Senior Backend Engineer, Video

Recruiting From Scratch; San Francisco (CA); Remote; USD 185,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Staff Software Engineer for their Video Infrastructure team. You will design and develop cutting-edge video systems that enable real-time interaction among thousands of users globally. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in real-time video technologies, particularly WebRTC, and a strong problem-solving mindset. This role offers competitive compensation, equity, and a fully remote work environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with matching program

Generous PTO and mental health days

Meal stipends, education & wellness allowances

Family planning and gender-affirmation support

Virtual office environment

Qualifications

• 8–12 years of experience in software engineering with a focus on real-time video technologies.
• Deep experience building and maintaining WebRTC-based systems in production.

Responsibilities

• Delivering ultra-low-latency, high-fidelity video across varied network conditions.
• Architecting and implementing advanced SFU-cascading to scale video across global data centers.

Skills

WebRTC

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science

Tools

Python

Go

TypeScript

Node.js

Job description

Who is Recruiting from Scratch:

Recruiting from Scratch is a talent firm that focuses on placing the best candidate for our clients. Our team is 100% remote and we work with teams across North America, South America, and Europe to help them hire.

https://www.recruitingfromscratch.com/

Staff Software Engineer, Video

Location: Remote (US & Canada)
Company Stage of Funding: Series B
Office Type: Remote
Salary: $185,000 – $240,000 USD
Equity: Competitive RSUs

Company Description

Our client is reinventing how remote teams work by building virtual offices that replicate the energy and culture of in-person collaboration. With $77M in funding from top-tier investors like Sequoia, Y Combinator, and Index Ventures, their mission is to create a seamless, immersive experience that blends the best of physical office life with the flexibility of remote work.

Their team of 50+ people is solving one of the most fascinating and technically demanding challenges: integrating complex systems like video, messaging, and digital presence into a single, cohesive platform—without the need for VR headsets. Despite rapid growth and strong backing, the company remains lean and product-focused, offering a rare opportunity to join a team where every individual has meaningful ownership and impact.

What You Will Do

As a Staff Software Engineer on the Video Infrastructure team, you will be responsible for building the backbone of a product that enables spontaneous, high-quality, real-time interaction among thousands of users globally. You’ll own the design and development of cutting-edge video systems that power interactive virtual spaces, from one-on-one meetings to large-group gatherings.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Delivering ultra-low-latency, high-fidelity video that performs well across varied network conditions

• Architecting and implementing advanced SFU-cascading to scale video across global data centers

• Optimizing backend video systems to gracefully handle bandwidth drops, CPU constraints, and congestion

• Designing tools and instrumentation to monitor, test, and ensure system reliability and performance

• Building automated test suites for continuous verification of system performance

• Collaborating cross-functionally with product and infrastructure teams to drive innovation in virtual presence tech

Ideal Candidate Background

We’re looking for candidates who bring 8–12 years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on real-time video technologies. You should have:

• Deep experience building and maintaining WebRTC-based systems in production

• A strong understanding of how to scale and architect group video call platforms (e.g. Zoom, Clubhouse, Daily, etc.)

• Previous experience working at a venture-backed startup (<100 people)

• The ability to communicate clearly and collaborate in fast-paced, remote teams

• A self-motivated, problem-solving mindset and comfort with ambiguity

Preferred

• Familiarity with technologies including WebRTC, Python, Go, TypeScript, and Node.js

• Experience with SFU design and implementation

• Background in building tools that enable better system monitoring and diagnostics

• Strong prioritization and decision-making skills in startup environments

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or related field (a plus, not required)

Compensation, Benefits, and Other Perks

• Salary: $185,000 – $240,000 USD

• Equity: Competitive RSU package

• Work Type: Remote (US & Canada only)

• Visa Sponsorship: Available (TN or transfer options)

• Benefits Include:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents

  • 401(k) with matching program

  • Generous PTO and mental health days

  • Meal stipends, education & wellness allowances

  • Family planning and gender-affirmation support

  • A virtual office environment that supports deep work and fun, spontaneous collaboration