Search Backend Infrastructure Engineer Intern

About the role

Perplexity is looking for a Backend/Infrastructure Engineer Intern to support our small, high‑impact team building the systems that power our search experience. You will work closely with experienced engineers to help design, build, and operate robust infrastructure and backend services that keep Perplexity fast, reliable, and scalable.

Key responsibilities

• Build and maintain infrastructure that supports high‑performance search systems.
• Design internal tools and automation to improve developer workflows and operational efficiency.
• Support the design, deployment, and monitoring of cloud‑native systems on AWS.
• Contribute to improving CI/CD pipelines, testing infrastructure, and release processes.
• Debug and optimise Linux‑based services, containers, and backend systems.
• Contribute to product codebases, primarily using Rust, Go, or C++.

Required profile

• Working towards a degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Familiarity with at least one programming language such as Go, Rust, or C/C++ through coursework or projects.
• Basic understanding or exposure to cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS) and Linux systems is a plus.
• Interest in infrastructure, distributed systems, or backend engineering with willingness to learn CI/CD, monitoring, and performance.
• Proactive, curious learner who enjoys collaborating in a fast‑paced, innovative environment.

Required skills

• Rust
• Go
• C++
• AWS
• Linux
• Containers
• CI/CD pipelines
• Testing infrastructure
• Monitoring