Senior Python Backend Software Engineer

Senior Python Backend Software Engineer – Startup – New York * Visa sponsorship not available, US Citizens only. Please do not apply if you are seeking sponsorship*A Senior Python Backend Software Engineer is required by an AI-powered dating startup (based in New York) focused on creating a smart personal matchmaking experience rather than a traditional swipe-based dating app. As a founding Senior Backend Engineer, you will build and own the core systems behind a new kind of dating experience—one centered on real-time voice, AI-driven insight, and trust. You’ll be the second engineering hire, with significant responsibility for architecture, reliability, and technical direction as we move from 0→1 and beyond. This is a hands-on, high-ownership role. You’ll work closely with product, design, and leadership to experiment quickly, ship thoughtfully, and scale systems that operate in a deeply personal and high-trust domain.Requirements Computer Science or other STEM degree from a top university6+ years of experience as a backend or systems engineer with experience building and owning large-scale systemsOwned and scaled core systems for a high-growth start-up (either scaled a start-up through a growth stage or Big Tech plus 1+ stint at a high-growth start-up)Strong core backend technical fundamentals including deep Python expertise and familiar with AI/ML systems support.Familiarity with real-time or streaming systems (voice, video, messaging, or similar) or agentic voice agents and infrastructureMust demonstrate multiple promotions, strong companies, side projects, etc.What you'll do: Core backend systems: Design and build the foundational backend for a consumer voice-first product, with a focus on clarity, reliability, and long-term flexibility.Real-time voice infrastructure: Build and operate systems that support real-time voice interactions, streaming architectures, and low-latency user experiences (e.g., WebRTC or similar technologies).0→1 product experimentation: Move fast alongside product and design as we explore new interaction models and AI-powered features, iterating frequently and learning from real usage.AI & human-in-the-loop systems: Support systems that integrate LLMs and ML models with human oversight, evaluation workflows, and clear failure handling.Security & privacy by design: Build with user data protection, privacy, and trust as first-class concerns, not afterthoughts.System observability & scaling: Implement monitoring, logging, and alerting; identify bottlenecks early; and evolve the system to scale as usage grows.Technical ownership: Help set engineering standards, make architectural tradeoffs, and establish a culture of pragmatic, high-quality engineering.Tech stackBackend: Python, FastAPI, SQLAlchemy, Alembic, Database: PostgreSQL via SupabaseJoin an exciting company with many opportunities to progress your career. Send your resume for immediately review and further details