Backend Engineer

Lightning AI•Seattle, WA

1d•$120,000 - $250,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Lightning AI is the company behind PyTorch Lightning. Founded in 2019, we build an end-to-end platform for developing, training, and deploying AI systems—designed to take ideas from research to production with less friction. Through our merger with Voltage Park, a neocloud and AI Factory, Lightning AI combines developer-first software with cost-efficient, large-scale compute. Teams get the tools they need for experimentation, training, and production inference, with security, observability, and control built in. We serve solo researchers, startups, and large enterprises. Lightning AI operates globally with offices in New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, and London, and is backed by Coatue, Index Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures, and Firstminute. We are looking for a Backend Engineer to work on developing and scaling the Lightning AI platform from the frontend, CLI, and API, to billing, security, and integrations. We want someone who can take ownership of key features and drive development from end to end while collaborating with a super-smart team of engineers, product managers, and designers. Here, you’ll build from proof of concept to release with a focus on speed, quality, and iteration. This is an opportunity to create groundbreaking technology that will transform the machine-learning ecosystem! This is a hybrid role based in our Redmond office with in-office requirements of 2 days per week. The salary range for this role is $120,000 - $250,000.

Requirements

Extensive experience writing efficient, maintainable code in Go.
Familiarity with best practices in testing, readability, and optimization is essential.
Broad knowledge of backend and frontend systems, with experience building and scaling APIs, CLI tools, billing systems, and security protocols.
Experience with cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, or Azure and designing systems that are reliable, performant, and scalable.
Familiarity with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) is a strong advantage.
Proven ability to take ownership of key features and drive end-to-end development
Commitment to software quality, test automation, and continuous delivery.
Experience proactively managing technical debt and speeding up time to production.
Hands-on experience as a backend or product engineer in a SaaS technology company
Communication and collaboration with engineers, product managers, and designers
Ability to operate in high uncertainty and rapidly changing environments

Nice To Haves

Exposure to frontend frameworks is a plus.

Responsibilities

Write readable/testable/efficient code in Go (Golang).
Master our technology stack to deliver new features, improve system stability, and increase overall performance.
Partner with engineering and product leaders on developing the Lightning product while using your experience to set the technical direction for large projects.
Evaluate, strengthen, and document technical architecture, tools, and processes.
Champion software quality, implement automation, drive continuous delivery, and reduce time to production while proactively reducing technical debt.
Mentor and coach engineers on system design, operating in high uncertainty, and problem-solving to create a supportive, inclusive environment where each engineer can grow.

Benefits

We offer competitive base salaries and equity with a 25% one year cliff and monthly vesting thereafter.
For our international employees, we work with our EOR to pay you in your local currency and provide equitable benefits across the globe.
Medical, dental and vision
Life and AD&D insurance
Flexible paid time off including winter closure
Paid family leave benefits
$500 monthly meal reimbursement, including groceries & food delivery services
$500 one time home office stipend
$1,000 annual learning & development stipend
100% Citibike membership (NYC only)
$45/month gym membership
Additional various medical and mental health services