Outset logo

Backend Software Engineer

Outset

San Francisco, CAJob$150–230K/yrPosted 1y agoVerified open 4 days ago

Most applications go out cold — see where you stand first. No sign-up to start.

At a glance

Compensation
$150–230K/yr
Location
San Francisco, CA
Work Authorization
Not specified

Job overview

Outset is hiring a Backend Software Engineer. Outset, an AI‑powered research platform backed by top Silicon Valley investors, helps global brands conduct faster, deeper user interviews. The company seeks a Backend Software Engineer to design, develop, and optimize backend services, APIs, and real‑time data processing infrastructure, collaborating with leadership and users to improve the product.

Key focus areas include Collaborate closely with the CTO and CEO on strategic technical decisions and product direction, Design, develop, and optimize backend services, APIs, and real‑time data processing infrastructure, and Implement and refine the in-house Large Language Model and real‑time interview technology.

Successful candidates bring 3+ Years Software Engineering Experience Building Production-Grade Backend Systems. Important skills include Python, Django, Building Robust APIs, SQL Databases, and AWS. Preferred (not required): PostgreSQL, WebRTC, Real-Time Data Streaming, and AI/ML Infrastructure.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

PythonDjangoBuilding Robust APIsSQL DatabasesAWSPostgreSQLWebRTCReal-Time Data StreamingAI/ML InfrastructureCollaborate on Strategic Technical DecisionsDesign Backend ServicesDevelop Backend ServicesOptimize Backend ServicesDesign APIsDevelop APIsOptimize APIsDesign Real-Time Data Processing InfrastructureImplement Large Language ModelRefine Large Language ModelImplement Real-Time Interview TechnologyRefine Real-Time Interview TechnologyLead Projects From Conception to DeploymentEnsure ScalabilityEnsure ReliabilityInterface With UsersGather FeedbackUnderstand Pain PointsContinuously Improve Product

Qualifications

3+ Years Software Engineering Experience Building Production-Grade Backend Systems

Full job description

Outset invented a better way to do research: AI-powered user interviews.

Global brands like Hubspot, Microsoft, Uber and Nestle use Outset to achieve deeper, qualitative insights about their users at unprecedented speed and scale.

The research industry is massive (>$140B and growing) and ripe for disruption. Incumbents are outdated, slow, and burdened by high-cost services. That's our opportunity.

Outset is backed by top Silicon Valley investors and raised a $30M Series B in December 2025—less than six months after our Series A—led by Radical Ventures with participation from M12 (Microsoft’s venture arm), 8VC, Y Combinator, and Adverb Ventures.

The raise follows a breakout year, with our business growing 8x as enterprise customers across industries adopt our category, AI‑moderated research, as the new standard for understanding people.

We’re a tight-knit team serving some of the world’s largest enterprises.

What you will do:

  • Collaborate closely with the CTO and CEO on strategic technical decisions and product direction.

  • Design, develop, and optimize backend services, APIs, and real-time data processing infrastructure.

  • Implement and refine our in-house Large Language Model and real-time interview technology.

  • Lead projects from initial conception through production deployment, ensuring scalability and reliability.

  • Interface directly with users to gather feedback, understand pain points, and continuously improve our core product.

The ideal candidate will have:

  • 3+ years of software engineering experience building production-grade backend systems.

  • Strong proficiency with Python and Django, including experience building robust APIs.

  • Extensive knowledge of SQL databases (Postgres preferred).

  • Experience deploying and managing services on AWS.

  • Bonus points for familiarity with WebRTC, real-time data streaming, or AI/ML infrastructure.

You've read the whole posting — now see how you match it.