Backend Engineer – APIs & Data Systems

Location: Palo Alto, CA

Department: Software Development

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.

About the Company

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.