Software Engineer, Backend

Tessera Labs; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading AI technology firm in San Jose is seeking a Backend Engineer (Mid-Level) to design, build, and maintain backend systems for their AI automation platform. The ideal candidate should have 3–5 years of experience in backend development, particularly in APIs and distributed systems, preferably using Python and frameworks like FastAPI. This role offers competitive compensation ranging from $200K to $250K and follows a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of backend development experience with a focus on APIs, distributed systems, or cloud infrastructure.
• Proficient in Python, with experience using FastAPI, SQLAlchemy, or similar frameworks.
• Experience with PostgreSQL/MySQL and data modeling best practices.
• Familiarity with Redis, message queues, and asynchronous processing.
• Understanding of API authentication, security, and scalability principles.
• Strong debugging, testing, and performance optimization skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain RESTful APIs and backend services using Python.
• Build reliable microservices that support data processing and automation.
• Identify and fix performance bottlenecks in backend code and databases.
• Collaborate with DevOps to deploy and maintain cloud-based services.

Skills

Backend development experience

APIs

Distributed systems

Cloud infrastructure

Python

FastAPI

SQLAlchemy

PostgreSQL/MySQL

Data modeling best practices

Redis

Message queues

Asynchronous processing

Tools

AWS S3

Google Cloud Storage

Azure Blob Storage

Job description

Location

San Jose Office

Employment Type

Full time

Location Type

Hybrid

Department

Technical Staff

Compensation

• $200K – $250K • 0.01% – 0.015%

At Tessera Labs, we’re revolutionizing business process automation with cutting‑edge AI technology. Backed by Foundation Capital and led by a world‑class founding team, we’re building a high‑impact engineering group to bring AI‑powered automation to the enterprise world.

Our multi‑agent AI systems transform complex business workflows—eliminating inefficiencies, optimizing operations, and enabling seamless integrations across platforms like SAP, Salesforce, and Workday. We move fast, solve hard problems, and build at the bleeding edge of AI.

About the Role

We’re looking for a Backend Engineer (Mid‑Level) who thrives in a fast‑paced, high‑ownership startup environment. You’ll help design, build, and maintain the backend systems that power Tessera’s AI automation platform — including scalable APIs, data pipelines, and integrations with enterprise systems.

This role is hands‑on and ideal for someone who enjoys building distributed systems, solving challenging backend problems, and contributing to architectural discussions in a collaborative, fast‑moving team.

Key Responsibilities

Core Development

• Design, develop, and maintain RESTful APIs and backend services using Python (FastAPI, SQLAlchemy).

• Build reliable microservices that support data processing, automation, and AI system integrations.

• Implement and optimize database schemas, queries, and caching for performance and scalability.

• Contribute to data pipelines and synchronization services across enterprise integrations.

AI & Systems Integration

• Connect backend services with AI model servers, vector databases, and automation workflows.

• Enable smooth data exchange between AI agents and enterprise systems like Salesforce, SAP, and Workday.

Scalability & Reliability

• Identify and fix performance bottlenecks in backend code and databases.

• Implement caching, monitoring, and logging to ensure system reliability and observability.

• Collaborate with DevOps to deploy and maintain cloud‑based services on AWS or GCP.

Security & Quality

• Implement secure authentication and authorization (OAuth2, RBAC, SSO).

• Follow best practices in code quality, testing, and documentation.

• Participate in code reviews and contribute to improving backend architecture.

Collaboration & Ownership

• Work closely with frontend, AI, and product teams to deliver new features.

• Take initiative in identifying improvements and building practical, scalable solutions.

• Balance speed and long‑term scalability in a fast‑moving environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of backend development experience with a focus on APIs, distributed systems, or cloud infrastructure.

• Proficient in Python, with experience using FastAPI, SQLAlchemy, or similar frameworks.

• Experience with PostgreSQL/MySQL and data modeling best practices.

• Familiarity with Redis, message queues (Kafka, RabbitMQ, Pub/Sub), and asynchronous processing.

• Experience with cloud storage solutions such as AWS S3, Google Cloud Storage, or Azure Blob Storage.

• Understanding of API authentication, security, and scalability principles.

• Strong debugging, testing, and performance optimization skills.

Bonus Points

• Experience integrating AI/ML models into backend systems.

• Familiarity with event‑driven architectures or workflow automation systems.

• Prior experience in startups or high‑growth tech companies.

Compensation Range: $200K - $250K