Staff Software Engineer - Backend/AI (Remote)

We believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. We recognize that mental health issues can be complex and multifaceted, and we are dedicated to treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.

We aim to create a world where mental health is no longer stigmatized or marginalized, but rather is embraced as an integral part of one's overall well-being. 

We believe that by providing quality care that is both evidence-based and compassionate, we can empower individuals to take charge of their mental health and achieve their full potential. We are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of those struggling with mental health issues and we strive to be a force for positive change in the field of mental healthcare.

About the Role

We’re shaping the future of mental health care with AI-enabled experiences that enhance, not replace, the human connection at the core of therapy. Our north star is clinically-grounded and responsible AI designed to bring greater transparency, personalization, and continuous support across the therapy journey. Our work transforms therapy into an experience that’s more connected and accessible. As we expand our portfolio of AI experiences, we’re scaling our team to drive innovation and set a new standard for mental health care.

We’re hiring a Staff Engineer to provide technical leadership as we build the backend for Rula’s next generation of projects. You’ll set direction for how we design and scale services in TypeScript and Node.js, guiding complex technical initiatives that power mobile and patient-facing experiences. A key focus of this role is enabling AI-powered features that deliver more personalized, effective care at scale. You’ll partner with leaders across engineering and product, mentor senior engineers, and create frameworks that multiply the impact of the org. This is a unique opportunity to shape how technology and AI come together to transform access to mental health care.

Required Qualifications

• 8-10 years of backend software engineering experience, including designing, building, and operating production systems at scale

• Experience with at least one backend language commonly used for mobile backends (e.g., Python, Node.js, Ruby).

• Proven experience designing and implementing APIs (REST and/or GraphQL) to support complex mobile applications

• Hands-on experience integrating and deploying large language models (via OpenAI, Anthropic, Amazon Bedrock, or custom-hosted models)

• Strong knowledge of distributed systems fundamentals (scalability, caching, performance optimization, reliability, observability)

Preferred Qualifications

While having the preferred qualifications enhances your candidacy, having all of them is not mandatory. We encourage all interested applicants to apply, even those who may not meet every preferred requirement.

• Degree in Computer Science or equivalent practical experience.

• Familiarity with data-intensive systems or workflows (pipelines, integrations, metrics capture).

• Experience with modern infrastructure and tooling (CI/CD, cloud platforms, observability).

• Comfortable participating in on-call rotations, troubleshooting production issues, and contributing to team reliability practices.

• Prior experience in a high-growth or evolving environment, with ability to adapt to shifting priorities.

We're serious about your well-being! As part of our team, full-time employees receive:

• 100% remote work environment (US-based only): Working hours to support a healthy work-life balance, ensuring you can meet both professional and personal commitments

• Attractive pay and benefits: Full transparency of pay ranges regardless of where you live in the United States

• Comprehensive health benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA/HSA

• 401(k) plan access: Start saving for your future

• Generous time-off policies: Including 2 company-wide shutdown weeks each year for self-care (for most employees)

• Paid parental leave: Available for all parents, including birthing, non-birthing, adopting, and fostering

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support for your mental and physical health

• New hire home office stipend: Set up your workspace for success

• Quarterly department stipend: Fund team-building activities or in-person gatherings

• Wellness events and lunch & learns: Explore a variety of engaging topics

• Community and employee resource groups: Participate in groups that celebrate employee identity and lived experiences, fostering a sense of community and belonging for all

Our team

We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our mission of making mental healthcare work for everyone.  We are dedicated to having a culture of inclusion that will support our employees in feeling safe, seen, heard, and valued.

Compensation Range: $184.1K - $216.6K