Backend Engineer

About the Role

Join Raya's innovative Places Team as a Backend Engineer to build the next generation of location-based and discovery experiences. You will leverage cutting-edge AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) to shape how our members explore, connect, and engage with the world around them, operating like a founder within a fast-moving, startup-like environment.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of key features within Raya’s Places Team, from conception to delivery.
• Work hands-on with LLMs to develop intelligent systems, including chatbots and personalized discovery, bringing them into production at scale.
• Architect, implement, launch, and iterate on features, ensuring performance, reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with design, product, and data teams to transform bold ideas into seamless, user-facing experiences.
• Operate with autonomy, making quick decisions and moving fast to deliver measurable impact.

Requirements

• Proven ability to architect, implement, and deliver scalable backend systems in a production environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a bias for action, thriving in ambiguous, high-growth startup-like settings.
• Adaptive and AI-native mindset, with a keen interest in learning and integrating new technologies, especially LLMs and AI tools.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ownership mentality, taking initiative and accountability for outcomes.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience building or scaling Node.js and TypeScript systems in production.
• Familiarity with LLMs, AI frameworks, or AI-driven personalization.
• Experience with OpenSearch or Elasticsearch in production environments, or developing search engines.
• Exposure to location-based applications, maps, or discovery experiences.
• Prior experience at an early-stage startup or a small, high-impact engineering team.
• Passion for AI, exploration, or social products that foster real-world connections.