Backend Software Engineer – Software Architecture

Pickle is looking for a Backend Software Engineer to join our Software Architecture team, focused on building scalable systems that support robotic workflows. This role sits at the intersection of software engineering and robotics infrastructure. You'll work closely with robotics engineers to design and build backend services that power real-world robotic systems on the warehouse floor. We're looking for a strong software engineer who cares deeply about code quality, system design, and performance — someone who can bring solid backend engineering practices into a robotics environment and isn't afraid to get close to the hardware. You'll own projects end-to-end, working independently on execution while collaborating on overall strategy. We also value engineers who communicate clearly and raise the team's collective expertise in the areas they work on. At Pickle, your code directly impacts how autonomous robots operate in production warehouses. You'll own meaningful pieces of the stack, collaborate closely with our architecture team and other robotics teams, and see the results of your work in the real world. This is a hybrid role, with 3 days per week in the office. Pay at Pickle At Pickle Robot Company, we believe transparency builds trust. The salary range listed here is provided in accordance with Massachusetts law and reflects what we reasonably and in good faith expect to offer for this role. We often consider candidates at different levels of seniority, and final compensation will reflect the level at which they are hired, along with factors such as experience and location. About Pickle Robot Want to get in on the ground floor of a fast-growing, VC-backed robotics company? Join Pickle Robot! We build systems that companies and their teams love. Pickle robots unload trucks. Every day, millions of trucks and containers are loaded and unloaded, often requiring manual labor—tough, dirty, dangerous, and hard to staff. Pickle automates this process using AI, machine learning, and robotics to deliver reliable products. Our Unload Systems work with teams on loading docks to make the job safer, faster, and more efficient. Pickle provides best-in-class benefits, including health, dental, & vision insurance; unlimited vacation, along with all federal and state holidays; 401K contributions of 5% your salary, travel supplies, and other items to make your working life more fun, comfortable, and productive. Responsibilities Own the design and implementation of backend projects, working independently with strategic guidance. Help the architect understand how data flows through the system — how it's stored, moved, and ultimately consumed Design architectural solutions that keep the system maintainable over the long term. Develop scalable, reliable, and performant systems using Python and/or C++ Build and maintain event-driven, messaging-based architectures Collaborate closely with robotics engineers to integrate backend systems with real-world workflows Improve system performance, reliability, and maintainability across services Share knowledge across the team and elevate engineering standards through code reviews and technical discussions Skills & Experience 5+ years of experience in backend or distributed systems engineering Strong programming experience in Python Proficiency in at least one other strongly typed language — C++ preferred, though others used in robotics (e.g., Rust, Go, Java) are welcome Strong understanding of software architecture, concurrency, and distributed system design Experience building or supporting event-driven systems, messaging frameworks, or service-oriented architectures A clear communicator who can work independently and help teammates grow Experience developing systems that interface with hardware, robotics, or real-world operational environments is a plus Stand-out candidates will have one or more of the following Experience in robotics or an adjacent industry (hardware, low-latency systems) with a software architecture focus Experience working across multiple programming languages Experience with real-time systems Experience managing large volumes of data Deep knowledge of robotics middleware (e.g., ROS, Zenoh, DDS) Deep knowledge of GPUs