Backend Software Engineer - #1403525

About Firework

Join Firework – Where Innovation Meets Impact

Firework is revolutionizing connected commerce with the world’s most advanced and largest AI-powered video commerce platform, trusted by global brands and leading retailers. We bring the energy of in-store experiences online, transforming how businesses engage, convert, and build lasting customer relationships.

At Firework, you’ll be part of a high-growth, team-centric environment where innovation thrives and collaboration fuels success. Having raised over $235m to date led by investors such as the SoftBank Vision Fund 2 and operating at a global scale, we offer unparalleled opportunities to work cross-functionally, solve complex challenges, and drive meaningful impact in the future of connected digital commerce.

If you’re curious, ambitious, and energized by big ideas, Firework is the place to grow, lead, and shape the next era of online shopping—together.

Summary

Our engineering team is growing! We’re looking for a talented Backend Engineer to join a small global team who will bring technical expertise and leadership along with hands-on development of backend software development and SaaS solutions.

What you'll be doing

• Build scalable AI application infrastructure and services with Python
• Design and develop REST APIs / GraphQL for data and machine learning services
• Take full stack ownership by consistently writing production-ready and testable code
• API / Python runtime latency optimization (Python, SQL, NoSQL, 3rd party APIs)
• Consistently creates optimal design adhering to architectural best practices; considers scalability, reliability, and performance of systems/ contexts affected when defining technical designs
• Contribute to a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Take feedback from code review and apply changes to meet standards. Conduct code reviews to provide guidance on engineering best practices and compliance with development procedures
  
  
  

We'll be excited if you have

• BS or MS in Computer Science or any relevant STEM majors
• Production experience with Big Data, NoSQL, and RAG
• 3+ years developing highly scalable production-grade backend services using Python, Elixir experience is a huge plus but is not required
• Have worked directly with distributed processing frameworks such as Hadoop, Spark, Beam … or have worked on a backend system that interacts meaningfully with such a framework is a big plus
• Work autonomously, are excited by new platforms, big data, and machine learning technologies, and will never back down from the challenges of scale
• Passionate about writing clean and testable code
• Production experience with generative AI / ML applications
  
  
  

A BIG PLUS if you have

• Expertise with video streaming libraries such as FFmpeg or GStreamer
• Experience working with video/audio codecs
• Experience working with live streaming encoders and WebRTC
• Experience working with AI/ML models and applications
• Experience in building large-scale applications with Python
• Experience writing GraphQL queries and mutations
  
  
  

The role is hybrid and we are looking for candidates in the San Mateo, California. Candidates outside the location are encouraged to apply though must be willing to relocate.

The following represents the expected range of compensation for this role: The estimated pay range for this role is USD $130,000 - $140,000. Other factors that impact compensation may include stock options. The posted pay range represents the anticipated low and high end of the compensation for this position and is subject to change based on business need. To determine a successful candidate’s starting pay, we carefully consider a variety of factors, including primary work location, an evaluation of the candidate’s skills and experience, market demands, and internal parity. Candidates may receive more information from the talent partner.

Don’t hold back

We understand some candidates may see the above and not apply because they don’t meet all the qualifications. We encourage you to apply anyway; we often find talented candidates that fit many other opportunities we have and look for potential too, not just what you did in the past. As an equal employment opportunity employer, we are a diverse team that strives for an inclusive environment for all. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.