Staff Software Engineer

Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Staff Software Engineer to drive technical execution and innovation across our engineering stack. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer with deep expertise in backend systems and ML infrastructure who thrives in hands-on development and solving complex engineering challenges. You will work cross-functionally to transform ideas into production-ready systems while continuously striving for resiliency and perfection.

Job Responsibilities

• Build and optimize scalable systems that support AI-powered video generation and seamless product operations.
• Drive projects from ideation to launch, collaborating with engineering teams, designers, and PMs.
• Ensure system resiliency, improving performance, reliability, and fault tolerance across our infrastructure.
• Develop internal tools and automation to enhance workflows and improve efficiency.
• Continuously push for technical excellence, refining best practices and raising the engineering bar.
• Thrive in a high-release velocity environment, demonstrating vigilance and ownership over the quality, stability, and performance of planned, as well as already shipped features.
• Stay ahead of emerging technologies, integrating the best tools and frameworks to improve our stack.

Requirements

• Experience building and scaling social or consumer applications, with a deep understanding of user engagement, growth mechanics, and product scalability.
• Track record of driving projects from concept to production, working cross-functionally with multiple teams.
• Deep understanding of system design, scalability, and performance optimization, having worked on systems that have scaled to large user bases.
• Startup experience, demonstrating a bias toward action, ownership, and delivering high-impact results in fast-paced environments.
• Proficiency in modern backend programming languages and frameworks
• Relentless focus on resiliency and perfection, continuously improving system reliability and efficiency.
• Strong problem-solving mindset, capable of tackling complex engineering challenges independently.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and articulate technical decisions effectively.

Compensation

• Salary range: $225,000–$275,000 per year (dependent on experience and skills).
• Equity packages in the form of stock options.
• Comprehensive benefits plan to support your well-being.

About Pika

At Pika, we’re redefining video creation—making it seamless, intuitive, and universally accessible. Our mission is to break down technical barriers, empowering creativity through AI-driven technology. We’re a small, fast-moving team of smart, curious, and highly motivated individuals who value efficiency, collaboration, and innovation. If you’re looking for a high-impact role with room for growth, we’d love to hear from you.

📍 Location: Palo Alto, CA