Senior Software Engineer, Backend

OverviewAbout Our TeamChef Robotics is on a mission to accelerate the advent of intelligent machines in the physical world. We are focused on applying AI to real-world robotics, starting with food, with the goal of putting an intelligent robot in every commercial kitchen. We are growing fast and are backed by notable investors. You will be surrounded by engineers and tech leaders from leading companies.About The RoleAs a Senior Software Engineer, Backend specializing in database architecture and AI systems, you will lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of robust backend services powering our robotics platform. You will work at the intersection of data management, API development, and AI integration to build scalable solutions that support our robotics systems across customer deployments. This role requires expertise in database optimization, API framework implementation, and architecture for real-time robotics operations. As a senior engineer, you will mentor team members and drive technical decision-making for backend infrastructure.ResponsibilitiesLead the design, implementation, and optimization of database schemas to support robot operations, telemetry, recipe management, and system analyticsDevelop robust data migration strategies and version control for database schema evolutionImplement efficient query optimization and indexing strategies to support high-throughput robot operationsEstablish data integrity protocols and backup systems to ensure operational continuity across customer deploymentsCreate scalable data access layers that balance security, performance, and maintainabilityMentor team members on database design patterns and optimization techniquesLead the development and maintenance of scalable APIs to serve robot control systems, dashboards, and monitoring toolsDesign and implement secure authentication and authorization mechanisms across backend servicesDevelop robust middleware for processing and validating data between robotics subsystemsCreate service interfaces that enable efficient communication between robotics components and cloud servicesCollaborate with frontend and robotics engineers to ensure cohesive integration of backend servicesEstablish API design standards and best practices for the engineering teamLead implementation of backend services that support machine learning pipelines for robot vision and motion planningDevelop sophisticated APIs for model deployment, monitoring, and version management across robotics fleetsCreate efficient data storage and retrieval systems for training datasets and inference resultsDesign and implement systems to collect and process performance metrics from AI componentsCollaborate with ML engineers to optimize data flow for training and inference processesDrive architecture decisions for AI/ML infrastructure and scalabilityLead implementation of comprehensive logging, monitoring, and alerting for backend systemsDevelop diagnostic tools and dashboards for operational visibility across distributed robotics deploymentsEstablish performance benchmarks and optimize systems to meet latency requirements for real-time operationsImplement fault-tolerant design patterns to ensure reliability in production environmentsCreate and maintain technical documentation for backend systems and mentor team on best practicesDrive technical initiatives for system scalability and performance optimizationQualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience7+ years of professional experience in backend development roles with demonstrated leadership experienceExpert knowledge of relational databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL) including schema design, optimization, and administrationStrong proficiency with Python and JavaScript/TypeScript with advanced software engineering skillsExtensive experience leading projects with at least two web frameworks: Flask, FastAPI, Django, Node.js, or Next.jsProven experience designing and implementing RESTful and GraphQL APIs at scaleAdvanced understanding of containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes) technologiesExperience with cloud infrastructure and deployment (AWS, GCP, or Azure) in production environmentsProven experience leading complex backend projects and mentoring junior engineersUnderstanding of data requirements for robotics or automation systemsExperience with real-time or near-real-time systems and high-performance backend architectureBackground in developing secure, reliable systems with high availability requirementsKnowledge of CI/CD practices and infrastructure-as-code principlesFamiliarity with AI/ML deployment workflows and requirementsStrong leadership and mentoring skills with ability to drive technical initiativesExcellence in technical communication with ability to explain complex systems to diverse audiencesProactive mindset in identifying potential issues and implementing scalable solutionsComfort with working in a fast-paced startup environment with startup-oriented hoursCommitment to working onsite five days a week to contribute to positive in-office culturePassion for robotics and automation technologyCollaborative approach to cross-functional engineering teamsExperience with time-series databases (InfluxDB, TimescaleDB) for telemetry dataKnowledge of message queue systems (Kafka, RabbitMQ) for distributed systemsFamiliarity with WebSockets for real-time communicationExperience with Redis for caching and pub/sub patternsBackground in manufacturing, food production, or industrial automationExperience developing systems that interface with robotics hardwareKnowledge of ROS (Robot Operating System) or similar frameworksStartup experience with track record of shipping working products under tight deadlinesExperience with microservices architecture and distributed systems designDesigning and implementing scalable database architecture for multi-site robotics deploymentsLeading development of real-time APIs for robotics control and monitoring systemsArchitecting AI/ML infrastructure for model deployment and performance monitoringEstablishing backend system reliability and performance monitoring frameworksMentoring engineering team on backend best practices and system design principlesEqual Opportunity EmployerWe are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizen status, uniform service member and veteran status, marital status, age, pregnancy status, protected medical condition, genetic information, disability, or any other protected status.Chef is an early-stage startup where equity is a major part of the compensation package. As the company secures more capital, we will gradually increase salary and cash compensation. The starting salary will depend on seniority. In addition to salary and early-stage equity, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, commuter benefits, flexible paid time off (PTO), catered lunch, and 401(k) matching.Location & Employment TypeSan Mateo, CA • Full-timeSeniority level: Not ApplicableJob function: Engineering and Information TechnologyIndustries: Software DevelopmentNoteReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Chef Robotics. #J-18808-Ljbffr