Software Engineer, Backend at Serval (San Francisco, CA)
Serval· San Francisco, CA· $200k–$325k·
Role details
Equity · Growth Opportunities In A Fast-Growing Startup
Summary
Build foundational backend components and system architecture for Serval's AI-native automation platform. Collaborate with leadership to ship the first version, mentor junior engineers, and establish engineering best practices in a fast-growing startup environment.
Job description
Who We Are
Serval is an AI-native automation platform transforming how enterprises operate. We build intelligent agents that understand real-world workflows and execute them end-to-end — replacing manual processes and rigid legacy systems with adaptive, learning software. Founded in early 2024, Serval is already trusted by companies like Fox, Notion, Perplexity, Vercel, and Brex to automate high-volume, high-friction operational work across their organizations.
At the core of Serval is an agentic AI platform that turns natural language into production-grade workflows. Our agents don’t just respond to requests — they reason, take action across systems, and continuously improve with usage. What began with operational use cases has quickly evolved into a horizontal AI automation layer used across IT, HR, Finance, Security, Legal, and Engineering.
Our mission is to eliminate repetitive, manual work across the enterprise and give teams leverage through intelligent automation. Long term, we’re building the universal AI operations layer — a system of agents that sits across business functions and runs the workflows that keep modern companies moving.
We’re backed by leading investors including Sequoia Capital, Redpoint Ventures, Meritech, First Round, General Catalyst, Elad Gil, and others.
Role Overview
As a Senior Software Engineer, Backend at Serval, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our platform. You will be responsible for building the foundational components of our technology, with your contributions being crucial to the success of our product.
What You'll Do
- Work closely with our CTO to build new product capabilities from the ground up.
- Be a champion for user experience, incorporating a deep understanding of our users to guide design decisions alongside the founding team.
- Set the foundational system architecture and select key technologies for the codebase.
- Help us ship V1 of Serval and deliver on our technical and product roadmap.
- Help establish engineering best practices and standards within the team. Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of technical excellence.
What You'll Need
- 4+ years of experience as a backend focused software engineer.
- Experience with zero-to-one development: You should have built new products or systems from the ground up.
- Deep appreciation for and commitment to delivering outstanding user experiences.
- Exceptional communication skills and a proven ability to work cross-functionally.
- Comfortable with the pace and ambiguity of a fast-growing startup environment.
- Degree in Computer Science or a related engineering field.
Nice to Have
- Experience with some of the technologies in our stack: Go, GRPC, Kubernetes, React, Typescript, AWS and Terraform.
- Early-stage experience at a startup.
- Experience building applied AI products.
What We Offer
- Impact: Be a key player in shaping the success of our product and company.
- Growth: Build a fundamentally new AI product offering with the support of our experienced team and investors. Grow rapidly with the company.
- Culture: Join a culture that values innovation, ownership, accountability, and fun.
Why work at Serval
- Culture: Described as “elite team of builders and sellers” with a focus on stunning colleagues; “Work hard. Celebrate often.”
- Remote/hybrid/office: Headquarters in San Francisco; roles likely hybrid or on-site (many postings indicate location). Some remote-friendly roles may exist.
- Notable perks: Working on a generational company; fast-growing startup with strong funding; opportunity to define the AI-native ITSM category.
- Engineering culture: Emphasis on code-based workflows, Git integration, and AI agent development. Strong technical team with alumni from top companies (ServiceNow, Verkada, Rippling, Scale AI).
- Growth trajectory: 494.7% headcount growth YoY, $1B valuation, recent Series B – high momentum and opportunity for impact.