Primary Skills: Node.js (advanced), AI Systems (advanced), GraphQL (intermediate), PostgreSQL (intermediate), Docker (intermediate)
Contract Type: W2
Duration: 3+ Months with possible extension
Location: San Francisco, CA (Hybrid)
Pay Range: $65-$70/hr. on W2
Job Summary:
Our client seeking a Senior Backend Engineer with a strong AI systems background to join a fast-moving incubator team building an AI-native data visualization creative platform. This role will focus on developing the intelligence layer of the product, enabling users to transform raw data into compelling charts and stories without needing specialized data science or design skills. You will work across various components including the fluency engine, composition pipeline, and agentic infrastructure, directly influencing how the product understands data and interacts with users.
Key Responsibilities:- Design and evolve the GraphQL API and its backend services (Node.js, Postgres, S3, Docker/Kubernetes).
- Build and enhance AI-powered features such as chart recommendation, data fluency, narrative generation, and agentic workflows.
- Own and develop the evaluation infrastructure for AI systems, defining quality metrics and implementing LLM-as-judge pipelines to drive improvements.
- Contribute to the development of the composer and fluency engines, which translate user data and intent into visual outputs.
- Participate in architecture decisions, including schema design, data processing patterns, and pipeline orchestration.
- Collaborate closely with frontend engineers and designers to deliver end-to-end features.
Must-Have Skills:- 6+ years of backend engineering experience with strong TypeScript/Node.js fundamentals.
- Hands-on experience building with Large Language Models (LLMs), including prompt engineering, structured outputs, tool use, retrieval, caching strategies, and understanding cost/latency tradeoffs.
- Experience with agentic architectures, such as multi-step reasoning, tool-calling agents, and orchestration patterns.
- Proficiency in designing and implementing eval infrastructure for AI systems.
- Ability to write clear, well-typed code with an understanding of tradeoffs between speed and code quality.
Industry Experience:
- Experience in building an AI-native data visualization creative platform.
- Familiarity with developing AI-powered features for creative tools or design-adjacent products.
- Experience working in a production shipping environment within a large creative platform.
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