Backend Engineer – APIs & Data Systems

Job description

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. Ampa is a pioneering neurotechnology startup developing brain stimulation technology to help eradicate depression . We will improve millions of lives by making this transformative treatment universally accessible. Joining us means you’ll be part of a rapidly growing startup with significant equity opportunities and a major impact on our future.