Backend Engineer

Try Picnic; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 188,250; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k)

Discretionary vacation days

Job summary

Try Picnic is seeking a Backend Engineer to architect and scale their real-time food ordering platforms in Los Angeles, CA. This high-impact position involves writing high-quality code, leading backend initiatives, and collaborating closely with teams. The ideal candidate has proficiency in Java and Go, experience with databases like PostgreSQL and MongoDB, and is passionate about building systems that impact customer and operational success.

The position requires a presence in the Los Angeles office five days a week. The compensation ranges from $145,000 to $188,250 annually, depending on experience and skills, along with potential equity and performance bonuses.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in backend programming languages like Java and Go.
• Experience with relational and/or NoSQL databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis).
• Experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure.

Responsibilities

• Write high-quality, well-tested code.
• Lead backend initiatives ensuring scalability.
• Design scalable databases and analyze data using SQL.

Skills

Backend programming languages (Java, Go)

Relational and/or NoSQL databases

Cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure)

RESTful APIs and microservices

High-performance engineering

System design and data stores

Job description

About the role We’re looking for a Backend Engineer to help architect and scale Picnic’s real-time food ordering and operations platforms. This is a high-impact role for someone who enjoys ambiguity, thrives in complex systems, and is excited to iterate and improve real-world operations.

You’ll work across backend services that support web and mobile surfaces, partner closely with frontend, mobile, product, and operations teams, and help define how we design, build, and scale backend systems at Picnic.

What you’ll do

• Write high-quality, well-tested code in languages like Java and Go, set a strong bar for engineering excellence, and manage and sustain a full software lifecycle
• Lead backend initiatives, ensuring scalability and reliability across domains such as food ordering, payments, discounts, and loyalty
• Drive the development with a strong focus on reliability-by-design, observability, and testability
• Design scalable databases, analyze data using SQL
• Mentor and uplevel engineers through technical leadership, reviews, and hands‑on collaboration

What we’re looking for

• Proficiency in backend programming languages like Java and Go
• Experience with relational and/or NoSQL databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis)
• Experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure
• Understanding of RESTful APIs, microservices, and distributed systems
• A high‑performance, hands‑on engineer who sets a high bar for code quality, reliability, and operational excellence
• Deep understanding of backend system design, APIs, data stores, concurrency, and distributed systems
• Experience collaborating closely with frontend, mobile, product, data, and business partners
• Passion for product impact and building systems that directly support customers and operators

What else you need to know

This role is based in our Los Angeles, CA office. We believe the best ideas emerge from close collaboration, especially when building new products and redefining how an industry works. As a result, Picnic requires in‑office five days a week for all non‑field roles.

The base salary range for this role is $145,000 - 188,250 per year.

Actual compensation will be determined on an individual basis and may vary depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for equity awards and an annual performance‑based bonus.

Benefits Summary (USA Full‑Time Exempt Employees):

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (multiple plans, incl. HSA options)
• Company‑paid life and disability insurance (short‑ and long‑term)
• Voluntary insurance: accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity
• Optional supplemental life insurance for self, spouse, and children
• Pet insurance discount
• 401(k)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter)
• Time Off policies:
  • Discretionary vacation days
  • 8 paid holidays per year
  • Paid sick time
  • Paid Bereavement leave
  • Paid Parental Leave