Lead Software Engineer AI - (Materia AI)

About the role

In this role as a Lead Software Engineer, you will:

• Innovate in a Startup-Like Environment
• Be part of a fast-moving, forward-thinking group that is creating AI-driven software for accounting professionals.
• Work with top AI and software development experts, leveraging cutting-edge technology to build intelligent and scalable systems.
• This is a hybrid role, and the interview process may include onsite interactions.

Responsibilities

As a Lead Software Engineer, you will:

• Design and build the backend for AI-native products focused on accounting research and workflows such as tax filing, tax advisory, and audit.
• Develop and maintain backend services using Python, FastAPI, and PostgreSQL.
• Implement AI orchestration systems integrating LLMs from OpenAI, Anthropic, and other providers.
• Design APIs and backend logic for real-time AI interactions.
• Ensure backend systems are secure, scalable, and optimized for AI-driven applications.
• Monitor and enhance system performance, across millions of documents and AI-driven interactions.
• Collaborate across functions, working closely with AI/ML engineers, frontend developers, product managers, and designers to build robust services that support generative AI experiences.
• Help build out our core AI interfaces such as Conversations, Workspaces, Grid, and Knowledge Base.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Related Field, or Equivalent Experience
• 6-8 years of experience in backend development, building scalable web services and APIs
• Strong Python skills, with experience in FastAPI, PostgreSQL, and AWS
• Experience in distributed systems, API and data model design
• Strong debugging skills and a track record of building production-grade software
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities
• Passion for AI-driven software and new engineering paradigms
• Creative problem solver who enjoys exploring new technologies
• Dedicated to building high-quality, reliable AI-first systems
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in system design and architecture, building scalable, production-grade systems
• Strong emphasis on Python, backend engineering, and real-world AI applications

Skills

• Strong hands-on Python backend experience (FastAPI/Flask, APIs, distributed systems)
• Exposure to TypeScript/modern frontend frameworks is helpful, but not required
• Proven experience in system design and architecture, building scalable, production-grade systems
• Strong emphasis on Python, backend engineering, and real-world AI applications

Benefits

The role offers:

• A hybrid work model (2-3 days a week in the office depending on the role)
• Flexibility & Work-Life Balance: Flex My Way policies
• Career Development and Growth: Grow My Way programming and skills-first approach
• Industry Competitive Benefits: Comprehensive benefit plans including flexible vacation, two company-wide Mental Health Days off, access to the Headspace app, retirement savings, tuition reimbursement, employee incentive programs, and resources for mental, physical, and financial wellbeing
• Culture: Global recognition, award-winning reputation for inclusion and belonging, flexibility, work-life balance, and more
• Social Impact: Opportunities to get involved with pro-bono consulting projects and ESG initiatives
• Make a real-world impact in your community with our Social Impact Institute

Pay

The base compensation range for the role in any of the eligible US locations is $127,400 USD - $236,600 USD.

Schedule

The role is a hybrid role, with the possibility of working from home 2-3 days a week.