Lead Software Engineer – Python​/React

Lead Product Engineer (Full Stack), Materia AI

This role is heavily backend focused (roughly 70% backend / 30% frontend).

We are specifically looking for engineers who have built and shipped real products end-to-end, not just contributed small features within large organizations.

• Hands‑on ownership building production products from 0→1
• Python backend depth (FastAPI/Django/APIs/microservices)
• Scalable distributed systems
• Product engineering mindset
• Customer‑facing feature ownership
• React/Type Script capability to support full‑stack delivery
• Startup or greenfield experience
• Engineers who can independently design, build, and deliver systems in production

Frontend experience is required, but this is NOT a frontend‑heavy/UI‑focused role. We need backend‑first engineers who can also contribute across the stack when needed.

As a Lead Product Engineer, you will design, build, and maintain backend services powering generative AI products such as Conversations, Accounting Research, Ready to Advise, and Work spaces. You will develop robust Python systems, API design, data modeling, system architecture, and AI service integration while also contributing to front‑end development using Next.js, Type Script, and Tailwind CSS to connect interfaces to backend services.

• Design, build, and maintain backend services powering generative AI products.
• Develop backend systems with Python, FastAPI, Pydantic, and cloud infrastructure.
• Own complex, 6‑plus‑month projects from ideation to launch, measuring impact and iterating.
• Contribute to front‑end development using Next.js, Type Script, and Tailwind CSS.
• Identify bottlenecks and optimize for speed, scalability, and responsiveness across the full stack.

• Serve as a technical leader for backend‑driven projects through prioritization, scoping, and guiding engineers.
• Contribute to technical design decisions across the stack.
• Set and enforce team‑wide frameworks, best practices, and code quality standards.
• Mentor junior and mid‑level engineers through code reviews and technical guidance.
• Establish and maintain high engineering standards for code quality, testing, and architecture.

• Drive high standards for backend reliability, API design, and system performance.
• Apply strong product sensibilities to deliver polished, accessible, user‑centric experiences.
• Proactively collect feedback from end users and stakeholders and iterate accordingly.

You are a fit for this role if you have strong Python backend experience and solid full‑stack capability, with a background in building web applications at scale and a product mindset.

• 7+ years building web applications at scale, with deep experience in backend development and practical front‑end skills.
• Strong proficiency in Python and backend frameworks (FastAPI, Flask, or Django).
• Comfortable contributing to front‑end development with React, Next.js, and Type Script.
• Appreciation for good UI/UX and product design.
• Self‑driven with a proactive approach to problem‑solving and prioritization.
• Experience building new products or features from 0 to 1 or from ideation to release.
• Excellent debugging skills and eye for performance optimization.
• Strong leadership and cross‑functional collaboration abilities.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field.
• Experience working in a startup or fast‑paced setting.
• Experience building AI‑native products, chatbot interfaces, or API‑driven platforms.
• Familiarity with large language models (LLMs), AI agents, or prompt engineering.
• Experience with cloud infrastructure, event‑driven architectures, or observability tooling.
• Opinionated about testing methodologies, A/B testing, and safe rollouts.

• Hybrid Work Model:
  Flexible hybrid working environment (2‑3 days a week in the office, with remote flexibility).
• Flexibility & Work‑Life Balance:
  Policies supporting personal and professional responsibilities.
• Career Development and Growth:
  Continuous learning and skill development programs.
• Industry Competitive Benefits:
  Comprehensive benefit plans including vacation, mental health…