Senior Backend AI-First Architect (PK)

Job description
Lead-level backend ownership. AI-first delivery. Architecture decisions.

We are looking for a highly senior backend engineer who can operate at Lead Engineer / Architect level.
This is not a role for someone who only executes tickets. We need someone who can make architecture decisions independently, design systems with long-term scalability in mind, and turn ambiguous product needs into production-ready backend solutions.

This is a high-ownership role on a lean team. The default mode of execution is AI-first. Engineers use AI agents to accelerate research, planning, implementation, testing, and refinement, but ownership stays fully with the engineer. The person in this role must be able to use AI to move fast while maintaining strong judgment around architecture, correctness, security, performance, and reliability.
We are specifically looking for candidates who have already held responsibilities similar to Lead Engineer, or Architect in previous roles.

The work

• Design and own backend services in NestJS and TypeScript, from schema to production

• Make architecture decisions independently, with a focus on scalability, maintainability, and reliability

• Build and maintain GraphQL APIs across a microservices environment

• Own database design, optimization, and reliability in Postgres

• Define technical direction, not just implementation details

• Set and enforce quality standards across both AI-generated and manually written code

• Translate ambiguous product needs into clear technical solutions

• Contribute to system design, infrastructure decisions, testing strategy, and developer productivity

• Operate in an AI-first workflow without compromising engineering standards
  

This is a fast-paced environment with real production stakes. You will be expected to move quickly, think at systems level, and make strong technical decisions with minimal hand-holding. If you are comfortable owning architecture and raising the technical bar in a high-accountability environment, this role is for you.

Details
Fully remote
Paid in USD
EST or PST aligned hours