Principal Software Engineer (Backend)

TL;DR

Principal Software Engineer (Backend): Building and scaling the Communications Platform powering chat and messaging for millions of users with an accent on high-throughput, low-latency infrastructure and API design. Focus on defining technical vision, solving complex distributed systems challenges, and driving platform-wide reliability.

Location: Must be based in San Mateo, CA (Hybrid: onsite Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)

Company

A global platform empowering a community of developers to create immersive 3D digital experiences.

What you will do

• Define and drive the technical vision and executable roadmaps for the Communications Platform.
• Architect high-throughput, low-latency infrastructure for tens of millions of daily users.
• Lead complex, cross-cutting technical initiatives across multiple teams and navigate ambiguity.
• Own the API and platform design philosophy, shaping primitives and extensibility models with safety constraints.
• Mentor senior engineers and elevate technical quality through design reviews and best practices.
• Manage production reliability and operational health at a platform level.

Requirements

• 5+ years of backend or full-stack software engineering experience with ownership of large-scale production systems.
• Strong fundamentals in designing and operating distributed systems at global scale.
• Proficiency in at least one server-side language (C#, Java, Go, or C++).
• Ability to write sharp technical specifications and reason about complex trade-offs.
• Valid US work authorization (Company may be unable to support certain visa categories or H-1B sponsorship).

Nice to have

• Experience with AI-assisted development and pushing the boundaries of AI tools.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid work model (onsite Tue/Wed/Thu, optional Mon/Fri).
• Equity compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
• Culture centered on kindness, generosity, and mutual respect.
• Opportunity to solve unique technical challenges at a massive global scale.