Member of Technical Staff (Backend Software Engineer, API Platform)
Core
Designing and operating high-performance APIs that expose Perplexity's intelligence to developers and enterprises.
Role type
Senior IC backend software engineer (API Platform)
Builds
Distributed systems, mission-critical APIs, and platform components for real-time LLM queries and enterprise integrations.
Domain
AI/LLM infrastructure, high-scale API platforms
Deliverable
production ML models | product features
Required skills
Python, Go, Rust, AWS, Kubernetes, CI/CD, API design, system reliability, observability, automated testing
Preferred skills
LLM or natural-language API experience, streaming, model orchestration
Technologies
Python, Go, Rust, PostgreSQL, DynamoDB, Redis, FastAPI, React, Bazel, GitHub, AWS
Responsibilities
Design, build, and operate mission-critical APIs optimized for low latency and high throughput; Lead major technical initiatives including new platform components and system redesigns; Improve system reliability and security via rate limiting, authentication, and observability; Collaborate on extending existing systems versus building new specialized services; Translate customer needs into scalable platform capabilities; Uphold engineering excellence through design reviews and code quality.
Seniority
Senior, hands-on IC
