Perplexity is looking for a Senior Backend Engineer to join our small team revolutionizing the way people search and interact with the internet. The API team defines how developers and products across the world integrate with Perplexity’s capabilities. They design, build, and secure high-performance APIs that power everything from user-facing apps to third-party integrations and enterprise solutions. With a relentless focus on reliability, scalability, and clear documentation, the API team makes Perplexity’s intelligence and features universally accessible—driving adoption and developer delight across industries and use cases.
Responsibilities
Design, build, expand and maintain APIs and services
Scope and lead large technical projects, laying the groundwork for early-stage products to iteratively evolve and scale
Work with engineers across the company to understand when existing infrastructure can be leveraged vs. when building a bespoke solution is prudent
Align our technical decisions with the company’s broad strategic initiatives, while also advocating for needs specific to emerging new API initiatives.
Should be able to generalize specific customer requests and build features that are applicable to the broader user base of the product
Qualifications
Understand good practices of building and working with natural language/LLM APIs
Have experience managing infrastructure for API products
Have a good intuition for what will last and scale
Have experience in ensuring great user experience and ease of use of features and products you build.
4+ years of engineering experience.
Our cash compensation range for this role is $180,000 - $300,000.
Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including, experience and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed above.
Equity: In addition to the base salary, equity may be part of the total compensation package.
Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents. Includes a 401(k) plan.