Senior Software Engineer, Backend
Read AI is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join our Backend team. As a senior contributor, you will play a key role in designing, building, and scaling backend systems that power our AI-driven productivity platform. You’ll work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, shipping code weekly and directly impacting millions of users.
Complete your application with a Provn skills assessment.
Responsibilities
Architect, develop, and maintain scalable backend services and APIs, primarily using Python (FastAPI), SQLAlchemy, and AWS infrastructure.
Design and implement features for data ingestion, third-party integrations (e.g., Slack, HubSpot, Notion), authentication/authorization, and enterprise-grade security and compliance.
Own the full software development lifecycle: requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and monitoring.
Collaborate closely with product managers, frontend engineers, and data scientists to deliver innovative solutions.
Drive technical excellence through code reviews, mentorship, and best practices in software engineering.
Participate in on-call rotations and contribute to operational excellence, reliability, and observability of backend systems.
Continuously improve system performance, scalability, and reliability to support rapid user and data growth.
Contribute to a culture of innovation, ownership, and customer-centricity.
Requirements
7+ years of professional experience in backend software engineering, with a strong track record of shipping production systems.
Proficiency in Python (or similar languages such as Java, C++, or Node.js); Experience designing and building distributed, cloud-native systems (preferably on AWS).
Deep understanding of API design, authentication/authorization protocols (OAuth2, JWT), and security best practices.
Familiarity with CI/CD, infrastructure-as-code (Terraform), and modern DevOps practices.
Excellent communication skills; ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong sense of ownership, curiosity, and a passion for innovation and continuous learning.
Experience working in a startup or fast-paced environment is highly valued.
Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) is a plus.
This description reflects Read AI’s focus on rapid iteration, technical excellence, and building robust backend systems to support AI-powered productivity tools for a growing user base.
Why Read AI?
Innovative: We bring AI to the masses with proactive technology that acts as the ultimate AI assistant. Built on our proprietary, patented technology, Read AI takes notes, surfaces information, facilitates collaboration, and learns you, making individuals and teams more effective.
Massive Impact: AI's greatest impact will be on the ability to allow people to do more, taking away mundane tasks, and guiding them to the next best action.
Growth Opportunities: Read AI is the fastest growing AI-copilot and meeting notetaker in history, and is one of the leading AI companies in the world, adding more than 1MM new customers every month. The company raised Series A and B in 2024, also was recognized as a Top Startup in Seattle by LinkedIn (2025), also notably a Top Company To Watch in 2025 by Inc Magazine, and is one of the Top AI Companies in Demand by Startups, according to a16z.
Leadership: Learn more about CEO and Co-Founder David Shim in this Fortune Good Life profile and listen to him share his vision for AI Agents, Digital Twins and the Future of Work. CTO and Co-Founder Rob Williams was recently anointed as one of the most disruptive leaders in AI. For more on our technology, Co-Founder and VP Data Science Elliott Waldron goes behind-the-scenes on our patents and models in this tech brief.
Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive and collaborative environment with a diverse and talented team.
Software Engineer positions offer a base pay range of $190,000 - $200,000, plus equity and benefits. Please note that the base pay shown is a guideline, and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, and work location. We also offer low deductible health plans, as well as flexible time away and family leave programs.
Please note our company does not provide visa support or sponsorship for employees.
Skills Required
- 10+ years of professional experience in backend software engineering
- Proficiency in Python or similar languages
- Experience designing and building distributed, cloud-native systems (AWS preferred)
- Deep understanding of API design and security best practices
- Familiarity with CI/CD and infrastructure-as-code (Terraform)
- Excellent communication skills
- Experience in a startup or fast-paced environment
- Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
Read AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Read AI and has not been reviewed or approved by Read AI.
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Healthcare Strength — Benefits explicitly include medical, dental, and vision coverage listed on the careers page. This indicates core health needs are addressed for employees.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Unlimited PTO is advertised. This signals broad time-off availability, with actual usage dependent on team norms.
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Flexible Benefits — Hybrid work flexibility and in-office lunch are part of the offering. These elements add day-to-day convenience and adaptability.
Read AI Insights
What We Do
Read AI is an AI copilot for wherever you work, making your meetings, emails, and messages more productive with summaries, content discovery, and recommendations.
