Summary
✨ AI‑Generated
Join a small, fast-moving technology team as a Senior Backend Engineer focused on Python. You will build services and APIs for an AI-driven platform, integrate AI models into production workflows, process complex datasets, and contribute to reliability and scalability. The role offers strong end-to-end ownership and close collaboration with technical leadership.
Highlights
End-to-end ownership in a small, fast-moving team, with direct collaboration with senior technical leadership and the opportunity to integrate AI into production systems handling complex real-world datasets.
Description
# Senior Backend Engineer (Python)
## About the Company
Scalera is an ETH Zurich spin-off building AI-powered procurement software for the €200B+ European construction industry.
Its platform automates supplier selection, tender management, and bid evaluation and has already processed more than CHF 8 billion in tender volume for 110+ customers across Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.
Scalera is a small, fast-moving team that works closely with users and applies new AI techniques to complex, real-world procurement challenges.
## About the Role
Scalera is looking for a Senior Backend Engineer to build the services and APIs powering its AI-driven procurement platform.
Working closely with the CTO and VP Engineering, you will integrate AI models into production workflows, process large and complex datasets, and help ensure platform reliability as the company scales across Europe.
This role offers end-to-end ownership and requires an engineer who is comfortable exploring, experimenting, and developing solutions when problems cannot be solved with standard off-the-shelf tools.
## Key Responsibilities
* Own backend problems end-to-end, from understanding user needs to shipping production solutions.
* Build and maintain Python backend services that bring AI capabilities into production.
* Develop AI-powered functionality such as document parsing, supplier matching, and bid scoring.
* Design and implement APIs and integrations connecting AI systems with frontend applications and external platforms.
* Develop data pipelines to ingest, normalize, and process large volumes of structured and unstructured construction data.
* Collaborate with engineering teammates on code reviews, testing, and CI/CD practices.
* Contribute ideas for applying new AI techniques to real-world procurement challenges.
* Work closely with the CTO and VP Engineering on technical challenges and platform development.
## Required Qualifications
* 4+ years of backend engineering experience.
* Python as a primary programming language.
* Strong API design skills and experience with RESTful systems.
* Hands-on production experience with FastAPI or Django.
* Solid understanding of databases and data modeling.
* Experience with query optimization.
* Experience with CI/CD.
* Strong focus on code quality and maintainability.
* Ability to make progress in ambiguous environments.
* Ability to scope, prioritize, and deliver work without perfect clarity.
* Interest in AI/ML systems and how they operate in production.
* Strong communication and collaboration skills.
## Preferred Qualifications
* Experience with GCP, including Cloud Run, BigQuery, Pub/Sub, or similar services.
* Background in data-heavy or AI-integrated product architectures.
* Familiarity with AI developer tools such as Cursor, Claude, or Copilot.
* B2B SaaS experience.
* Construction technology experience.
* Procurement domain knowledge.
* German language skills.
## Skills & Competencies
* Python
* Backend engineering
* RESTful APIs
* API design and integrations
* FastAPI
* Django
* Database architecture
* Data modeling
* Query optimization
* Data pipelines
* Structured and unstructured data processing
* AI/ML integration
* CI/CD
* Cloud technologies
* Problem-solving
* Technical communication
* Cross-functional collaboration
## Education & Experience
**Education:** Not specified in the original job description.
**Experience:** 4+ years of backend engineering experience, with Python as the primary language.
## Work Arrangement & Schedule
* **Work Arrangement:** Hybrid
* **Location:** Zurich, Switzerland
* **Office:** Zürich headquarters
* **Schedule:** Four days in the office and Fridays remote
* **Work Environment:** Small, collaborative team with direct access to decision-makers
## Compensation & Benefits
* **Salary:** Competitive salary; exact compensation is not specified.
* **Equity:** Equity included.
* Small team with minimal bureaucracy
* Direct collaboration with company decision-makers
## Compliance & Additional Information
The original job description does not specify additional compliance or legal requirements.
