Principal Backend Engineer

Vectra® is the leader in AI-driven threat detection and response for hybrid and multi-cloud enterprises.

The Vectra AI Platform delivers integrated signal across public cloud, SaaS, identity, and data center networks in a single platform. Powered by patented Attack Signal Intelligence, it empowers security teams to rapidly prioritize, investigate and respond to the most advanced cyber-attacks. With 35 patents in AI-driven threat detection and the most vendor references in MITRE D3FEND, organizations worldwide rely on the Vectra AI to move at the speed and scale of hybrid attackers. For more information, visit www.vectra.ai. 

About Us

We’re an early-stage startup on a mission to reinvent cybersecurity with AI-native infrastructure. Our vision is to help defenders move faster than adversaries by combining large-scale data, modern AI, and

intelligent automation. We’re backed by top-tier investors and working with design partners across critical infrastructure and enterprise security. If you’re excited about building from the ground up and shaping the future of AI in cybersecurity, we’d love to talk.

This is a hybrid role with the expectation of working in our San Jose office 3 days per week.

Position Overview 

Design and implement backend services that process streaming security data in real-time.

Build and optimize data pipelines for ingestion, enrichment, and retrieval.

Integrate and query graph databases to model threat actors, relationships, and context.

Develop RAG pipelines to support AI agent reasoning over knowledge bases and historical data.

Collaborate with AI researchers, product, and security teams to define APIs and interfaces for agentic workflows.

Own and operate services from design to production monitoring.

What We’re Looking For

10+ years of backend engineering experience, ideally in high-scale or data-intensive environments.

Strong programming skills in Python, Go, or Rust.

Experience with streaming data technologies (Kafka, Spark, Flink).

Hands-on experience with one or more graph databases (Neo4j, JanusGraph, AWS Neptune).

Familiarity with vector databases and RAG patterns (embedding stores, FAISS, Weaviate, Pinecone).

Understanding of scalable API and microservices design (REST, gRPC, WebSockets).

Comfortable in fast-paced, ambiguous startup environments with a strong builder mindset.

Someone who is looking for a hybrid work environment, with a minimum of 3 days in the San Jose office.

Nice to Have

Exposure to LLMs, agent frameworks (LangChain, AutoGen, PydanticAI).

Experience with security data formats (Syslog, Zeek, Sigma, etc.) and/or SIEM/XDR pipelines.

DevOps familiarity (Kubernetes, Terraform, observability stacks).

Why Join Us?

Founding-level equity and full-stack ownership.

Work on hard, meaningful problems at the intersection of AI and security.

High agency, fast learning, direct access to customers and users.

Backed by seasoned operators and security leaders.

Our competitive total rewards package includes cash compensation within the range provided below. Actual pay for this position may vary based on the hired candidate’s location, experience and relevant incumbent pay position.  Vectra Total Rewards$245,000—$300,000 USD

Vectra provides a comprehensive total rewards package that supports the financial, physical, mental and overall health of our employees and their families. Compensation includes competitive base pay, incentive plan eligibility, and participation in the employee equity plan (stock options). Specific benefits offered varies by location, but commonly include health care insurance, income protection / life insurance, access to retirement savings plans, behavioral & emotional wellness services, generous time away from work, and a comprehensive employee recognition program.

Vectra is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. 

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.