Software Engineer, Backend
The Backend Software Engineer at Confidential Client will design and build reliable backend systems that power a content intelligence platform used by major media companies. This role involves developing scalable, maintainable code and infrastructure to support rapid growth, working closely with the team to enhance performance and integrate AI/ML technologies. The position offers significant ownership and impact within a fast-paced, early-stage startup environment focused on AI-driven media analytics.
About CareerTakes
CareerTakes is a next-generation AI recruiting platform that connects early-career talent with real roles at established companies across regulated industries.
👉 Important disclosure: CareerTakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, a Software Development company.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the CareerTakes platform.
What You’ll Do
You will help design, build, and operate the backend systems that power a fast-growing SaaS platform. Typical responsibilities include:
- Design and implement reliable, maintainable backend services and APIs using TypeScript and/or Python
- Translate product requirements into production-ready features with automated tests
- Build scalable architectures (microservices, queue-based processing, distributed systems) to support creators, shows, and enterprise customers
- Work with Docker, Kubernetes, and Google Cloud Platform to package, deploy, and run services in production
- Instrument systems with production-grade logging, monitoring, and alerting; respond to incidents and improve system reliability
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (product, ML, frontend) to integrate LLM/AI components and data-driven features
- Improve performance, reduce latency, and optimize costs as usage grows
- Participate in code reviews, design discussions, and drive best practices for testing and CI/CD
Compensation & Employment Type
- Employment type: Full-time
- Seniority: Entry level (1–3 years)
- Compensation: $100,000 – $130,000 per year (salary). Equity opportunity available.
- Location: Santa Monica, CA (candidates based in Los Angeles / SoCal preferred)
This role is subject to applicable federal, state, and local employment laws. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States; reasonable accommodations are available during the hiring process.
Minimum Qualifications
- 1–3 years of professional software engineering experience
- Proficiency in TypeScript and/or Python and strong software engineering fundamentals
- Hands-on experience building backend systems, RESTful or gRPC APIs, and modern frameworks
- Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
- Familiarity with observability tooling (logging, monitoring, alerting) and production incident response
- Solid understanding of Object-Oriented Programming and computer science fundamentals
- Strong problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective collaboration using remote tools
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent experience (or equivalent experience)
Nice-to-Haves
- Startup / early-stage experience
- Experience with AI/ML pipelines, LLM APIs, or multimodal systems in production
- DevOps, automation, or SRE-style experience (CI/CD, infra-as-code)
- Experience designing scalable APIs, distributed systems, or queue-based architectures
- Los Angeles, CA–based candidates preferred
Why Join
- Real ownership — shape product, stack, and team early on
- Build tools used by top creators and enterprise media brands
- Work on production LLM + multimodal systems and high-impact analytics problems
- Ship frequently with minimal bureaucracy on a small, high-leverage team
- Early-stage upside with equity participation
How to Apply
Apply through the CareerTakes application flow. Applicants may receive access to additional matched roles via the CareerTakes platform. If you need accommodations during the hiring process, please contact CareerTakes and we’ll coordinate with our client.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
CareerTakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
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