Founding Agentic Backend Engineer (Senior / Staff)
Hybrid (San Francisco, CA)$180k - $235k + equityFull-timePosted 5mo ago
About the role
Variant is seeking a founding backend engineer to own the back end of its agentic platform. The role emphasizes building high-quality backend systems for agentic applications, contributing from day one in a small, well-capitalized startup environment in San Francisco.
Responsibilities
- Own the backend of Variant, where our agents operate
- Build backend for apps that manage complex project state
- Contribute high-quality code with a focus on shipping fast while maintaining quality
- Identify what needs to be done and execute
- Collaborate with founders to shape the product and architecture
Qualifications
- At least 6+ years of experience
- Experience building agentic applications with sophisticated harnesses and orchestration
- Backend experience at a company known for high-quality backend or agentic apps (preferred)
- Contributions to notable open source projects (preferred)
- Strong portfolio or track record of shipping meaningful backend work
- Ability to work in a small team and have a significant impact from day one
Skills
Required:Backend engineeringAgentic/application orchestration
Benefits
- Equity ownership (0.10% - 1.25%)
- Salary $180K - $235K
- Location in San Francisco, CA
- Visa sponsorship available
Last updated Aug 26, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
About Variant
Creative intelligence
Creative intelligence
developer-toolsdesign-toolsai
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