Let’s get started
By clicking ‘Next’, I agree to the Terms of Service
and Privacy Policy
Jobs / Job page
Backend Engineer image - Rise Careers
Job details

Backend Engineer

At Gradient Labs, we’re on a mission to make exceptional customer service the norm.

Founded in 2023 by a team of technical leaders from Monzo Bank, we’ve quickly gone from an idea to a growing team with customers you know (and probably love). Our AI agent helps businesses handle even the trickiest, high-stakes customer support queries safely and effectively, all while giving them the visibility and control they need to trust the outcomes.

We’re a remote-first team but love getting together in London once a week to collaborate, catch up, and have occasionally been known to become overly competitive during socials (think arcade games or axe throwing 🎯).

If you’re excited to tackle some of the hardest problems in AI and help shape the future of customer service, we’d love to hear from you.

🧑‍💻 Our tech stack

We choose technology that enables us to build resilient systems and iterate on them quickly. This includes a blend of "boring" familiar tools like Go and PostgreSQL, and some calculated bets like Temporal and Encore.

Our backend is deployed to Google Cloud Platform. Our frontend is build with Next.js and deployed to Vercel. We currently use LLMs from OpenAI and Anthropic but are planning to expand to a blend of models in the future.

🔭  As a Backend Engineer, you will…

  1. Have the opportunity to contribute to an “operating system” for future AI agents which is safe, scalable and allows us improve the capabilities of those agents faster than any other company out there.

  2. Build resilient and observable systems that deliver great user experiences in the face of failures, retry storms, resource starvation, and other turbulent conditions.

  3. Ship early and often.

🌟 We’re looking for people who…

  • Are excited to push the boundaries of what’s possible for autonomous AI agents that imitate human behaviour

  • Are keen to be one of the foundational cornerstone engineers for the company for the years to come

  • Believe that almost anything is possible if you just work hard enough on it and are excited by greenfield projects rather than being demotivated by the ambiguity

  • Motivated to operate in a fast-paced, early-stage company environment where we ship multiple times a day

  • Have demonstrated experience building complex performant systems iteratively - for example, as a Staff Engineer at a tech scale-up

  • Have “strong opinions, loosely held”

❓Questions

What is the salary?

The final compensation will depend on the relevant skills and experience of the candidate but generally we pay within top 10% of comparable roles at seed stage startups.

Where is this role based?

Ideally, we're looking for someone who can come into the London office (close to Liverpool Street Station) at least once a week. However, we're open to remote work across the UK if you're able to join the team in person in London once a quarter.

What You Should Know About Backend Engineer, Gradient Labs

At Gradient Labs, we're on a mission to revolutionize customer service, and we're looking for a talented Backend Engineer to help us on this journey! Founded in 2023 by seasoned leaders from Monzo Bank, we’ve transformed an innovative idea into a thriving company supported by clients that might just be your favorites. As a Backend Engineer at Gradient Labs, you’ll be instrumental in developing our AI agent designed to handle even the most complex customer support challenges while ensuring transparency and reliability. We operate with a remote-first mindset but love coming together in London once a week for some collaborative fun or competition. You'll be part of a team that values fast iterations, working with modern yet reliable technologies like Go and PostgreSQL, with deployments on Google Cloud Platform. Your expertise will contribute to building robust systems that maintain exceptional user experiences even during turbulent times. Plus, you’ll have the freedom to innovate and push boundaries in the realm of autonomous AI solutions. If you are someone who thrives on tackling ambitious projects and desires to have a significant impact in an early-stage environment, we can't wait to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Backend Engineer Role at Gradient Labs
What responsibilities does a Backend Engineer at Gradient Labs have?

As a Backend Engineer at Gradient Labs, you’ll be responsible for creating resilient and scalable systems that support our AI agents. Your work will involve implementing solutions that allow us to deliver high-quality user experiences, even when faced with challenges like system failures or resource shortages. You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to developing foundational systems that empower our AI capabilities, ship features rapidly, and continuously iterate for improvement.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What qualifications are needed for the Backend Engineer position at Gradient Labs?

To qualify for the Backend Engineer role at Gradient Labs, candidates should have demonstrated experience in building complex, high-performance systems, typically acquired as a Staff Engineer in a tech scale-up environment. Strong problem-solving skills and a passion for innovative technologies are essential. Additionally, a desire to work in a fast-paced company and the flexibility to thrive amidst ambiguity are important traits we look for in potential team members.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What technology stack does a Backend Engineer at Gradient Labs work with?

At Gradient Labs, Backend Engineers work with a technology stack that includes Go and PostgreSQL, along with exciting tools like Temporal and Encore. Our systems are deployed on Google Cloud Platform, ensuring they are both resilient and scalable. This blend of established and innovative technologies enables our team to push boundaries in developing our AI solutions.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Is the Backend Engineer position at Gradient Labs remote-friendly?

Yes, the Backend Engineer role at Gradient Labs embraces a remote-first approach! While we encourage collaboration in our London office at least once a week, we're also open to remote candidates across the UK who can join us quarterly. This flexibility allows you to work comfortably while still fostering team spirit.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What is the salary range for the Backend Engineer role at Gradient Labs?

The salary for a Backend Engineer at Gradient Labs typically falls within the top 10% of comparable roles at seed-stage startups. The final compensation package will be determined based on the candidate's relevant skills and experience, ensuring that we attract and retain top talent in the industry.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Common Interview Questions for Backend Engineer
Can you explain your experience with building resilient backend systems?

When discussing your experience with building resilient backend systems, illustrate specific projects where you implemented fault tolerance and scalability. Mention the technologies you used, challenges faced, and how your solutions improved user experience, highlighting any key achievements.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How familiar are you with our technology stack, particularly Go and PostgreSQL?

In your response, emphasize your experience with Go and PostgreSQL. Discuss specific features you've utilized within these technologies, any projects you've completed using them, and how you leveraged their capabilities to enhance system performance and reliability.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Describe a situation where you had to troubleshoot a complex issue in a system.

In answering this question, provide a detailed account of a challenging situation where you diagnosed and resolved a complex issue. Explain the steps you took in your troubleshooting process, what tools or methodologies you applied, and the positive outcome that resulted from your efforts.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What is your approach to working in a fast-paced startup environment?

Share your strategies for thriving in fast-paced environments, such as prioritization, agile methodologies, and effective communication. Discuss how you've adapted to rapidly changing requirements, and exemplify your commitment to delivering quality work under tight deadlines.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Can you discuss your experience with cloud platforms, particularly Google Cloud?

Focusing on your experience with Google Cloud, discuss specific services you've utilized, like storage solutions and computing resources. Share how these services integrate with backend systems and how you've optimized performance leveraging cloud capabilities.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What motivates you to work in AI and autonomous systems?

Express your genuine interest in AI and autonomous systems, discussing how you stay updated with industry trends. Share specific projects or experiences that fueled your passion, and articulate your vision for the future of AI in customer service.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you ensure code quality and maintainability in your projects?

Discuss your commitment to best practices, including code reviews, unit testing, and documentation. Provide examples of how you’ve implemented these practices in past projects to ensure long-term maintainability and performance.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Give an example of a greenfield project you've worked on.

Illustrate your experience with greenfield projects by sharing a specific example where you built a new system or feature from scratch. Highlight your processes for requirement gathering, technology selection, design implementation, and deployment.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you handle feedback and criticism from peers?

Share your positive outlook on feedback and your adaptability to constructive criticism. Provide examples of how receiving feedback has led to improvements in your work and contributed to your project success.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Why do you want to join Gradient Labs as a Backend Engineer?

Articulate your enthusiasm for Gradient Labs, connecting your personal goals with the company’s mission. Mention your admiration for their innovative approach to customer service and how you see yourself contributing to their exciting future.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Similar Jobs
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 5 days ago
Inclusive & Diverse
Rise from Within
Mission Driven
Diversity of Opinions
Work/Life Harmony
Photo of the Rise User
Shift Remote 177 Pacific Hwy, North Sydney NSW 2060, Australia
Posted 5 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 4 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 7 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
LAB UP Remote Santa Monica, California, United States
Posted 16 hours ago
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 12 days ago
MATCH
VIEW MATCH
FUNDING
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
No info
HQ LOCATION
No info
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, hybrid
DATE POSTED
March 19, 2025

Subscribe to Rise newsletter

Risa star 🔮 Hi, I'm Risa! Your AI
Career Copilot
Want to see a list of jobs tailored to
you, just ask me below!
LATEST ACTIVITY
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed Store Manager - New Store Opening at Curaleaf
S
Someone from OH, Dayton just viewed Senior Director, Employee Engagement at Scout Motors
Photo of the Rise User
12 people applied to Junior Software Engineer at Teya
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Akron just viewed Finance Intern - Summer 2025 at Spectrum
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Norwalk just viewed Hybrid Account Manager-Commercial Lines at AssuredPartners
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Loveland just viewed Animator at Apex Systems Bellevue, WA at Apex Systems
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Canton just viewed Lead Jr. Toddler Teacher at All Around Children
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Mentor just viewed Site Merchandising Manager at Lovepop
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Batavia just viewed Restaurant Busser at Outback Steakhouse
Photo of the Rise User
26 people applied to Senior PLSQL Developer at ProArch
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, New Albany just viewed Customer Success Manager at Quisitive
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed UGC Creator - USA, Female 40-50 - Contract to hire at Upwork
Photo of the Rise User
137 people applied to Scrum Master-Remote at DICE
Photo of the Rise User
10 people applied to Frontend Engineer I at Outliant
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Strongsville just viewed Automotive Buyer at Sonic Automotive
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Strongsville just viewed Experienced Automotive Buyer at Sonic Automotive
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed Business Systems Analyst, Apps & Automations at Deel
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Findlay just viewed Marketing Analyst at ITW
R
Someone from OH, Cleveland just viewed Marketing Lead at Redi.Health
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cleveland just viewed Associate Conversion Data Analyst at Bloomerang
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cleveland just viewed Material Buyer/Planner at Aston Carter
F
Someone from OH, Cleveland just viewed Senior Materials Planner at Fortune Brands
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cleveland just viewed Junior Data Analyst at Arkana Laboratories
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cleveland just viewed BI Analyst, Junior at Emi Labs