Software Engineer, Backend

Full Timejunior

Palo Alto HQPosted 8 days ago

Role Overview

Pika is hiring a entry-level Software Engineer, Backend. This is a full-time role in Palo Alto HQ. Part of Pika's Backend hiring, posted last week. Full responsibilities, required qualifications, and the apply link are listed in the description below.

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Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a Staff Software Engineer, Backend, to lead and scale the backend infrastructure that powers Pika’s user-facing products. In this high-impact role, you’ll own the design and delivery of robust, scalable backend systems, APIs, and infrastructure that support real-time collaboration, AI-powered workflows, and seamless product experiences.

As a staff-level engineer, you will architect and implement core backend platforms—working closely with engineering, product, and design teams to deliver features that are reliable, performant, and secure. Your leadership in architectural decisions and backend best practices will shape the technical foundation of Pika for millions of users.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Lead Backend Platform Engineering: Architect and develop scalable, high-performing backend systems and APIs powering all Pika products and services.
Own Distributed Infrastructure: Build, maintain, and enhance distributed systems and infrastructure in a cloud environment (AWS/GCP), ensuring high availability and reliability.
Drive Large-Scale Projects: Take ownership of backend features and platforms from ideation through launch and ongoing iteration.
Enable Real-Time Interactions: Develop systems to support low-latency, real-time collaboration and messaging at scale.
Integrate Generative AI Systems: Design and optimize backend features that power creative, AI-driven product capabilities.
Champion Quality & Best Practices: Lead technical discussions, review code, drive backend architectural proposals, and mentor engineers to elevate standards across the team.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Experience: 5+ years of backend software engineering experience, with at least 2+ years in senior backend roles delivering scalable APIs and infrastructure at scale.
Technical Mastery: Deep expertise in building distributed systems, RESTful and real-time APIs, and cloud-native infrastructure (AWS, GCP, Kubernetes, etc.).
System Design: Demonstrated strength in designing and implementing reliable, scalable backend services for high-traffic applications.
Product Focus: Track record of launching impactful backend features that balance technical quality with business needs.
Ownership & Initiative: Proven ability to independently lead complex projects, troubleshoot problems, and deliver impactful solutions.
Collaboration & Communication: Strong written and verbal skills—thrive in cross-functional environments with product, design, and engineering peers.

NICE TO HAVE

Experience with real-time collaboration platforms, creative tools, or media-rich applications.
Familiarity with integrating generative AI or agent-based systems.
Previous experience at high-growth startups or in fast-paced, evolving settings.
Competitive coding, hackathon, or open-source contributions.

WHAT WE OFFER

Competitive salary in the AI industry.
Equity in a rapidly growing startup shaping the future of AI and creativity.
Comprehensive health benefits, monthly stipends, and company retreats.
Supportive, collaborative office culture—we’re all building and launching together.

ABOUT PIKA

At Pika, our mission is to make video creation seamless, intuitive, and accessible to everyone through the latest advances in AI. We believe everyone should be empowered to express creativity, and we foster a culture of product thinking, technical rigor, and collective impact. We're based in Palo Alto, CA, working in-office 3–5 days a week.

About Pika

Pika

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9 other open roles at Pika on TryApplyNow.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the Software Engineer, Backend position at Pika?

Use the Apply button above to submit your application directly to Pika. Most applications take less than 5 minutes if your resume and contact details are ready, and you'll be routed to the employer's official application system to finish.

Where is the Software Engineer, Backend position at Pika located?

This position is based in Palo Alto HQ. Pika has not indicated remote or hybrid options for this role, so candidates should plan for on-site work.

What does a Software Engineer, Backend at Pika earn?

Pika has not disclosed a salary range in this posting. Many employers share specifics later in the interview process; you can also ask during a recruiter screen if compensation transparency is important to you.

When was the Software Engineer, Backend role at Pika posted?

This role was posted on July 1, 2026 (8 days ago). It's still listed as actively hiring; we re-confirm openings against the source system multiple times per day and remove closed roles.

Is the Software Engineer, Backend role at Pika entry-level?

Yes. This is an entry-level position. Strong candidates typically have 0-2 years of relevant work experience, internships, or significant project work. Read the full description for any specific qualification requirements Pika has listed.

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