Backend Engineer

Outset invented a better way to do research: AI-powered user interviews. We created this new category of research technology and now it's growing wildly.

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 Incumbents are outdated, slow, and burdened by high-cost services.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 funded by some of Silicon Valley’s top investors (Y Combinator, Adverb Ventures, 20sales, Matrix Partners, Jack Altman, Ryan Hoover, among others) and recently raised our series A of 17M led by 8VC.

We are located in the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District. We are a tight-knit team of 25 serving some of the world's largest enterprise customers.

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.

Benefits

• The opportunity to define and own design at a fast-growing, category-creating startup.

• Daily collaboration with founders, shaping the core product vision.

• Exposure to and collaboration with design and research leaders at top global brands.

• Competitive cash and equity compensation.Actual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate, including skill set, depth of experience, and certifications.

Outset is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, free from discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.