Software Engineer, Backend

Pika
Palo Alto
Workplace: OnsiteFull timeUSD 185,000 - 300,000 annuallyFunction: Software EngineeringExperience: 5+ yearsSkills: ["Ownership","Collaboration","Communication","Technical leadership","Problem-solving"]

Lead backend platform engineering for Pika, designing and scaling robust APIs and infrastructure that power real-time collaboration and AI-driven workflows. Own distributed systems in a cloud environment (AWS/GCP), drive large-scale projects from ideation to launch, and champion backend quality through reviews and mentoring. Partner closely with product and design to deliver reliable, performant, and secure experiences for millions of users.

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Pika
Pika
2 months ago

Software Engineer, Backend

✓ Verified Job

Canonical indexed version, validated from employer's careers page.

Source: Company careers pageValidated by: Fursa AI
Last checked: 18 hours agoStatus: Live
Reposted: similar role first listed 1 year ago

Job Summary

Lead backend platform engineering for Pika, designing and scaling robust APIs and infrastructure that power real-time collaboration and AI-driven workflows. Own distributed systems in a cloud environment (AWS/GCP), drive large-scale projects from ideation to launch, and champion backend quality through reviews and mentoring. Partner closely with product and design to deliver reliable, performant, and secure experiences for millions of users.
Location: Palo Alto
Workplace: Onsite
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Software Engineering
Seniority: Sr. Manager level

Key Responsibilities

  • •Architect and develop scalable, high-performing backend systems and APIs powering all Pika products and services.
  • •Build, maintain, and enhance distributed infrastructure in AWS/GCP to ensure high availability and reliability.
  • •Drive backend projects from ideation through launch and ongoing iteration.
  • •Develop low-latency systems for real-time collaboration and messaging at scale.
  • •Integrate and optimize backend features that power generative AI and creative, AI-driven capabilities, while mentoring engineers and raising quality standards.

Pay and Benefits

Salary: USD 185,000 - 300,000 annually
Equity and Bonus:Equity
Perks:Health InsuranceMonthly StipendsCompany Retreats

Key Requirements

  • •5+ years of backend software engineering experience, including 2+ years in senior backend roles delivering scalable APIs and infrastructure.
  • •Deep expertise building distributed systems and RESTful and real-time APIs at scale.
  • •Strong cloud-native infrastructure experience in AWS, GCP, and Kubernetes (or equivalent).
  • •Demonstrated ability to design and implement reliable, scalable backend services for high-traffic applications.
  • •Proven ownership of complex projects, including troubleshooting and independent delivery, with strong cross-functional collaboration.
Experience:5+ years
Skills:OwnershipCollaborationCommunicationTechnical leadershipProblem-solving
Tech Stack:AWSGCPKubernetesRESTReal-time APIsCloud-native infrastructureDistributed systems

Company Brief

Pika
Pika (Pika Labs) builds AI-driven tools to generate and edit videos from text prompts and images, enabling creators to produce cinematic, 3D, anime and stylized videos with a web-based platform and APIs.
Industry: AI & Machine Learning
Company Size: Medium (51 to 250 employees)
Growth: Growth Stage Startup
Valuation: USD 250M to 500M
Funding: Series B
Headquarters: Palo Alto, United States
Founded: 2023
WebsiteLinkedIn