Experience developing systems that interface with hardware, robotics, or real-world operational environments is a plus

Stand-out candidates will have one or more of the following:

• Experience with real-time systems
• Experience managing large volumes of data
• Deep knowledge of robotics middleware (e.g., ROS, Zenoh, DDS)
• Deep knowledge of GPUs

$120,000 - $177,000 a year

At Pickle Robot Company, we believe transparency builds trust. The salary range listed here is provided in accordance with Massachusetts law and reflects what we reasonably and in good faith expect to offer for this role. We often consider candidates at different levels of seniority, and final compensation will reflect the level at which a candidate is hired, along with factors like experience and location.

Pickle provides best-in-class benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance; unlimited vacation; paid federal and state holidays; 401(k) contributions of 5% of your salary; company-covered travel expenses; and other perks to make your working life more fun, comfortable, and productive.