Backend Engineer – APIs & Data Systems

  • Palo Alto, CA
  • Full-time
  • POSTED 14 MONTHS AGO

About the job

What to Expect: Working at Ampa is a rare chance to help transform global mental health and save millions of lives - a level of impact that demands deep commitment. Success here requires resilience, adaptability, and the discipline to put in long hours. If you thrive in a high-intensity, fast-changing environment and want your work to truly matter, you may do the best work of your life here.

Role Overview:

We’re looking for an exceptional Backend Engineer to build the secure, scalable APIs and data systems that power our clinical platform and medical devices. You’ll take ownership of our backend architecture - from designing efficient data models to managing API integrations with our web, mobile, and embedded systems. You'll own core parts of our infrastructure - including REST and GraphQL APIs, PostgreSQL data models, and BI pipelines using AWS QuickSight.

This is a high-ownership role for someone who loves building reliable systems that serve real-world users in clinical environments, where performance, security, and data integrity matter.

Tech Stack:

Languages: Python, Node.js (TypeScript) APIs: REST, GraphQL Database: PostgreSQL (hosted on AWS RDS) Cloud: AWS (ECS, Lambda, EventBridge, S3)

Key Responsibilities:

API Development: Build and maintain REST and GraphQL APIs for mobile, web, and device integration Database Engineering: Design scalable PostgreSQL schemas to handle clinical workflows, device telemetry, and audit trails Data Visibility: Build and support AWS QuickSight dashboards to track operational and clinical metrics ETL Pipelines: Create or manage data pipelines for aggregating patient session data and system logs Security & Compliance: Ensure data security, integrity, and auditability across all systems Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with product, ops, and clinical teams to translate real-world needs into backend systems

What We’re Looking For:

Mission Obsessed: Passionate about eradicating depression. Driven: Highly motivated and resilient. Effective: Learns fast, adapts quickly, and consistently delivers results. Backend Proficiency: 5+ years building robust backend systems and APIs Database Depth: Extensive experience with PostgreSQL, particularly on AWS RDS (tuning, migrations, schema design) BI Experience: Familiarity with AWS QuickSight or other BI tools to surface key operational insights API Design: Expertise in building and maintaining REST and GraphQL APIs, with solid auth/versioning practices

Why Join Ampa?

Impact: Lead the development of transformative mental health technologies. Growth: Thrive in a startup environment with rapid innovation. Stability: Enjoy startup benefits with a secure product line. Ownership: Receive substantial equity as an early team member.

Logistics:

Work Mode: In-person Locations: Bay Area Compensation: $130K - $220K · 0.4% - 1% Equity Employment: Permanent Visa Sponsorship: Will sponsor TN visa or equivalent. No H1B.