Staff Software Engineer - Backend (Core Services)

Staff Software Engineer

At Read AI we're redefining how teams collaborate by bringing intelligence to every conversation. Our platform supercharges productivity across meetings, messages, and email, so work gets done faster, smarter, and with better focus. We integrate seamlessly with tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Slack, and more, helping teams stay aligned and move forward, whether they're in the same room or across time zones.

Backed by $81 million in funding from Smash Capital, Madrona, and Goodwater Capital, Read AI is growing. If you're excited to shape the future of AI-powered collaboration and want to make an impact at a product-focused startup, we'd love to meet you.

We are seeking a Staff Software Engineer to join our Core Services team. As a technical leader at the highest level, you will operate as a recognized authority across the organization. You won't just manage systems; you will own the technical health of platforms that span multiple departments, ensuring our infrastructure is scalable, resilient, and forward-thinking. Your influence will shape the very DNA of our engineering culture and the long-term success of the business.

Responsibilities:

• Architect, develop, and maintain scalable backend services and APIs, primarily using Python (FastAPI), SQLAlchemy, and AWS infrastructure.
• Design and implement features for data ingestion, third-party integrations (e.g., Slack, HubSpot, Notion), authentication/authorization, and enterprise-grade security and compliance.
• Own the full software development lifecycle: requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and monitoring.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, frontend engineers, and data scientists to deliver innovative solutions.
• Drive technical excellence through code reviews, mentorship, and best practices in software engineering.
• Participate in on-call rotations and contribute to operational excellence, reliability, and observability of backend systems.
• Continuously improve system performance, scalability, and reliability to support rapid user and data growth.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation, ownership, and customer-centricity.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor / develop other engineers.

What we look for:

• 10+ years of professional experience in backend software engineering, with a strong track record of shipping production systems.
• Proficiency in Python (or similar languages such as Java, C++, or Node.js); Experience designing and building distributed, cloud-native systems (preferably on AWS).
• Deep understanding of API design, authentication/authorization protocols (OAuth2, JWT), and security best practices.
• Familiarity with CI/CD, infrastructure-as-code (Terraform), and modern DevOps practices.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong sense of ownership, curiosity, and a passion for innovation and continuous learning.
• Experience working in a startup or fast-paced environment is highly valued.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor / develop other engineers.

Why Read AI?

• Innovative: We're set to bring AI to the masses by introducing technology designed to improve every interaction.
• Massive Impact: AI's greatest impact will be on the ability to allow people to do more, taking away mundane tasks and allowing them to focus on what matters the most.
• Growth Opportunities: Read AI is the fastest growing AI-copilot and meeting notetaker in history, and is on pace to be one of the fastest growing consumer AI companies in the world, adding more than 1MM new customers every month. The company raised Series A and B in 2024, and was noted as a Top Company To Watch in 2025 by Inc Magazine.
• Leadership: Learn more about CEO and Co-Founder David Shim in this Fortune Good Life profile from July 2025; CTO and Co-Founder Rob Williams was recently anointed as one of the most disruptive leaders in AI; and Co-Founder and VP Data Science Elliott Waldron goes behind-the-scenes on our patents and models in this tech brief.
• Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive and collaborative environment with a diverse and talented team.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $220,000-$250,000 plus equity and benefits. Please note that the base pay shown is a guideline, and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, and work location. We also offer low deductible health plans, as well as flexible time away and family leave programs.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.