Distinguished Engineer (Individual Contributor) — Platform / Backend / Systems
The OpportunityThis is a high-impact role at a defining stage of Solomei AI.As a Distinguished Engineer, you will help shape the technical foundations of an AI-native platform that operates at the intersection of backend systems, infrastructure, and real production AI workloads. You won’t just build features — you’ll influence architecture, set technical direction through code, and help ensure the system remains scalable, reliable, and adaptable as complexity and usage grow.You’ll work closely with the founders and a small senior team, taking real ownership of core systems and decisions that will matter for years.
About the Role
Let’s get this out of the way first:This is not a backdoor management role.This is not a “future CTO” placeholder.This is not about titles.This role exists because we want to work with people who have already been there — led teams, shipped big systems, made hard calls — and now want to
build again , close to the code and close to the product.We are intentionally trying to build a
talent-dense engineering team , where senior individual contributors have real influence through execution, taste, and judgment.If you’ve ever thought “I just want to ship great systems without the overhead”, this role is for you.
What You’ll DoDesign and build core backend and platform systems that power Solomei AIMake architectural decisions through code, not committeesWork on scalability, performance, and reliability across real production workloadsHelp shape infrastructure, data flows, and developer-facing APIsPush AI-driven systems to their practical limits, not just demosRaise the technical bar simply by how you workThis is a deeply
hands-on IC role . You’ll spend most of your time writing, reviewing, and shipping production code.
You Might Be a Great Fit If You…Have previously led teams, founded companies, or owned large systems — and now want to focus on buildingAre comfortable operating with high autonomy and little processEnjoy the pressure and excitement of fast, focused executionHave a strong instinct against over-engineering and unnecessary abstractionCare more about impact than titlesAre opinionated, but low-egoTake pride in shipping things that last
Why Solomei AIReal problems, not toy AI demosA product that requires serious engineering across backend, infra, and AI systemsA very small team with very high ownershipDirect influence on product and technical directionSpace to do your best work without layers of managementAutonomy that feels closer to running your own company than having a job
Team, Values & BenefitsYou’ll join a small, highly collaborative core team where engineering quality and ownership matter. Based in our Milan office, you’ll work closely with the founders and have a direct influence on both product and technical direction. This is a role for someone who wants real responsibility, real impact, and the space to build things properly.
The OpportunityThis is a high-impact role at a defining stage of Solomei AI.As a Distinguished Engineer, you will help shape the technical foundations of an AI-native platform that operates at the intersection of backend systems, infrastructure, and real production AI workloads. You won’t just build features — you’ll influence architecture, set technical direction through code, and help ensure the system remains scalable, reliable, and adaptable as complexity and usage grow.You’ll work closely with the founders and a small senior team, taking real ownership of core systems and decisions that will matter for years.
About the Role
Let’s get this out of the way first:This is not a backdoor management role.This is not a “future CTO” placeholder.This is not about titles.This role exists because we want to work with people who have already been there — led teams, shipped big systems, made hard calls — and now want to
build again , close to the code and close to the product.We are intentionally trying to build a
talent-dense engineering team , where senior individual contributors have real influence through execution, taste, and judgment.If you’ve ever thought “I just want to ship great systems without the overhead”, this role is for you.
What You’ll DoDesign and build core backend and platform systems that power Solomei AIMake architectural decisions through code, not committeesWork on scalability, performance, and reliability across real production workloadsHelp shape infrastructure, data flows, and developer-facing APIsPush AI-driven systems to their practical limits, not just demosRaise the technical bar simply by how you workThis is a deeply
hands-on IC role . You’ll spend most of your time writing, reviewing, and shipping production code.
You Might Be a Great Fit If You…Have previously led teams, founded companies, or owned large systems — and now want to focus on buildingAre comfortable operating with high autonomy and little processEnjoy the pressure and excitement of fast, focused executionHave a strong instinct against over-engineering and unnecessary abstractionCare more about impact than titlesAre opinionated, but low-egoTake pride in shipping things that last
Why Solomei AIReal problems, not toy AI demosA product that requires serious engineering across backend, infra, and AI systemsA very small team with very high ownershipDirect influence on product and technical directionSpace to do your best work without layers of managementAutonomy that feels closer to running your own company than having a job
Team, Values & BenefitsYou’ll join a small, highly collaborative core team where engineering quality and ownership matter. Based in our Milan office, you’ll work closely with the founders and have a direct influence on both product and technical direction. This is a role for someone who wants real responsibility, real impact, and the space to build things properly.