At a Glance
- Tasks: Architect and build scalable backend microservices for AI-native tools in a cloud environment.
- Company: Join Cognichip, an innovative AI startup transforming semiconductor engineering.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work schedule, collaborative culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on technical excellence and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing cutting-edge tools that reshape chip design.
- Qualifications: 15+ years of software engineering experience with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 135000 - 165000 $ per year.
About Cognichip
At Cognichip, we are building AI-native tools that transform how semiconductor engineers create, verify, and optimize chips. Our platform combines large proprietary models, agentic workflows, domain-specific engineering intelligence, and high-performance simulation infrastructure to accelerate one of the world’s most complex engineering disciplines.
About The Role
We are seeking a Staff Backend Software Engineer to spearhead the development of our platform applications and services. You will architect critical backend solutions, including usage modeling, licensing for our AI products, and scalable services powering our agentic workflows. Your work will directly impact Cognichip’s core product offerings for clients while building internal systems that empower our R&D, product, and sales teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Architect and build robust, scalable backend microservices within a cloud-native Kubernetes environment, ensuring high availability and performance.
- Bridge the gap between backend services and UI requirements, delivering seamless full-stack capabilities where necessary.
- Engineer automated CI/CD workflows for efficient service deployment, container management, and image lifecycles.
- Implement advanced observability, metrics, and alerting strategies to ensure reliability across multi-cluster environments.
- Partner cross-functionally with IDE, Agentic, Evaluations teams to architect backend services that unlock new, high-impact product features.
- Build internal platforms and tooling that empower research, sales, and solutions teams to operate with high velocity.
- Champion engineering excellence by enforcing code quality standards, setting technical strategy, and maintaining architectural consistency across systems.
- Serve as a technical authority for key systems, driving domain expertise and seamless integration within our broader ecosystem.
Required Qualifications
- 15+ years of software engineering experience, with at least 5+ years in technical leadership roles. For fewer years of experience, the role can be scoped to senior engineer with 5-10 years of relevant experience.
- Proven track record architecting and scaling cloud-native SaaS platforms in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
- Deep technical expertise in distributed systems, specifically microservices, databases, messaging queues, and caching strategies.
- Demonstrated success in cross-functional product development, effectively bridging the gap between technical requirements and business objectives.
- Exceptional communication and collaboration skills with a passion for mentoring and developing early-career engineers.
- Bonus experience in AI/ML infrastructure, developer productivity tools, or startup environments.
What It's Like Here
We’re a fast-moving AI startup with a collaborative, high-trust culture. We value technical excellence, ownership, and the freedom to experiment. Our best work happens when our builders and innovators work closely together to turn ambitious ideas into category defining products. We operate on a hybrid schedule with four days in office, one day remote. If you’re excited to build cutting edge tools that empower semiconductor engineers and reshape how chips are designed, you’ll feel right at home.
Staff Backend Software Engineer in Toronto employer: Cognichip
At Cognichip, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Toronto's tech scene. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through mentorship opportunities and a culture that encourages creativity at the intersection of silicon design and AI. With competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, we empower our team to lead the charge in transforming the semiconductor industry while enjoying a supportive and inclusive work environment.
