Staff Backend Engineer (Conversational AI)

TL;DR

Staff Backend Engineer (Conversational AI): Architect and build AI-driven conversational systems that power natural, engaging interactions between users and the platform with an accent on scalable backend services, LLM-driven infrastructure, and production-grade REST APIs. Focus on leading complex engineering projects, integrating external partners, and using ML-based predictions to normalize, rank, and evaluate results for optimal user paths.

Location: Remote (US & Canada)

Salary: $220,000–$235,000 (base) + bonus

Company

Trellis is a tech company rewriting the insurance experience with AI-powered customer interactions.

What you will do

• Own the ideation and execution of high-impact projects that directly influence user experience and business outcomes.
• Define the Conversational AI engineering roadmap and translate product initiatives into scalable, well-tested solutions.
• Lead complex projects end-to-end: scope definition, technical direction, implementation, and mentoring.
• Guide integration efforts with external agencies and insurance carriers.
• Normalize, rank, and evaluate conversational outcomes using ML-based predictions to determine optimal user paths.
• Ensure scalability and performance across the platform while collaborating with Data Science on LLM/ML tooling.

Requirements

• 7+ years of production software development experience.
• 4+ years in a senior engineer role.
• Proven backend experience designing RESTful APIs and implementing business logic on top of data stores.
• Production experience with Node.js and TypeScript.
• Ability to lead projects from conception through execution.
• Strong communication skills in Slack and technical documentation.

Nice to have

• Experience with GCP, Looker, and BigQuery.

Culture & Benefits

• Fully remote setup across the US & Canada.
• Flexible vacation and wellness programming.
• Health insurance starts day one.
• 401(k) and HSA contributions, FSAs, bonuses, and equity opportunities.
• Paid parental leave and quarterly virtual and/or in-person events.

Hiring process

• Interviews focused on technical depth, system design, and collaboration/leadership.
• Technical evaluation of backend and Conversational AI/LLM infrastructure experience.
• Background check required prior to starting employment.