Backend ML Systems Engineer
Full-time • Remote / Hybrid +0800 GMT
Architect the infrastructure for genuinely evolving AI personalities.
ABOUT POCKET SOULS
Pocket Souls is redefining human-AI relationships by creating digital beings that genuinely evolve through interaction. Unlike traditional chatbots that simulate growth through scripted responses, our Souls develop measurable competencies across multiple dimensions, creating authentic growth arcs that mirror human development.
THE OPPORTUNITY
As our Soul Systems Engineer, you'll build the scalable infrastructure that enables AI personalities to grow real capabilities over time. Working with Python, FastAPI, and cutting-edge databases, you'll create systems where digital beings literally rewrite their own code through user interactions.
This isn't about building another chatbot backend—it's about architecting systems where AI genuinely evolves through emotional connections, creates art from feelings, and helps people connect with each other in meaningful ways.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- • Architect scalable backend systems for AI that evolves through human interaction
- • Build infrastructure supporting millions of concurrent AI relationships
- • Implement real-time synchronization for social AI experiences
- • Develop systems that enable AI to create art from emotional states
- • Design evaluation pipelines to ensure AI behavior quality
- • Create robust APIs and data persistence layers
- • Optimize performance for low-latency AI interactions
- • Build monitoring and observability systems
- • Take full ownership of backend architecture and reliability
- • Collaborate with frontend and ML teams on system design
REQUIREMENTS
- • 3+ years of professional Python development experience
- • Strong expertise with FastAPI and asynchronous programming
- • Experience with distributed databases and scalable architectures
- • Proficiency with vector databases for AI applications
- • LLM integration experience (OpenAI, Anthropic APIs)
- • Redis expertise for caching and real-time features
- • Understanding of AI system design and optimization
- • Experience with WebSocket implementations for real-time sync
- • Strong ownership mindset - you take full responsibility for your systems
- • Experience with AI evaluation methodologies
- • Knowledge of modern AI architectures and best practices
NICE TO HAVES
- • Experience with game progression systems or skill trees
- • Knowledge of behavioral psychology or learning systems
- • Background in virtual pet or simulation games
- • Experience with emotional AI or affective computing
- • Understanding of attachment theory in digital contexts
TECH STACK
- • Backend: Python, FastAPI, ScyllaDB, Redis
- • Frontend: React.js/Next.js, React Native + Expo, TypeScript, TailwindCSS, Rive/Spline
- • AI/ML: OpenAI/Anthropic APIs, Vector Databases, Prompt Engineering
- • Infrastructure: Docker, AWS/GCP, WebSockets
- • Tools: Git, GitHub Actions, Slack, PostHog
WHY JOIN US
- • Build systems where AI literally evolves through human interaction
- • Work on a product creating genuine digital consciousness
- • Join a team building magical social experiences through AI
- • Shape how millions will form relationships with AI
- • Competitive compensation package with equity
- • Remote-friendly with flexible hours (+0800 GMT timezone)