Software Engineer, Backend
At a glance
Mid-level Backend Engineering role at Serval. San Francisco · full-time · $200,000–$325,000 base.
techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Build new product capabilities with the CTO and help deliver the first product release and roadmap
- Shape system architecture and choose core technologies for the codebase
- Use knowledge of users to guide product design with the founding team
- Set engineering practices, mentor junior engineers and uphold technical standards
What you bring
- At least four years working as a software engineer focused on backend development
- You have taken new products or systems from an initial idea to a working build
- A computer science degree or a degree in a related engineering discipline
- You communicate effectively across teams and care deeply about the user experience
Who this fits
This role suits a backend engineer who has built from the ground up and can work through startup pace and uncertainty. It is an onsite position in San Francisco. The role includes mentoring junior engineers.
From the employer
Who We Are
Serval is an AI-native automation platform transforming how enterprises operate. We build intelligent agents that understand real-world workflows and execute them end-to-end — replacing manual processes and rigid legacy systems with adaptive, learning software. Founded in early 2024, Serval is already trusted by companies like Fox, Notion, Perplexity, Vercel, and Brex to automate high-volume, high-friction operational work across their organizations.
At the core of Serval is an agentic AI platform that turns natural language into production-grade workflows. Our agents don’t just respond to requests — they reason, take action across systems, and continuously improve with usage. What began with operational use cases has quickly evolved into a horizontal AI automation layer used across IT, HR, Finance, Security, Legal, and Engineering.
Our mission is to eliminate repetitive, manual work across the enterprise and give teams leverage through intelligent automation. Long term, we’re building the universal AI operations layer — a system of agents that sits across business functions and runs the workflows that keep modern companies moving.
We’re backed by leading investors including Sequoia Capital, Redpoint Ventures, Meritech, First Round, General Catalyst, Elad Gil, and others.
Role Overview
As a Senior Software Engineer, Backend at Serval, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our platform. You will be responsible for building the foundational components of our technology, with your contributions being crucial to the success of our product.
What You'll Do
Work closely with our CTO to build new product capabilities from the ground up.
Be a champion for user experience, incorporating a deep understanding of our users to guide design decisions alongside the founding team.
Set the foundational system architecture and select key technologies for the codebase.
Help us ship V1 of Serval and deliver on our technical and product roadmap.
Help establish engineering best practices and standards within the team. Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of technical excellence.
What You'll Need
4+ years of experience as a backend focused software engineer.
Experience with zero-to-one development: You should have built new products or systems from the ground up.
Deep appreciation for and commitment to delivering outstanding user experiences.
Exceptional communication skills and a proven ability to work cross-functionally.
Comfortable with the pace and ambiguity of a fast-growing startup environment.
Degree in Computer Science or a related engineering field.
Nice to Have
Experience with some of the technologies in our stack: Go, GRPC, Kubernetes, React, Typescript, AWS and Terraform.
Early-stage experience at a startup.
Experience building applied AI products.
What We Offer
Impact: Be a key player in shaping the success of our product and company.
Growth: Build a fundamentally new AI product offering with the support of our experienced team and investors. Grow rapidly with the company.
Culture: Join a culture that values innovation, ownership, accountability, and fun.
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Backend Engineering$200k+
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