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Software Engineer - Operations (Senior)

In 2012, Lambda started with a crew of AI engineers publishing research at top machine-learning conferences. We began as an AI company built by AI engineers. That hasn't changed. Today, we're on a mission to be the world's top AI computing platform. We equip engineers with the tools to deploy AI that is fast, secure, affordable, and built to scale. Whether they need powerhouse GPU hardware on-site or the flexibility of cloud-based solutions, we've got the horsepower to make it happen. Lambda’s AI Cloud has been adopted by the world’s leading companies and research institutions including Anyscale, Rakuten, The AI Institute, and multiple enterprises with over a trillion dollars of market capitalization. Our goal is to make computation as effortless and ubiquitous as electricity.


If you'd like to build the world's best deep learning cloud, join us. 


*Note: This position requires presence in our San Francisco office location 4 days per week; Lambda’s designated work from home day is currently Tuesday.


Overview
We’re looking for a well-rounded engineer who can straddle both DevOps and Software Engineering. You’ll join the Operations team to design and build software solutions that automate data center operations, streamline customer support workflows, and integrate tooling within our broader infrastructure. This role requires hands-on experience with modern backend development and DevOps practices. You’ll have the chance to work on everything from backend APIs to infrastructure automation and beyond.

What You’ll Do

  • Architect & Develop Software: Design, build, and maintain software and APIs (e.g., Python/FastAPI/Django, TypeScript/React) to automate operational workflows.

  • Infrastructure & Tooling: Create and manage CI/CD pipelines, implement monitoring/alerting (Datadog, Prometheus, Grafana), and integrate tools like NetBox, Jira, or Terraform.

  • Process & Workflow Automation: Identify manual bottlenecks in data center operations or customer support processes, then create solutions—from dashboards to auto-remediation tools.

  • Collaboration: Work with cross-functional teams to understand requirements, design solutions, and deliver features incrementally.

  • Mentorship & Leadership: Act as a technical leader/mentor to DevOps or Software Engineers on the team, guiding best practices and high-quality code.

What We’re Looking For

  • Hybrid Expertise: 5+ years of combined DevOps and Software Engineering experience.

  • Backend Focus: Deep experience building APIs from the ground up, with frameworks like FastAPI or Django.

  • ORM & Database Experience: Proficiency working with relational databases (e.g., Postgres) and ORMs.

  • DevOps Skill Set: Comfortable with Kubernetes, Terraform, CI/CD tools, and monitoring solutions; proven history of automating infrastructure tasks and workflows.

  • Hands-On Programming: Strong proficiency in Python, with some exposure to TypeScript/React for front-end needs.

  • Ownership & Accountability: Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and deliver complex projects in an agile, outcome-focused environment.

  • Commitment & Focus on Delivering End User Outcomes: Demonstrated history of delivering results for end users and improvements in efficiency, not just backend / orchestration environments.

Nice To Haves

  • Machine Learning Exposure: Familiarity with AI-driven workflows or ML frameworks, as we see this being increasingly important.

  • Ops Tooling: Experience integrating with or automating NetBox, Zendesk, SalesForce, and Atlassian products.

  • Leadership Experience: Comfort leading small teams or mentoring junior engineers.

  • AWS Experience: Background in AWS services for deployment and infrastructure.

Why Join Us?

  • Impactful Work: Help shape the automation strategy for data center operations and customer support.

  • Startup Culture: We value ownership, low-ego collaboration, and a “get it done” mindset.

  • Growth & Mentorship: Opportunity to lead initiatives, mentor others, and grow your skill set across the entire stack.

If you’re excited about bridging the worlds of software development and DevOps to drive operational excellence, we’d love to hear from you!

Salary Range Information 

Based on market data and other factors, the annual salary range for this position is $171,000 to $246,000. However, a salary higher or lower than this range may be appropriate for a candidate whose qualifications differ meaningfully from those listed in the job description.

About Lambda

  • Founded in 2012, ~350 employees (2024) and growing fast

  • We offer generous cash & equity compensation

  • Our investors include Andra Capital, SGW, Andrej Karpathy, ARK Invest, Fincadia Advisors, G Squared, In-Q-Tel (IQT), KHK & Partners, NVIDIA, Pegatron, Supermicro, Wistron, Wiwynn, US Innovative Technology, Gradient Ventures, Mercato Partners, SVB, 1517, Crescent Cove.

  • We are experiencing extremely high demand for our systems, with quarter over quarter, year over year profitability

  • Our research papers have been accepted into top machine learning and graphics conferences, including NeurIPS, ICCV, SIGGRAPH, and TOG

  • Health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents

  • Commuter/Work from home stipends for select roles

  • 401k Plan with 2% company match (USA employees)

  • Flexible Paid Time Off Plan that we all actually use

A Final Note:

You do not need to match all of the listed expectations to apply for this position. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lambda is an Equal Opportunity employer. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, sex, gender, marital status, sexual orientation and identity, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other factors prohibited by local, state, or federal law.

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CEO of Lambda
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Average salary estimate

$208500 / YEARLY (est.)
min
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$171000K
$246000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Software Engineer - Operations (Senior), Lambda

At Lambda, we're on the hunt for a Senior Software Engineer - Operations to invigorate our Operations team in San Francisco. With a rich history beginning in 2012, Lambda has grown into a powerhouse for AI computing, supporting groundbreaking work across various industries. As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll wear many hats, blending your skills in software development and DevOps to create impactful solutions that enhance data center operations and customer support workflows. Imagine architecting and maintaining robust APIs using technologies like Python, FastAPI, and Django, while also leveraging your expertise to create CI/CD pipelines and monitoring solutions, ensuring everything runs smoothly. You won't just be stuck behind a desk—this role empowers you to identify inefficiencies in our operational processes and turn them into streamlined solutions. Your collaboration with cross-functional teams will help deliver top-notch features, and you'll have the chance to mentor others, fostering an environment of growth and learning. If you're passionate about building the world’s best deep learning cloud and eager to make automation as effortless as flipping a switch, we want to hear from you! Join us at Lambda, where impactful work meets a supportive startup culture that champions innovation and teamwork.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Software Engineer - Operations (Senior) Role at Lambda
What are the responsibilities of the Senior Software Engineer - Operations at Lambda?

As a Senior Software Engineer - Operations at Lambda, your key responsibilities will include designing and maintaining software solutions that automate operational workflows, building APIs using frameworks like Python and FastAPI, and managing CI/CD pipelines. You'll also work on integrating various tools, identifying process bottlenecks, and creating automated solutions, all while collaborating across teams to deliver seamless features to our customers.

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What qualifications are needed for the Senior Software Engineer - Operations role at Lambda?

The ideal candidate for the Senior Software Engineer - Operations role at Lambda should possess at least 5 years of combined experience in software engineering and DevOps. Applicants need a strong background in backend development, proficiency in Python, experience with APIs, and familiarity with relational databases. Additionally, a solid understanding of tools such as Kubernetes and Terraform, along with a passion for automation is vital to succeed in this position.

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What technologies will the Senior Software Engineer - Operations at Lambda work with?

In this role at Lambda, the Senior Software Engineer - Operations will work with a variety of technologies, including Python, FastAPI, Django for backend development, and tools such as Kubernetes, Terraform, and CI/CD solutions. You'll also engage with monitoring and alerting tools like Datadog and Grafana, ensuring the robustness and reliability of our infrastructure.

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How does Lambda support the growth of the Senior Software Engineer - Operations?

At Lambda, we believe in nurturing our talent. As a Senior Software Engineer - Operations, you'll have opportunities for mentorship, leading initiatives, and growth across the tech stack. Our startup culture encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing, making it a perfect environment for developing your skills and advancing your career.

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What is the work culture like for a Senior Software Engineer - Operations at Lambda?

The work culture at Lambda is characterized by a startup spirit that values ownership, collaboration, and a proactive approach. As a Senior Software Engineer - Operations, you’ll thrive in a low-ego atmosphere, where everyone's contributions are valued, and innovation is encouraged. You'll be part of a dynamic team committed to making AI computing accessible and efficient.

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Common Interview Questions for Software Engineer - Operations (Senior)
Can you describe your experience with backend API development as it relates to the Senior Software Engineer - Operations role?

In answering this question, showcase your past experiences with backend technologies, specifically mentioning frameworks you've worked with, like Python, FastAPI, or Django. Provide examples of projects where you designed and deployed APIs, emphasizing any challenges faced and how you overcame them.

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How do you approach automating workflows in a DevOps context?

Discuss your systematic method for identifying areas of improvement within workflows, perhaps using metrics or feedback. Share specific tools and practices you’ve implemented, like CI/CD pipelines or monitoring systems, and illustrate the impact these had on efficiency and reliability.

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What role do CI/CD pipelines play in modern software development?

Highlight the importance of CI/CD pipelines in automating software delivery, ensuring that changes are smoothly and reliably pushed to production. Discuss how this practice reduces errors and facilitates rapid feedback loops between development and operations.

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Describe a time when you had to mentor a junior engineer. What was your approach?

When answering, share specific details about the mentoring relationship, focusing on your approach in guiding the junior engineer through specific challenges. Discuss the training methods or resources you provided and the outcome of the mentoring, emphasizing growth and development.

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How familiar are you with Kubernetes and its role in a cloud environment?

Express your knowledge of Kubernetes for container orchestration within cloud environments. Discuss instances where you utilized it to improve application scalability and management, and mention any relevant projects that demonstrate your proficiency and understanding of best practices.

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What do you consider when designing a monitoring and alerting strategy?

Talk about defining key performance indicators (KPIs) and what metrics are critical for monitoring system health. Discuss the tools you prefer, such as Datadog or Grafana, and provide examples of how effective monitoring has led to proactive problem resolution in your past roles.

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Can you give an example of a problem you solved through process automation?

Provide a clear example of a manual process you identified as a bottleneck, explaining how you designed and implemented an automation solution. Discuss the tools used, the impact on team efficiency, and any feedback received post-implementation.

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How do you prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment?

Describe your approach to prioritizing tasks, focusing on your ability to assess urgency versus importance. Mention any techniques you use, such as Agile methodologies, and share how this has helped in delivering successful projects on time.

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What is your experience with relational databases, particularly Postgres?

Share specific experiences working with relational databases, highlighting your proficiency with SQL and data modeling. Discuss projects where you utilized Postgres, any performance tuning you undertook, and how you managed data integrity and security.

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Why do you want to work for Lambda as a Senior Software Engineer - Operations?

Express your enthusiasm for Lambda’s mission and how your values align with the company’s focus on innovation and teamwork. Mention any particular projects or aspects of the company culture that resonate with you and how you see yourself contributing to their success.

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Lambda provides Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning infrastructure to companies like Apple, Intel, Microsoft, MIT, Harvard, the Federal Government, and the DOD. Were headquartered in the Dogpatch and are a short walk from the 22nd Street ...

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