Senior Software Engineer, Backend

About Our Team

Chef Robotics is on a mission to accelerate the advent of intelligent machines in the physical world. As the rise of LLMs like ChatGPT has shown, AI has the potential to drive immense change. However, we believe AI’s biggest impact will be in the physical world, given industries like manufacturing, food, and transportation represent 90% of global GDP. We’re starting with food, with a goal to put an intelligent robot in every commercial kitchen in the world. We have signed multiple multi-year contracts with various large food companies and we are growing fast. We’re backed by investors like Kleiner Perkins, Construct, Bloomberg BETA and Promus Ventures. We have a great team, where you will be surrounded by talented engineers and tech leaders from companies like Cruise, Zoox, Google, Verb Surgical, Tesla, Nuro, Vicarious, Amazon Robotics, Strateos, Built Robotics, Facebook, Plenty, Yelp, and Microsoft.

About the Role

As a Senior Software Engineer, Backend specializing in database architecture and AI systems, you’ll lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of the robust backend services that power our robotics platform. You’ll work at the intersection of data management, API development, and AI integration to build scalable solutions that support our robotics systems across customer deployments. This role requires expertise in database optimization, API framework implementation, and a deep understanding of how to architect systems that enable real‑time robotics operations. As a senior engineer, you’ll mentor team members and drive technical decision‑making for backend infrastructure.

Database Architecture & Management

• Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of database schemas to support robot operations, telemetry, recipe management, and system analytics
• Develop robust data migration strategies and version control for database schema evolution
• Implement efficient query optimization and indexing strategies to support high‑throughput robot operations
• Establish data integrity protocols and backup systems to ensure operational continuity across customer deployments
• Create scalable data access layers that balance security, performance, and maintainability
• Mentor team members on database design patterns and optimization techniques

API Development & System Integration

AI & Machine Learning Integration

System Reliability & Performance Leadership

Required Qualifications – Technical Expertise

Leadership & Domain Knowledge

Personal Attributes

Desired Qualifications

Key Projects You’ll Lead

$150,000 - $240,000 a year

Chef is an early‑stage startup where equity is a major part of the compensation package. As the company secures more capital, we will gradually increase salary and cash compensation. The starting salary will depend on seniority. In addition to salary and early‑stage equity, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, commuter benefits, flexible paid time off (PTO), catered lunch, and 401(k) matching.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We don’t discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizen status, uniform service member and veteran status, marital status, age, pregnancy status, protected medical condition, genetic information, disability, or any other protected status.

Multiple studies have found that a higher percentage of women and BIPOC candidates won’t apply if they don’t meet every listed qualification. Chef values candidates of all backgrounds. If you find yourself excited by our mission but you don’t check every box in the description, we encourage you to apply anyway!

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