Distributed Systems Engineer (Backend) [32751]

Stealth Startup; San Carlos (CA); Hybrid; USD 215,000 - 290,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited meals

Gym reimbursement

Covered internet and phone bills

Job summary

A fast-growing Voice AI startup is seeking a Founding Senior Backend Engineer to design and build the core systems powering AI-driven conversations. The role offers a mix of onsite and remote work with a competitive compensation structure. Ideal candidates will have 2+ years in backend development, strong communication skills, and a passion for impactful software. The position emphasizes fast-paced work in a collaborative environment. Benefits include unlimited meals, gym reimbursement, and covered internet and phone bills.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of backend development experience.
• Experience designing scalable systems.
• Startup experience or adaptability is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Build foundational architecture for the platform.
• Design scalable backend systems for millions of calls.
• Lead complex projects from architecture to production.
• Collaborate with product teams to create intuitive APIs.
• Support customer onboarding and troubleshoot issues.

Skills

Backend development

API Creation

Communication

Collaboration

DevOps workflows

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Cloud infrastructure

Job description

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

We're not just automating calls—we’re transforming how the world communicates. Our AI voice agents are reshaping sales, support, and customer engagement for leading brands. Backed by Alt Capital, Y Combinator, and top-tier investors, we've raised $4.7M in seed funding and hit $14M ARR with just 12 people.

We’re one of the fastest-growing Voice AI startups and we're on a mission to become the standard for voice automation at scale.

About the Role

As a Founding Senior Backend Engineer, you’ll shape the core systems powering millions of AI-driven conversations. You’ll tackle real-time audio, global telephony, and developer tooling, working across the stack with the founding team. This high-impact role offers rapid feedback loops, customer collaboration, and the chance to define a category-leading product.

Key Responsibilities

• Build foundational architecture for the company's platform, such as prompt orchestration, testing frameworks, observability dashboards, and telephony integrations.
• Design scalable backend systems and DevOps workflows for reliable performance across millions of calls.
• Lead complex projects from architecture to production, driving delivery and monitoring.
• Collaborate with product and design teams to create intuitive APIs and interfaces for quick customer onboarding.
• Support customer onboarding, troubleshoot issues, and turn feedback into product improvements.
• Have 2+ years of backend development experience with a degree in CS, CE, or EE.
• Take ownership like a founder, with a passion for impactful software.
• Thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous environments, solving new problems with curiosity.
• Communicate clearly, collaborate across teams, and drive momentum.
• Have startup experience or grit to adapt, with bonus points for cloud infra/DevOps knowledge.

Compensation & Details

• Job Type: Full-time, 70 hr/week (50 hr/week onsite with flexible hours + 20 hr/week work from home)
• Cash: 215k - 290k
• Equity: 0.4 - 0.6%
• Location: Redwood City, CA, US
• US Visas: Sponsors Visa & Green Card

Other Benefits

• Unlimited breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
• Gym and daily commute fee reimbursement
• Internet and phone bills covered

Compensation Philosophy

• Best Offer Upfront: Choose from three cash-equity balance options, no negotiation needed.
• Top 1% Talent: Above-market pay (top 5 percentile) to attract high performers.
• High Ownership: Small teams, >$1M revenue/employee, and significant equity.
• Performance-Based: Offers tied to interview performance, not experience or past salaries.