Lead Software Engineer (Backend) - Materia AI

Thomson Reuters; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Thomson Reuters is seeking a Lead Software Engineer (Backend) to join their CoCounsel for Accounting team. This role involves developing AI-driven backend systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring performance and scalability of applications. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in backend development, a strong command of Python, and a passion for AI technologies.

Benefits

Hybrid Work Model

Flexible hours

Comprehensive health plans

Tuition reimbursement

Qualifications

• 6-8 years in backend development, building scalable web services and APIs.
• Experience with distributed systems and data model design.
• Strong debugging skills and production-grade software development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain backend services using Python, FastAPI, and PostgreSQL.
• Implement AI orchestration systems integrating LLMs.
• Design APIs for real-time AI interactions.

Skills

Python

Backend Development

API Design

Collaboration

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelors in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

FastAPI

PostgreSQL

AWS

Job description

Join to apply for the Lead Software Engineer (Backend) - Materia AI role at Thomson Reuters

Are you excited about building AI-driven software that redefines how professionals work? Join a dynamic and highly skilled team at Thomson Reuters, where we combine the agility and innovation of a startup with the stability and resources of a global leader. As a Lead Backend Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in developing AI-powered systems that enhance accounting workflows through automation, intelligence, and seamless orchestration.

About the Role:

As a Lead Backend Engineer, you will:

• Innovate in a Startup-Like Environment: Be part of a fast-moving, forward-thinking group creating AI-driven software for accounting professionals. Collaborate with top AI and software development experts, leveraging cutting-edge technology to build intelligent and scalable systems. This role is for the CoCounsel for Accounting team, formed from the recent acquisition of the startup Materia.
• Build AI-Driven Systems: Design and implement backend services that power generative AI agents and orchestration systems, ensuring performance, reliability, and adaptability.
• Collaborate Across Functions: Work with AI/ML engineers, frontend developers, product managers, and designers to support generative AI experiences, including Conversations, Workspaces, Grid, and Knowledge Base.

Key Responsibilities:

Backend Development & AI Integration

• Develop and maintain backend services using Python, FastAPI, and PostgreSQL.
• Implement AI orchestration systems integrating LLMs from providers like OpenAI, Anthropic, and others.
• Design APIs and backend logic for real-time AI interactions.
• Help design our AI Platform to automate various AI-driven tasks in accounting.

Performance & Scalability

• Ensure backend systems are secure, scalable, and optimized for AI applications.
• Monitor and enhance system performance across millions of documents and interactions.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Work closely with AI researchers, engineers, and product teams to translate AI capabilities into applications.
• Foster a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement, exploring new AI technologies.

About You:

You are a fit if your background includes:

Required Experience & Skills:

• Bachelors in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 6-8 years in backend development, building scalable web services and APIs.
• Strong Python skills, experience with FastAPI, PostgreSQL, and AWS.
• Experience with distributed systems, API and data model design.
• Proven debugging skills and production-grade software development.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Passion for AI software and new engineering paradigms.
• Creative problem-solving skills and adaptability.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience with AI-driven systems, agent architectures, or AI APIs from providers like OpenAI and Anthropic.
• Knowledge of vector databases, embeddings, or search-based AI.
• Strong opinions on backend testing strategies and automation.

What’s in it For You?

• Hybrid Work Model: Flexible in-office and remote work options.
• Flexibility & Work-Life Balance: Supportive policies including flexible hours, work from anywhere for up to 8 weeks/year.
• Career Development: Continuous learning and growth opportunities.
• Industry Benefits: Comprehensive health plans, mental health days, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, and more.
• Culture & Social Impact: Inclusive culture, community involvement, and making a meaningful impact in the industry.

About Us

Thomson Reuters provides trusted content and technology for legal, tax, accounting, compliance, government, and media professionals. With over 26,000 employees worldwide, we are committed to objectivity, accuracy, fairness, and transparency. Join us to help shape industries and uphold the rule of law, truth, and transparency.