Senior Backend Engineer, SandboxAQ

• 3+ years of experience with Python, including deep knowledge of software design principles and architectural patterns
• API & Database Fundamentals: Experience building REST APIs (best practices) and knowledge of database systems (ORMs, schemas, transactional vs. analytic systems)
• Cloud & Orchestration: Experience with at least one major cloud provider (GCP preferred) and knowledge of cloud orchestration (K8s, batch-type systems) or workflow management (Airflow or similar)
• DevOps & IaC: Proficiency with Terraform (or other IaC), GitOps, and building robust CI/CD pipelines
• Soft Skills: Excellent communication and collaboration skills with an entrepreneurial, customer-obsessed mindset and the ability to influence cross-functional teams

Desirable

• The Engineering Team is looking for a Senior Backend Engineer to join our team. This role is central to our efforts to: build and scale the platform that powers our R&D in life sciences and chemistry simulation, contributing to core functionalities, APIs, and data/control planes
• Develop a high-impact simulation platform by writing high-quality, readable, and well-tested code for chemistry and life sciences R&D
• Bridge Engineering and R&D by embedding closely with researchers to gather feedback, prioritize requirements, and immediately see the impact of your software
• Scale Infrastructure and DevOps by contributing to CI/CD pipelines, IaC-managed infrastructure, and cloud orchestration
• You will join a culture where thought leadership and technological impact create the "next tech uproar." This is an entrepreneurial environment where you will work across the entire software stack to solve problems that directly advance global scientific initiatives
• Develop Core Platform Functionalities: Contribute to the design and development of SandboxAQ’s chemistry and life sciences simulation platform, including APIs, data planes, and control planes
• Collaborate with Product & Research: Work closely with the product team and researchers to gather feedback, measure the impact of developed code on users, and iterate on software solutions
• Build & Manage Infrastructure: In collaboration with the engineering team, build and manage infrastructure for our simulation and data platforms using IaC and cloud orchestration
• Drive Engineering Excellence: Participate in planning, design, and sprint ceremonies; review code and lead architectural discussions to ensure software design principles are met
• Embed with R&D Teams: Work closely with internal scientific stakeholders to assist in delivering project goals and drive the adoption of modern engineering practices and tooling