Backend Software Engineer - Application Development

The Role

Backend Software Engineers at Palantir build software at scale to transform how organisations use data. Our Software Engineers are involved throughout the product lifecycle, from idea generation, design, prototyping, and production delivery. You will collaborate closely with technical and non-technical teammates to understand our customers' problems and build products that solve them.

Core Responsibilities

• Architecting, developing, and maintaining high-performance, scalable backend services that underpin our operational data and AI systems
• Maintaining high coding standards through the development of guidelines, active participation in code reviews, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing
• Building robust APIs for use by front-end developers and interfacing external systems, and collaborating with front-end developers to integrate user-facing elements with server-side logic
• Designing efficient data structures and algorithms to manage large-scale and high throughput data
• Optimizing applications for speed and scalability through performance analysis
• Actively improve user workflows by collaborating with cross-functional teams, ensuring seamless experiences across product boundaries

Technologies We Use

• Backend languages including Java, Rust, Python, and Go
• Distributed systems technologies such as Kafka, Cassandra, Elasticsearch, and Spark
• Docker and Kubernetes for containerization and orchestration
• Build tooling including Gradle and GitHub

What We Value

• A deep understanding of server-side logic, efficient data handling, and distributed systems
• Strong focus on creating user-oriented workflows and solutions
• Experience building high-quality software in a fast-paced CI/CD development environment
• Ability to work collaboratively in teams of technical and non-technical individuals
• Skill and comfort working in a constantly evolving environment with dynamic objectives
• Active US Security clearance, or eligibility and willingness to obtain one (beneficial but not necessary)

What We Require

• Experience in designing, developing, supporting, and maintaining live backend systems
• In-depth understanding of data structures, system architecture, API development for microservices frameworks, distributed systems, and backend-related concepts
• Engineering background in Computer Science, Mathematics, Software Engineering, Physics, or similar field
• Strong coding skills with demonstrated proficiency in programming languages such as Java, C++, Python, Rust, or similar
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to iterate quickly with teammates